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.
The Power Of Soothing Food Ingredients
If you notice your dog having gut-related issues, the best would be to restrict and change his diet for the time being. Ingredients like rice, yogurt, cooked chicken, bone broth, and pumpkin puree are beneficial for balancing out the gut bacteria and improving digestion. Broths and soups are full of beneficial nutrients like bone marrow, protein and minerals, and are also very hydrating. Make sure to give your dog much smaller portions to prevent nausea and stomach pain. Cooked or canned pumpkin is also great as it slowly absorbs, thus helping with digestion without upsetting the stomach.
Feature photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
What Causes Stomach Upset In Dogs
There are a variety of reasons why dogs suffer from an upset stomach. Some of the more benign triggers could be linked to an abrupt change in appetite, overeating, or simply not eating enough. In both cases, a pups stomach can become irritated and cause illness. Here are some of the common causes for dogs upset stomachs.
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Does My Dog Have An Upset Stomach
The hardest part of dealing with your dog’s upset stomach is that they can’t simply walk up to you and tell you their belly is hurting. However, if you know what to look for, more often than not you can spot the symptoms before the problem becomes severe. Among the most common symptoms of a queasy stomach are:
- Diarrhea
- Gurgling noises in the stomach
- Gas
If you notice any of the above symptoms, chances are good that your dog has an upset stomach. In most cases, the problem will go away on its own, but there are also ways you can help your dog feel better faster.
What Can I Do About My Dog’s Nausea And Stomach Issues
The first step you can take to help your dog with an upset stomach is to call your veterinarian to discuss the problem and ask if he thinks your dog needs to be seen. Beyond that, there are several treatments you can try at home that may help. These include:
Let the issue run its course by doing nothing beyond taking your furry companion’s food away for 12 to 24 hours. When your dog has an unsettled stomach, the last thing needed is to be trying to digest more food. Remember, your dog can easily go this long without eating and doing so will give the stomach plenty of time to settle down.
If you don’t want your dog going on a 24-hour fast, you can add one tablespoon of unsweetened plain yogurt to their food. This will not only soothe the gastric issues, but the probiotics in the yogurt will also replace the healthy bacteria that should be in the digestive system. The yogurt may even help to stimulate a lost appetite.
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Can You Use Probiotics For Dog Diarrhea
Yes, probiotics can be used to improve dog diarrhea caused by:
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Stress colitis from boarding, moving, or any disruption in routine
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Sudden changes to your dogs diet, like eating a new or unusual food
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A bacterial imbalance from long-term antibiotic use
Infections that cause a bacterial overgrowth may clear with probiotic use as well.
Common Causes Of An Upset Stomach In Dogs
Your dog may have an upset stomach because they ate something they shouldnt have. Did you clear away the supper dishes and leave steak bones on the plates? Is the kitchen garbage secure? Some dogs cant help themselves when theres leftover people food within reach!
If youve had Riley or Rosie for a romp in the park, they may have ingested something when your back was turned. Dogs are masters at concealing what they shouldnt be doing.
The thing here is that outside substances could be poisonous or otherwise harmful. Plus, theres a list of people foods that dogs cant eat so if theyve eaten something like a discarded chocolate bar, it can be toxic.
There are other reasons for an upset stomach in dogs. For example, a dog may have a digestive tract problem due to an imbalance in gut bacteria. Digestive problems can occur when a dog doesnt have a balance of good and bad bacteria in their stomach.
Another explanation for an upset stomach in dogs is sensitivities or allergies to particular foods. A dog upset stomach can be caused by these chronic conditions.
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Boiled Chicken With White Rice Is Stomach Therapy For Dogs
You can replace your dogs normal kibble diet with white rice and boiled chicken to cure cases of diarrhea. Boil the chicken breasts, shred them, and feed it along with the rice. This is the diet that most vets recommend for an upset stomach, and we do too.
Stress can also induce diarrhea in dogs. Events like the 4th of July or moving to a new home can cause bouts of stress-related diarrhea. In situations like these you can still feed your dog boiled chicken and rice to help them feel better, or even just rice if they are allergic to chicken. .
If symptoms dont clear up after a few days, or if your dog is having multiple incidents per hour, then its time to call the vet. They can check for parasites or bacterial infections that simply cant be treated by a change in diet.
At DogBoys, your dogs health is our top priority. Youre welcome to check out our diet sheet with tips for a more personalized and healthy diet. If you have any questions about how to treat or prevent stomach sickness in your dog, then dont hesitate to contact us today.
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Bone Broth For Dogs Upset Stomach
Bone broth is probably the most effective homemade remedy toheal your dogs upset stomach. In addition to its soothing benefits, bone brothkeeps your pet hydrated. Even though it takes a lot of time to get ready, its worth the effort.
The only demerit of this natural tonic is that you need toprepare it before your dog gets sick. Having said that, you can store it easily by freezing in an ice cube tray.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Lbs. Cooked or Raw Bones
- Filtered Water
Instructions:
Note: Ideally,you should refrigerate the bone broth for a couple of hours before freezing toskim off the fats.
Thank you to Brindleberry Acres for this recipe.
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Applesauce For Dog Upset Stomach
Just like humans, apples are extremely healthy and beneficial for dogs. Being a citrus fruit, they are rich in vitamin C and calcium. Similarly, they contain a lot of dietary fiber. Despite their nutritional value, they are low in calories which makes apple a really useful ingredient.
Most of the benefits of apples are transferred to unsweetened applesauce. The blandness of applesauce is often used to treat a dogs upset stomach. The presence of pectin helps in alleviating loose stool by soothing the dogs intestines.
Likewise, it is quite useful for preventing dehydration in case of diarrhea. You can make unsweetened applesauce at home by following this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 apples, peeled and cubed
- Water
Thank you Leash and Tails for this recipe.
Alternative Solutions For Stomach Pain Relief
If your dog has an upset stomach, there are ways to comfort him until the diarrhea passes. Mild diarrhea in dogs is often self-limiting and medications are not needed for resolution, Wallach says. That being said, you can feed your dog a bland diet for a few days if he has soft stool or diarrhea.
Knowing that you are nearby can also help soothe your dog, so try to fit in a few tummy rubs while he rests. If your pets symptoms do not resolve or if they worsen, or if other signs of illness develop , however, you should bring your dog to the veterinarian, Wallach says.
Although Pepto Bismol may help address your dogs mild diarrhea, never administer a dose without consulting your vet first. And, if youre curious about if the same rule applies to your cat, know that Pepto Bismol should never be given to cats under any circumstances due to the risk of salicylate toxicity, Wallach says. Salicylate toxicity can cause anemia, ulceration, and liver failure in cats, making salicylates toxic at any dose.
Image: fongleon356 via Shutterstock
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What Causes Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is the technical term for an upset stomach. It refers to irritation in the stomach or gut that leads to a variety of symptoms including pain, nausea, bloating and vomiting. There are many causes for gastroenteritis, with some more common than others. A few of the more frequent causes are:
While gastroenteritis can be due to serious internal problems, its much more likely to be traced to something your dog ate.
Give Your Dog Probiotics
Studies show that probiotics can benefit a dog’s digestive system.
But if you have a dog with an upset stomach, you’ll need to first deal with this problem until it goes away completely and starts giving probiotics only after to prevent future stomach problems.
Probiotics for dogs are a great way to keep their digestive system healthy and prevent diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset.
You can use probiotic supplements, adding them once or twice a day, or choose foods with probiotics in them .
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Drooling And Lip Smacking
When a dog or a human, for that matter vomits, the acid can damage the throat, mouth, and teeth. Dogs that experience nausea often have an overproduction of saliva, which helps counteract the effects of acidic vomit.
As such, you may see your dog drooling more than usual or smacking their lips to contain the extra saliva.
What Caused Your Dogs Upset Stomach
Before you start using home remedies for upset stomach to make your dog comfortable, you need to make sure they did not ingest something dangerous.
If you have been with them all day, review where they have gone and what they might have gotten into. Check to see if youre missing a shoe or a small toy, and look for signs of anything they might have chewed or eaten. Also, review what plants are toxic to dogs as well as human foods that are toxic to dogs, and make sure your pet hasnt come into contact with or eaten any of them.
If you suspect your dog has ingested an object or a poisonous substance, contact your vet immediately.
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Symptoms Of A Dogs Upset Stomach
If your dog has an upset stomach or an issue that makes you think they have a stomach or gastrointestinal issue, they can display some or all of the following symptoms. These symptoms are grouped by cause to show you their similarities:
- Parvovirus: dullness, fever, loss of appetite, progressing to vomiting and blood in the stool
- Intestinal inflammation: diarrhea, strain to move bowels, pain when emptying bowels, weight loss, and vomiting
- Constipation: hard, dry feces, straining to move bowels
- Bloating: restlessness, discomfort, rapid breathing, abdominal swelling, dry retching, excessive drooling
- Stomach inflammation: vomiting of bile, froth, fresh blood, or digested blood
- Cancers: vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, pale gums
- Obstruction: lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, low body temperatures, dehydration
- Ulcers: vomiting fresh or digested blood, abdominal discomfort, pale gums, dark stool with blood, decreased appetite
- Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis: sudden vomiting, bloody diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, depression
- Inflammatory bowel disease: weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, swollen abdomen, fluid retention, watery diarrhea
- Malabsorption: weight loss and/or diarrhea
Continued
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.
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Discourage Your Dog From Eating Grass
It appears that some dogs have an innate drive to eat grass when their stomach is upset. Some people think the dog is trying to induce vomiting by ingesting grass, but not all vets agree on this. What veterinarians DO agree on, however, is that many lawns are treated with fertilizers and other chemicals, making it unsafe for canine consumption.
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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How To Reset Your Dogs Upset Stomach
There are plenty of perfectly innocent reasons why a dogs digestive tract can go off the rails. Maybe there was a sudden change of diet because the pet store was out of the usual brand. Or your well-intentioned friend snuck your dog too many salami bites. Even stress can give your dog a stomach ache. And when that happens, you may be scrubbing vomit or diarrhea from the living room rug.
That said, there are also many serious reasons why a dog may have gastrointestinal trouble. Toxin ingestion, a foreign body blockage, and pancreatitis, to name just a few. You should also be concerned if you see blood in the vomit or diarrhea, if your dog is extremely lethargic, or if the vomiting or diarrhea is increasing in frequency.
In many of these cases, a wait and see approach can be devastating. Thats why its always best to discuss the situation with your veterinarian first, before simply handling the situation at home.
However, for mild cases of vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite, there are several ways you can help your dog.
Treating Your Dogs Indigestion
Although all these can be signs of everyday indigestion in dogs, they can also point to more serious medical conditions. If your dogs digestive problems are worsening or not subsiding, he may be suffering from something more than just regular digestive issues. Digestive upset is normal for dogs and cats, but when your dogs health begins to decline, thats when you have to go see a vet for further examination. You may not want to, but its worth it to peruse your dogs excretions to confirm that theres no blood in the vomit or fecal matter. In such cases, or should the problem persist, its crucial that you take your dog to the veterinarian for further testing in order to determine whether or not there are serious underlying health concerns.
- Nationwide Pet Insurance. Most Common Medical Conditions that Prompt Veterinary Visits.
- Pet Helpful 15 Signs of an upset stomach in Dogs.
- NCBI. Animals that self-medicate.
- Pet MD. Five remedies for upset stomach in dogs.
- Brindleberry Acres. Healthy bone broth for dogs.
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What Foods Can Help Settle A Dog’s Stomach
- Nutritious Foods for Dog Upset Stomach Carob. Carob is excellent for calming an upset stomach and treating diarrhea, and the good thing is, most dogs like its taste! Cinnamon. Cinnamon has long been used in China as a treatment for digestive problems such as nausea, flatulence, and diarrhea. Cabbage Rice Porridge Honey Pumpkin
What Causes A Dogs Upset Stomach
There are several reasons your dog may have developed an upset stomach. Again, the reasons behind the upset are very similar to human causes too
- A sudden change in their food
- Eating something they shouldnt have
- Worms and other parasites
- Bacterial infection
- Stress
Does your dog suffer from symptoms often? This may indicate an issue with their gastrointestinal tract or be a sign of a food sensitivity or allergy Did you know that the most common food reactions in dogs are beef, dairy, chicken, and wheat? If your suspect your dog might be allergic to food, always discuss your concerns with your vet. You could consider switching to hypoallergenic diet formulations that are on the market which contain hydrolyzed proteins, meaning that the reactive proteins are already broken down into molecules that the immune system will not recognize as allergens.
If you decide to try a specialized hypoallergenic dog food, it should be fed for a minimum of 8-12 weeks to assess your poochs response. It is important to feed them only the hypoallergenic dog food during this period, avoiding all other foods, treats, table scraps, and medicine whilst introducing the new specially-formulated food.
So, we know why dogs can get troublesome tummies and what the signs of one are. Now we need to know what helps relieve a dogs upset stomach
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