Signs Your Dog Has An Upset Stomach
The symptoms of an upset stomach in dogs generally depend on the severity and your pet’s stomach sensitivity. âIt could be anything from eating more slowly or skipping a meal all the way to vomiting, lethargy or dehydration,â Dr. Bullen notes.
If your dog has been sick or not eating for over 24 hours, or if theyâre unresponsive or lethargic, Dr. Bullen recommends seeking call your vet or going in for a check up.
What To Do When Your Dog Wont Eat
If your dog is lethargic, vomiting, or having diarrhea in addition to not eating, see your veterinarian right away. If you dont see any of these, here are some ways to try to entice your dog to eat:
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Add water or no-sodium chicken broth to the dog food and let it soak for several minutes to soften it.
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Heat canned food for a few seconds in the microwave . Canned food can become scorching hot quickly, so feel the food first to avoid any burned tongues.
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Try mixing some plain, boneless, skinless boiled chicken and rice with their kibble to encourage them to eat.
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Add a probiotic such as Purina Fortiflora or Advita on top of the food. Not only can this make the food more palatable, but it can also help any inflamed or irritated intestine heal by rebalancing a healthy gastrointestinal flora.
If you have tried these tricks and your dog continues to refuse his food, he should be seen by his veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Unless explicitly prescribed by your veterinarian, your dog should not be given any over-the-counter gastrointestinal medications like Imodium or Pepto Bismol, as these could cause serious side effects or even interact with medications that your veterinarian may want to give. It is best to consult with your veterinarian before attempting to treat symptoms at home.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Its really important that your dog stay hydrated at all times, but especially if they are experiencing vomiting and diarrhea. With diarrhea, they may very quickly become dehydrated, sometimes within a couple of hours.
Try giving your dog ice chips every 2 3 hours. See if your dog can keep that down before more ice cubes and teaspoons of water.
Dont assume you can just offer water to your dog to help them stay hydrated. Dogs need electrolytes and vitamins to retain fluids. One solution is to give your dog Pedialyte. You give the same kind you give kids or you can go to an animal feed store to obtain a powder that can be mixed with water and given to your dog.
*NOTE: if your dog does not improve within 24 hours after being given Pedialyte, IMMEDIATELY take your dog to your veterinarian or animal emergency hospital. Dehydration in dogs can happen very quickly, causing possible organ failure or even death.
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Home Care For Dogs With Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is a very common problem in dogs, fortunately it often passes within one to two days.
If your dog has diarrhoea but is otherwise happy, well and behaving normally you could try to settle them at home. If they dont improve quickly or you are concerned about them at any point book an appointment with your vet.
Causes Of Upset Stomach In Dogs
From indigestion to cancer there are a vast number of reasons why your dog may have an upset stomach. While all dogs will vomit occasionally, if your dog vomits or has diarrhea often or continuously it’s time to visit the vet for a checkup. Chronic or frequent vomiting or diarrhea are a signs that there is an issue with your dog’s health that needs to be addressed.
Contact your vet if your dog is experiencing ongoing or frequent symptoms of an upset stomach. Your vet will be able to examine your dog and run tests if necessary in order to provide an accurate diagnosis of the problem, and provide appropriate treatment.
Some causes of upset stomach in dogs include:
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What Can Cause An Upset Stomach In Dogs
The short answer is a lot of things! When we say an upset stomach, we normally mean that the dog has some change in their poos. This can range from the stools being just a little less firm than normal, through to them being watery, having excess mucous, or perhaps even having some blood present. However, an upset stomach can also mean that the dog is vomiting. Sometimes they will not be able to keep food or water down, and they will often have some borborygmi . There are many causes of vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs. This includes intestinal parasites , bacterial or viral infections, eating something different to normal , stress and eating toxic substances. In addition, inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, problems with the pancreas, and tumours can all be responsible for tummy upsets in dogs.
Give Ice Cubes Or Popsicles As Treats
Some dogs will enjoy licking ice cubes or ice as a way to supplement water intake. Try:
- Adding ice cubes to your dogs water to keep it cool
- Use silicone molds to freeze treats for your dog. Try adding a little water to some plain yogurt, pouring into a mold, adding in some berries and freezing. Or add a little water to some peanut butter , pour into a mold and freeze. You can also try making different flavors by blending plain yogurt, fruit and a small amount of water in a blender.
- Consider making a project toy and freeze it in a bucket of water. Dogs have a great time licking the ice off to get to the project toy.
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Stop Him Or Her From Eating Grass
Many owners notice their puppies eating grass when they dont feel well. Were not really sure why they do this some think it might aid in digestion, while others are sure that dogs do this to make themselves vomit. What is agreed on, though, is that many lawns are treated with enough chemicals that eating grass can actually make your dogs stomach worse. If your dogs stomach is hurting, youve got to keep him or her away from the grass.
What Should I Feed My Dog With An Upset Stomach
Upset stomachs are common in dogs, and can be unpleasant for both us and our pets to deal with. Vomiting and diarrhea can leave our pets feeling tired and unhappy, and we hate to see them feeling unwell. Dogs with severe upset stomachs should always be seen by a veterinarian, especially if they:
- Are vomiting many times a day
- Are unable to keep food or water down
- Have a lot of watery diarrhea
- Have bloody diarrhea
- Seem quiet and withdrawn
- Have symptoms lasting longer than 2 weeks
If your dog is suffering from an upset stomach, you may consider changing their food to see if this helps them feel better. But what are the options? Is a change likely to help? Or is there a risk that it could make things worse?
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Your Dog Doesnt Have A Waist
A healthy dog will have a tucked-in area under her rib cage and hips. If she doesnt have this, she is probably overweight. Approximately 56 percent of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Just like in humans, obesity in dogs can lead to a host of other diseases, like diabetes, kidney disease and a lower life expectancy.
When To Go To The Vet
When youre a pet owner, deciding when to contact your vet and take your dog in for an appointment can be a tough call. Your dogs stomach upset might disappear within 24 hours, or it could be one of the signs of a serious illness. If home remedies youve tried arent working, its time to contact the vet.
No one likes unnecessary vet bills and another appointment at the vet clinic. At the same time, many people find that peace of mind from their veterinarian is worth it.
Vets are expert at getting to the bottom of things. A call to your vet can help you avoid a trip to the emergency veterinary hospital!
In the meantime, monitor your dogs temperature using a rectal thermometer. Generally, a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or more, means your dog needs to see the vet right away.
Be aware that if your dogs temperature is 99 degrees Fahrenheit, or lower, they also need veterinary attention. A temperature outside this range is one of the symptoms to be concerned about.
Here are a few other signs to look out for:
- Blood in the stool
- Vomiting any blood
Some of these are the same symptoms of poisoning or an illness like canine parvovirus. If you notice these signs, have your dog seen by a veterinarian immediately.
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Dog Upset Stomach: Causes And Treatment Options
By Katelyn Son | Updated November 10, 2022
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No dog owner enjoys seeing their pet in obvious discomfort. Were used to our dogs having energy to spare, always ready for a walk or to play fetch. People love their dogs and want them to feel better fast. Theyre a very valuable family member after all!
So, when they seem a lot quieter and are off their dog food, your dog may have an upset stomach. Of course, from time to time, people will also deal with an upset stomach. Any human knows what that feels like and what home remedies can help settle things down.
If youre wondering how help your dogs upset stomach, there are definitely some things you can do at home. Not all upset stomachs require a veterinarian appointment.
Symptoms Of Upset Stomach In Dogs
The most common signs of upset stomach in dogs are diarrhea and vomiting. If your dog is nauseous, you may also see him eat grass to soothe his stomach or try to induce vomiting, says Jody Bearman, DVM at Anshen Veterinary Acupuncture, Madison, Wisconsin.
Watch for other signs of upset stomach in dogs, such as:
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Licking their lips, the air, or objects
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Final Thoughts On The Best Remedies For Dogs With Upset Stomach
Whether your dog has eaten something they shouldnt eat , or youve sharply introduced changes in their diet, an upset stomach may occur as one of the side effects.
Other potential triggers include severe or chronic stress, underlying health conditions, dehydration, or food poisoning. A normal case of an upset stomach isnt alarming and can be easily treated at home using natural remedies such as bone broth, a bland diet, probiotics, or health supplements like CBD oil.
CBD can be particularly helpful for your dog because it regulates its endocannabinoid system. Using this mechanism, CBD provides a myriad of health benefits, including relief from an upset stomach. The mechanism behind CBDs effects is multifaceted and can help with a range of symptoms linked to indigestion, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
If your dog doesnt get better over time, and the symptoms deteriorate, you should immediately take them to the veterinarian. Chronic indigestion can be a sign of a more serious health problem that requires thorough examination.
Reference links:
Did You Switch Dog Foods
Transitioning from one dog food to another too quickly can cause stomach upset, which may mean that your dog doesnt feel like eating. Its important to transition foods gradually over 7-10 days in order to avoid stomach upset. This also allows your dog to get used to the new food over time, rather than making a sudden switch.
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Rule Out Food Allergies
First and foremost, make sure your dog doesnt have an allergy to something in their diet. Its not uncommon for dogs to have an upset stomach sometimes.
But if its a regular occurrence, it could men that Betty or Bentley has a food allergy. Talk to your veterinarian about the possibility your dog might be allergic to something in their dog food.
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Dog Has An Upset Stomach 5 Home Remedies To Help
Stomach upset, otherwise known as gastroenteritis or dyspepsia, is one of the most common ailments in dogs. It can affect both puppies as well as older dogs, and in most cases, they will recover just fine on their own. However, there are times that gastrointestinal issues are more than just an upset stomach and may be linked to an underlying health condition.
Regardless of the cause, if your pet is suffering from severe GI symptoms that last beyond a reasonable 24-hour period, you should get in touch with your vet as soon as possible. An upset stomach that goes beyond the 24-hour timeframe can cause further health concerns, such as anemia, dehydration, and weight loss. Severe anemia and dehydration can be fatal.
Pro Tip: In many cases, a dog’s upset stomach will go away on it’s own, but long-lasting or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a vet. Pet insurance can help by reimbursing you up to 100% of covered vet costs, so you can give your loved one the essential care they need to start feeling better ASAP with less damage to your wallet.
How Can We Treat Gastrointestinal Upset
Where a dog has a simple tummy upset causing a small amount of diarrhoea, a light diet can help the gastrointestinal tract recover. This means offering bland and easily digested foods. Such as plain cooked chicken, small amounts of boiled rice or some scrambled egg. Its generally best to provide these in several small meals throughout the day to avoid overloading and irritating their tummy.
Most cases of simple gastrointestinal upset dont need antibiotics but what can be helpful are probiotics. Probiotics can be pastes, powders or tablets containing living micro-organisms. These help restore the natural balance among the bacteria that live in the intestines. This balance is disturbed when your dog has a tummy upset. So probiotics can help their gastrointestinal tract recover and prevent unwanted bacteria from taking over. A prescription is generally not needed for probiotics. But its a good idea to ask your veterinarian if they could help with your dogs tummy.
Dogs that are vomiting can sometimes benefit from resting the stomach. This means withholding food for 12 to 24 hours . The aim here is to help break the vicious cycle of irritation and vomiting that tends to provoke further vomiting. However, once again, do talk to your vet, as a period of starvation can lead to other problems in some cases. Either way, they should, however, be allowed to take in small amounts of water throughout the day to prevent them from getting dehydrated.
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Severe Symptoms Of Upset Stomach
If your dog is displaying severe signs of illness such as repeated, frequent vomiting and diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, or fever, contact your vet or your local emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
If you have a puppy between 6 weeks and 6 months old that is showing severe signs of upset stomach, immediately. Parvovirus is a very serious and contagious condition that can be fatal for puppies.
How To Avoid A Dogs Upset Stomach
Looking for remedies on how to calm a dogs stomach is difficult. Therefore, with proper digestive health, you will prevent your dog from suffering in this painful issue too often.
Make sure that your dog absorbs all the needed nutrients every day. It covers his intestines with cells that require a lot of vitamins and minerals to function. The cells that need a lot of nutrients are the immune cells.
You should also give them high-quality and easily digestible proteins. These nutrients will help your dogs digestive system to develop beneficial bacteria inside and outside his stomach.
Last, you can also ask your vet if what kind of food is best suitable for your dogs breed and age. The right diet will help your dogs digestive system to absorb the nutrients.
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What Can I Do To Prevent My Dog From Having An Upset Stomach
A simple way to prevent a dog from having an upset stomach is to keep people food away from them. If you know your pet has a sensitive stomach, donât feed your pet treats or table scraps .
Depending on the cause of your dogâs upset stomach, your veterinarian may recommend a specific diet. For example, if a dog has pancreatitis, a diet thatâs low in fat would be recommended to reduce inflammation or stimulation of a dogâs pancreas.
When a dog sticks to a highly digestible diet, it means their body has to do less work breaking it down â thatâs why Dr. Bullen often prescribes this lifestyle for pups with upset stomachs.