Do you feel nauseated? Maybe grab some crackers or ginger ale. But what if it’s your furry friend who feels bad? An upset stomach is common in dogs, and while some cases can be treated at home, others require a visit to the vet.
Recognize the signs of an upset stomach
Watch for these symptoms that could indicate your dog’s stomach is in trouble:
Vomit
Diarrhea
excessive drooling
Loss of appetite
gaseous behavior
Gurgling stomach sounds
Eat grass or lick the ground (try to calm his stomach)
Home treatment versus calling the vet
While home remedies can be effective in mild cases, it is essential to know when to seek professional help. If your dog presents any of the following symptoms in addition to an upset stomach, a visit to the veterinarian is essential:
Lethargy
Fever
Continuous vomiting or diarrhea.
Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, lethargy)
Rhythm or nervousness
excessive drooling
Nausea without producing anything
Blood in the stool
stomach distension
These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires veterinary attention.
Soothe your dog’s upset stomach at home
If your dog’s upset stomach seems like a minor problem, here are 12 ways to relieve it:
Hydration is key: Make sure your dog stays hydrated, especially if he is vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration can occur quickly, sometimes within hours. Offer ice cubes every few hours to see if they can keep them down before heading to the water. Pedialyte, similar to what is used in children, can help replace electrolytes and fluids. However, if your dog does not improve within 24 hours of using Pedialyte, consult a veterinarian immediately. Dehydration can be life-threatening.
Temperature Check: Use a rectal thermometer to check your dog’s temperature. A normal value is between 38.6°C (101.5°F). A temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher indicates fever, which requires immediate veterinary attention.
Identify the cause: Often, an upset stomach is due to something your dog has ingested. Since dogs are notorious for exploring with their mouths, consider what they may have eaten that could cause digestive problems. This information may be helpful for your veterinarian to diagnose the problem.
Fasting for recovery: In the wild, dogs can go periods without eating. Fasting for 12 to 24 hours allows your dog’s digestive system to rest and heal if he is inflamed. In the case of puppies, fasting should not last more than 12 hours or overnight. You can rub some maple syrup (without xylitol!) on their gums to help maintain their blood sugar levels.
Healing Bone Broth: Simmering meaty bones with apple cider vinegar and water in a slow cooker creates a nutritious bone broth. This can be made ahead and frozen (remove fat before freezing).
DiarRice to the Rescue: DiarRice, a rice-based probiotic, can calm your dog’s stomach. It is easily digestible and has a chicken flavor. If symptoms persist after using DiarRice, consult a veterinarian.
Soft diet for sensitive stomachs: If your dog does not vomit after 12 to 24 hours of fasting and can retain fluids, try a soft diet.
This consists of:
75% cooked white rice
25% cooked white chicken meat, skinless and boneless or extra lean hamburger
No added oils, fats, or spices
Gradually increase the amount of food offered, starting with one tablespoon and waiting two hours. If tolerated, increase to ½ – 1 cup of soft food every 3-4 hours. Once your dog seems better, you can slowly reintroduce him to his regular food until he is back on his regular diet.
Probiotics for gut health: When your dog can eat again and appears to be recovering, consider giving him unsweetened yogurt with probiotics or a probiotic supplement for dogs such as FortiFlora, Prostora, or Provable. Probiotics introduce healthy gut bacteria that promote digestion and can strengthen the immune system.
