Just like it is for us, an occasional upset stomach in dogs can be a totally normal thing for your pooch to experience. However, the main difference is we can communicate out loud when our belly is playing up, and your poor pup can’t.
So, it’s important for any pet parent to recognize the signs of upset stomach in dogs. That way you’ll be able to find the cause, and know what to do if a tempestuous tummy occurs…
How To Help A Dog’s Upset Stomach
Signs
The signs of an upset stomach in dogs are very similar to a human’s. They include:
- Loose stools
- Constipation
- Retching
- Eating grass
- Excessive gulping
- Reduced appetite
- Lack of energy or enthusiasm
- Sensitive tummy – indicated by protective behavior when you go near the belly. This might be a growl when being picked up, or them adopting a downward dog stance (front legs on the floor, hind legs straight) when you approach.
The overall pattern of the above signs should subside within 24-48 hours, but if they continue, or happen frequently, it’s always advisable that you check in with your vet.
If your furry friend is experiencing any of the following:
- Blood in their vomit, urine, or poo
- Signs of dehydration (tacky, pale gums, and/or tight skin)
- You suspect they’ve ingested chemicals, poisons, medicines, or known toxic food.
- And/or have a very hard belly
They need to be seen by a vet immediately, as these symptoms could be the signs of a medical emergency.
Causes
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 shouldn’t have
- Worms and other parasites
- Food allergies
- Gut blockages
- 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 for which you should consult your vet… 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 pooch’s 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 address an occasional dog’s upset stomach…
What Help’s A Dog’s Upset Stomach?
Fasting
If your dog isn’t very old, isn’t a puppy and/or doesn’t have another health condition you’ve got to withhold food for 12 – 24 hours, however difficult this may be to do!
Rest assured, it is perfectly safe to do this. A short period of fasting like this can help speed up their recovery.
Hydration
Dogs who are dealing with loose stools will try and replenish the fluid they’re losing when they poo with water, so make sure they have access to fresh water at all times. If your dog completely stops drinking water or drinks an excessively abnormal amount, speak to your vet.
They will also need as much access to outdoor space as possible, avoiding your poorly pup from messing inside the house whilst their stomach is playing up!
Simplify Food
When your dog’s signs have started to subside and you feel they are ready to be reintroduced to food, serve them small meals of bland food throughout the day. Smaller-sized but more regular portions (3-4 times a day) won’t overwhelm the gut all at once, and the plainer the food, the easier to digest.
Boiled chicken and white/brown rice is a great, mild dish that will sit better on an aggravated canine stomach. Make sure the meat is boneless, and skinless, without season on it.
You can also try and give your pooch a little bit of pumpkin. It’s a food that is slowly absorbed by the body, which is useful for a sore tummy struggling with digestion. If you’re curious about giving them pumpkin, make sure it’s canned or plainly cooked, peeled, unseasoned, and unsalted (not pumpkin pie mix, otherwise they’ll be ingesting spices that could have the opposite effect!).
Some herbs have also been touted as natural soothers for upset doggy stomachs. Read up on how dill, licorice root, slippery elm, curly parsley, or ginger could help your pup’s troubled tummy here.
Once their poop’s solid again, you can gradually start giving them their normal food.
Prevention
Your dog’s going to develop a little tummy trouble from time to time, just like you! However, staying on top of their regular vaccinations and worming treatment can reduce the amount they might experience. You can vaccinate your dog against parvovirus, which is a common cause of gastroenteritis (stomach upset!). You should be vaccinating your dog every year, and regularly de-worming and flea treating your dog to maintain their overall health too.
