How To Prevent An Upset Stomach
While you cannot eliminate the risk of gastroenteritis, there is one easy step you can take to minimize the possibility. The most common cause comes down to what your dog eats.
Dog food that is made with low-quality grain fillers and zero probiotics is likely to cause upset stomach over time, due in part to the fact that 70% of a dogs immune system is located in their gut microbiome. As weve talked about before in When does your dog need a change in diet, NutriSource is a terrific choice for keeping your dogs stomach feeling good.
Its recipes incorporate healthy gut ingredients like prebiotics and probiotics, organic selenium yeast and essential trace minerals. Just remember to switch foods gradually, since sudden diet changes can also lead to sour stomach.
You can use our find a store tool to locate your nearest independent pet supply retailer. Their professional expertise can help you make diet decisions for your dog that will keep them happy and their gut healthy!
Signs & Symptoms Of Upset Stomachs In Dogs
Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of an inflamed, irritated stomach and intestines, or gastrointestinal upset in dogs and puppies.
Other signs that your dog has an upset stomach could include, licking lips or licking the air , gulping , loss of appetite and lethargy.
But when it comes to treatment, the severity of your dogs symptoms should dictate your response.
Signs Of An Upset Stomach In A Dog
There are a variety of symptoms that indicate your dog may be experiencing stomach pain. The most obvious symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, pacing, or loss of appetite. If your dog is having severe vomiting, fever, or bloody diarrhea, you need to visit a vet immediately. Any of these symptoms may signal that something serious is going on with your dog.
Not all signs of a stomach ache are so apparent. Something as simple as lethargy may be a product of an upset stomach. Whatever the case may be, the best way to assess a dogs stomach ache is to keep a close eye on them.
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Final Thoughts On Tums For Dogs
While you can give your dog a Tums, there are many other great things that would be more beneficial for your dog. Using some of these other over-the-counter suggestions for GI issues or seeing your vet for prescription medication may be better.
It is also always best to consult with your vet before starting anything new with your dog. Your dog may have underlying medical issues that need to be addressed before starting certain medication.
Natural Remedies For Dog Vomiting
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Dogs are prone to upset stomachs, just like their owners. The cause of your pets upset stomach could be many things, and we usually do not know our pet is feeling under the weather until they start vomiting. Vomiting is a common occurrence for pets and as an occasional problem it is nothing to worry about. Provided that your dog has no other symptoms and the vomiting does not go on for more than a couple of days, the best thing you can do is to make your pet comfortable and help them get over their upset stomach. However, it is important to keep in mind if your dog has been vomiting for more than a few days, has other symptoms, or cannot keep water down, it is time to call your veterinarian.
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Is An Upset Stomach A Sign Of A Food Allergy
If your dog has an upset stomach every once in a while, its normal and shouldnt be considered an alarm.
Now that weve established the most common causes of sickness in dogs, lets focus on its typical symptoms.
If stomach upset is a frequent occurrence for your dog, consult your veterinarian and ask them about the possibility of a food allergy. Once diagnosed, the allergy is usually associated with a protein source, which is why some novel protein may cause allergic reactions that are manifested as an upset stomach.
When To Go To The Vet For Dog Vomiting
Nobody wants to rush into the vet for every little stomach upset or minor problem. However, there are many different diseases, disorders, and conditions that have vomiting as a symptom. A few of them are:
- Disease of the inner ear
- Addison’s disease
- Foreign body in the stomach
- Poisoning
- Liver or kidney failure
- Pancreatitis
If vomiting persists for more than a couple of days, your dog cannot keep water down, or has other symptoms such as fever, it is vital your dog sees a veterinarian right away. Other symptoms to watch for include bloating in the abdominal region, lethargy or nervousness, hacking and heaving, or chronic diarrhea. A dog that has both vomiting and diarrhea can become dehydrated rapidly and may need to go to the vet for IV fluids.
Most dogs experience stomach upset and vomiting at least once in their life. Some dogs, like people, just have sensitive stomachs. A bit of stomach upset is nothing to worry about. Be on the lookout for any other symptoms that might indicate something more than a bit of upset stomach and keep a careful watch on how long the vomiting persists. It might be time to have your veterinarian dig a bit deeper to ensure your dog does not have an underlying condition that needs treating.
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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 To Feed A Dog With An Upset Stomach
Canine probiotic chews help support healthy digestion. For a quick at-home solution, try adding a spoonful of plain greek yogurt to his food to help introduce healthy bacteria to the gut. Probiotics are excellent for fighting off viruses and other illnesses that may be hanging around in the digestive tract. Additionally, probiotics support brain function and energy levels, helping to combat symptoms of an upset stomach like lethargy.
Gastritis:
Gastritis is location specific and refers to inflammation of the stomach. This particular stomach problem is a prevalent digestive issue in dogs often brought on by foraging and consumption of products not intended for canines. An involuntary stomach reaction like gastritis can be caused by any number of triggers, i.e., spoiled food, food allergies, food intolerance, a virus, etc.
The Symptoms
Sometimes gastritis is an isolated incident, but it can also be a symptom of a deeper digestive upset. Like most stomach problems in dogs, gastritis is accompanied by symptoms like bloating, gas, vomiting, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite.
What can I do for my dog?
Ulcers:
What causes ulcers?
Most commonly, ulcers come on as a result of excessive medication or infections. Ulcers are commonly aggravated and made worse by other preexisting digestive issues like gastritis and acid reflux.
What are the symptoms?
How do I treat ulcers?
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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.
Determine What Caused The Upset Stomach
Most of the time an upset stomach in a dog is caused by something the dog ingested. Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldnt, and theres a long list of items that can cause problems for your dog. Try to figure out what might have caused your dogs upset stomach to help your vet make a diagnosis.
Check out these posts to learn more
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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.
When To Visit Your Vet
If your dog has just had one episode of diarrhea and is otherwise behaving normally, it’s usually not a cause for concern. Keep an eye on your canine companion’s bowel movements and see if things clear up. If your dog has more than 2 episodes then there might be a problem, so it’s a good idea to call your vet if your pup has two or more bouts of diarrhea.
If your pooch is straining to pass a stool but is only passing small amounts of watery diarrhea, they could be experiencing a painful blockage due to the ingestion of a foreign object such as a toy. This is a very serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention, call your vet or go to the nearest emergency animal hospital for treatment.
Recurring bouts of diarrhea over a short time period can be a sign of a very serious health issue, especially if your furry friend is very old, very young, or has a compromised immune system. Infections such as parvovirus are extremely serious, contagious, and life-threatening. Contact your vet right away if your pup is experiencing repeated episodes of diarrhea or chronic diarrhea.
If your dog is showing other symptoms as well as diarrhea they should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. If your dog has any of the following symptoms contact your vet immediately to book an appointment:
- Weakness
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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
- Retching
- 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.
How Do I Know If My Dog’s Stomach Hurts
Its a struggle that every dog owner will go through at some point. Your pup will be acting strange or sick, and youll be worrying over whats wrong and how you can help. Most often, itll come down to an upset stomach. Knowing the signs that your dogs stomach hurts will make it easier to soothe both their discomfort and your fears.
This blog covers the common causes of upset stomach , signs to watch out for, and the steps you can take to treat it.
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How To Soothe A Dogs Upset Stomach 5 Ways
It is quite common for dogs to have an upset stomach. Having said that, its best to visit your vet if the condition is too severe or persistent. This is because diarrhea can be a symptom of several underlying issues . Once the vet has verified that there is nothing serious, you can avoid human medications and use following home treatments.
Brown Rice For Dogs Upset Stomach
Although some dogs might respond well to brown rice, they are not a preferred option to treat an upset stomach. The presence of bran and several other nutrients makes them a little too rough for your canine companions. For this reason, white rice are more suitable for dogs having diarrhea.
On the other hand, if your dog is suffering from constipation, brown rice can be an ideal alternative for them. Similarly, they are quite useful for reducing the food intake of overweight dogs.
Ingredients:
- 6 ½ cups of water
- 2 ½ cups frozen vegetable blend
Instructions
Thank you to All Recipes for this recipe.
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Silica Gel Packets And Oxygen Absorbers
These types of packets even the ones found in dog food bags can cause iron poisoning.
If you think your dog has been poisoned, call your vet right away!
There is also a pet poison helpline that you can call to get more information about pet poisoning. They can also give you more specific symptoms to look for and can help you determine if your dog has been exposed to something harmful.
The number to call for the Pet Poison Helpline is 800-213-6680.
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How Long Does It Take For A Dog To Get Over An Upset Stomach
Thankfully, most upset stomachs should clear up within 48 hours. However, digestive issues can continue longer if the underlying cause is a long-term problem examples can be chronic stress, a food allergy , or an untreated health condition.
If your dogs stomach problems have been occurring for longer than two days, its recommended to have them checked out by a vet. With some tests, the cause of their symptoms should become clear.
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Try This Tried And True Dog Upset Stomach Remedy The Bland Diet
When youve had a stomach bug in the past, did you stick to light meals, such as chicken soup or oatmeal? While these foods may not get us salivating at the thought, theyre far easier to digest than say, a cheese pizza! A bland diet for dogs is the same concept.
As your dogs stomach is already having a rough time, we should try to avoid burdening it further with hard-to-digest ingredients. For dogs, wed recommend cooked rice with high-quality chicken or ground turkey, whichever your pooch prefers. However, dont just switch straight from their usual diet to this new meal, as that can be a shock to the stomach!
Instead, just introduce a small amount of the new food mixed in with their usual meal. If their symptoms do not worsen, you can continue to increase the ratio of the new food over several days, until the meal is a 100% bland diet. When they feel better, you can switch back to their usual diet the same way.