What to give a dog for upset stomach? As a responsible pet owner, you know how important it is to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. Unfortunately, just like humans, dogs can experience digestive problems from time to time. Whether it’s caused by a sudden change in diet, an illness, or stress, an upset stomach can leave your dog feeling uncomfortable and lethargic. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best options for treating your dog’s upset stomach, including natural remedies and over-the-counter medications. So, if you’re looking for ways to help your furry friend feel better, read on!
What is an upset stomach in dogs?
An upset stomach is a common problem among dogs and can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, stress, and illness. Symptoms of an upset stomach in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. In some cases, dogs may also experience abdominal pain, bloating, and dehydration.
While occasional bouts of an upset stomach are generally not cause for concern, chronic or severe symptoms can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. If your dog is experiencing frequent or severe digestive problems, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
What are the common reasons for stomach upsets in dogs?
Dogs can get upset stomachs for a variety of reasons why do dogs get upset stomachs, some of the most common of which include:
- Sudden dietary changes: Changing your dog’s diet abruptly can cause digestive upset.
- Eating something they shouldn’t: Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t, such as garbage or toxic substances, which can cause gastrointestinal problems.
- Food intolerance or allergies: Some dogs may be intolerant or allergic to certain ingredients in their food, which can cause digestive issues.
- Bacterial or viral infections: Dogs can contract infections such as gastroenteritis, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: This is a chronic condition that can cause inflammation and damage to the intestinal tract.
- Stress and anxiety: Dogs can experience digestive upset due to stress or anxiety caused by changes in routine or environment.
- Pancreatitis: This is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed and can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Obstruction: Dogs can sometimes ingest objects that become lodged in their intestines, causing blockages and digestive upset.
It’s essential that you find out why your dog’s stomach is upset so you can treat it correctly and prevent it from happening again. If your dog is having frequent or severe digestive problems, you should talk to a vet to find out what’s going on and how to treat it.
Symptoms of upset stomach in dogs
To know what to give a dog for upset stomach, you need to explore symptoms of upset stomach in dogs. Some of the most common symptoms of an upset stomach in dogs include:
- Vomiting: Dogs may vomit to get rid of something that’s upsetting their stomach, such as an irritant or an undigested food.
- Diarrhea: Loose or watery stool can be a sign of digestive upset in dogs, and can also lead to dehydration.
- Loss of appetite: Dogs with upset stomachs may refuse to eat or have a decreased appetite.
- Lethargy: Dogs may seem tired or less active than usual when they have an upset stomach.
- Abdominal pain: Some dogs may exhibit signs of abdominal discomfort, such as whining, pacing, or a hunched posture.
- Excessive drooling: Dogs with an upset stomach may drool more than usual.
- Flatulence: Dogs may pass gas more frequently when they have an upset stomach.
- Dehydration: Excessive vomiting or diarrhea can cause dehydration in dogs, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to monitor their condition closely and seek veterinary attention if their symptoms persist or worsen. In some cases, prompt treatment may be necessary to prevent dehydration or other complications.
What to give a dog for upset stomach home remedies?
When you own a puppy, you might wonder what to give puppy for upset stomach. There are several remedies that can help ease stomach symptoms in dogs including puppies and adults. Some of the most effective remedies include:
- Fasting: In cases of mild digestive upset, fasting for 12-24 hours can help give the dog’s digestive system a rest.
- Bland diet: After fasting, you can introduce a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice, or a special diet for digestive problems that your vet has prescribed.
- Water: Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink. Dehydration can make an upset stomach worse.
- Probiotics: Probiotics can help restore balance to the digestive system and improve gut health.
- Digestive enzymes: Digestive enzymes can help improve digestion and absorption of nutrients.
- Over-the-counter medication: If your dog is experiencing pain or discomfort, you can give them over-the-counter medication such as Pepcid AC or Prilosec. However, you should always check with your veterinarian before giving any medication to your dog.
- Hydration: Encourage your dog to drink water or electrolyte solutions to prevent dehydration.
- Anti-nausea medication: In some cases, anti-nausea medication may be prescribed by a veterinarian to help ease vomiting and nausea.
- Medication for diarrhea: In cases of diarrhea, medication such as antidiarrheals or antibiotics may be prescribed by a veterinarian.
It’s important to consult with a veterinarian before administering any remedies to your dog to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your pet’s specific condition.
In addition, each dog breed is different, you should also pay attention to what to give them for upset stomach.
What to give a Yorkie for upset stomach?
If your Yorkie is experiencing an upset stomach, there are several remedies that can help ease their symptoms. Here are some options for treating an upset stomach in Yorkies:
- Small, frequent meals: Rather than giving your Yorkie one or two large meals, try feeding them smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help ease digestive upset.
- Bland diet: Boiled chicken and rice is a popular option for a bland diet that can help soothe an upset stomach. You can also try a prescription gastrointestinal diet recommended by your veterinarian.
- Probiotics: You can add a probiotic supplement to your Yorkie’s food or offer plain yogurt as a treat.
- Digestive enzymes: You can add a digestive enzyme supplement to your Yorkie’s food or offer papaya or pineapple as a treat.
- Hydration: Encourage your Yorkie to drink water or electrolyte solutions to prevent dehydration.
- Ginger: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe an upset stomach. You can offer small amounts of fresh ginger root, ginger tea, or ginger chews.
What to give French Bulldog with upset stomach?
If your French Bulldog is experiencing an upset stomach, there are several remedies that can help ease their symptoms. Here are some options for treating an upset stomach in French Bulldogs:
- Fast your French Bulldog: Fasting for 12-24 hours can help give your French Bulldog’s digestive system a rest. After fasting, gradually introduce a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice or a prescription gastrointestinal diet recommended by your veterinarian.
- Give your French Bulldog a prebiotic supplement or pumpkin: Prebiotics are a type of fiber that feed the beneficial bacteria in your French Bulldog’s gut, while pumpkin is high in fiber and can help regulate digestion. Both can help soothe an upset stomach and improve digestion.
- Try giving your French Bulldog digestive enzymes: Digestive enzymes can help improve digestion and absorption of nutrients. You can add a digestive enzyme supplement to your French Bulldog’s food or offer papaya or pineapple as a treat.
- Use a multi-strain probiotic: Probiotics can help restore balance to the digestive system and improve gut health, which can be especially helpful in cases of diarrhea or gas. Look for a high-quality, multi-strain probiotic supplement recommended by your veterinarian.
- Encourage hydration: Encourage your French Bulldog to drink plenty of water or electrolyte solutions to prevent dehydration.
You should consult with a veterinarian before administering any remedies to your French Bulldog to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your pet’s specific condition. Additionally, if your French Bulldog is experiencing frequent or severe digestive symptoms, it’s important to seek veterinary attention to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
What to give German Shepherd with upset stomach?
If your German Shepherd is experiencing an upset stomach, there are several remedies that can help ease their symptoms. By following the remedies for what to give a dog for upset stomach above, you can treat your German Shepherd with an upset stomach effectively.
What to give Husky with upset stomach?
If your Husky is experiencing an upset stomach, there are several remedies that can help alleviate their symptoms. One option is to fast your Husky for 12-24 hours, allowing their digestive system to rest. After fasting, you can gradually introduce a bland diet of boiled chicken as well as rice or a gastrointestinal diet that your vet has prescribed.
Besides, probiotics can help make things right again to your Husky’s gut microbiome and improve digestion, while pumpkin and prebiotic supplements can help regulate their bowel movements. Encouraging your Husky to stay hydrated is also important, so make sure to provide plenty of fresh water or electrolyte solutions.
What to give Shih Tzu for upset stomach?
If your Shih Tzu is experiencing an upset stomach, there are several things you can do to help soothe their digestive system.
- Start by giving your pup some fresh water to prevent dehydration, then consider feeding them small portions of boiled chicken and rice for a few days.
- Another option is to give your Shih Tzu a prebiotic supplement or pumpkin to help regulate digestion, as well as digestive enzymes to improve nutrient absorption.
- Be sure to monitor your pup’s symptoms closely and seek veterinary attention if they persist or worsen.
With a little bit of TLC and the right remedies, your Shih Tzu will be back to feeling like their happy, healthy self in no time!
Determine treatment at home or go to the vet
Determining whether to treat an upset stomach in a dog at home or go to the vet depends on the severity and duration of symptoms. In general, if your dog is experiencing severe or persistent digestive symptoms, it’s best to seek veterinary attention. This is especially true if your dog is exhibiting signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, dry gums, or decreased skin elasticity.
Additionally, if your dog has ingested a toxic substance or is exhibiting symptoms such as lethargy, pale gums, or difficulty breathing, it’s important to seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
For mild cases of upset stomach, such as occasional vomiting or diarrhea, you may be able to provide treatment at home. This may include fasting for 12-24 hours, followed by a bland diet of cooked chicken and rice or a veterinarian-recommended prescription gastrointestinal diet. Probiotics, digestive enzymes, and anti-nausea medication may also be helpful in certain cases.
What medicine can I give my dog for upset stomach?
There are a few over-the-counter medications that can be given to dogs for an upset stomach. However, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian before giving your dog any medication. Some commonly recommended medications for dogs with an upset stomach include:
Pepcid AC (famotidine)
This medication is an antacid that can help reduce stomach acid and relieve symptoms of upset stomach, including vomiting and diarrhea. The recommended dosage for dogs is 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound of body weight every 12 to 24 hours.
Prilosec (omeprazole)
This medication is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It can help relieve symptoms of acid reflux and other stomach problems. The recommended dosage for dogs is 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound of body weight every 24 hours.
Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate)
This medication can help relieve diarrhea and upset stomach in dogs. However, it is important to note that it should not be given to dogs who are allergic to aspirin, and it should not be used for more than a few days. The recommended dose for dogs is 0.5-1 ml per pound of body weight every 6-8 hours.
Again, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before giving your dog any medication, as the dosage and duration of treatment may vary based on your dog’s specific condition and medical history.
How to prevent an upset stomach in dogs?
In addition to knowing what to give a dog for upset stomach, you should also be awared of ways to prevent this problem from your pup. Preventing an upset stomach in dogs is an important aspect of their overall health and well-being. Here are some tips to help prevent an upset stomach in dogs:
- Feed a high-quality diet: A diet that is high in quality protein and easily digestible carbohydrates can help maintain your dog’s digestive health.
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals: Instead of feeding your dog one or two large meals a day, consider feeding them smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overeating and digestive upset.
- Avoid table scraps: Many human foods are not safe for dogs and can cause digestive upset, so it’s best to avoid feeding your dog table scraps altogether.
- Provide access to fresh water: Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water to prevent dehydration and promote healthy digestion.
- Slow down eating: If your dog eats too quickly, they may ingest air along with their food, which can lead to digestive upset. Consider using a slow feeder bowl or food puzzle to encourage slower eating.
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help promote healthy digestion and keep your dog’s gastrointestinal system functioning properly.
- Keep up with regular veterinary checkups: Regular checkups can help detect and prevent any underlying health issues that could lead to digestive upset.
By following these tips, you can help prevent an upset stomach in your dog and promote their overall health and well-being.
What foods can dogs eat with an upset stomach?
What foods are safe for dogs to eat when they are sick? Dogs frequently have upset stomachs or diarrhea because their sensitive digestive systems respond by naturally eliminating themselves through vomiting or diarrhea. While not all foods are suitable for dogs to eat, we’ve compiled a list of foods that can improve hydration, reduce colic, and generally make your dog feel better.
White rice
White rice is also excellent for the digestive tracts of dogs.If your pet typically eats seeds or sausage pates, you should try giving them white rice during episodes of diarrhea and stomachaches like this.
According to veterinarians, white rice is also the first choice according to veterinarians during periods of diarrhea because it is abundant in fiber and simple to digest, preventing dehydration.
Additionally, the process is pretty straightforward: boil 1 cup of white rice in 4 cups of water for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the water is gone, then switch off the stove. Simply combine rice and water in a pressure cooker, choose the rice cooking option, and wait for the rice to cook. For the best results, after cooking the rice, do not add salt or sugar. Instead, let the rice cool.
Boiled boneless, skinless chicken breast meat
Because it is high in protein and is the ideal food for weight loss, chicken breast is not only healthy for humans but also for dogs. When your dog has diarrhea, giving them white rice and boiling chicken breast is a good reward.
However, only give them food if they haven’t puked in six hours. Clean the chicken breasts after purchasing them, take the skin and bones off, and then place them in a saucepan of boiling water.
You can feed them after everything has cooled down because all you have to do after they are done is tear them up and combine them with white rice as described before.
Pumpkin (Canned or Pureed)
Pumpkin is another nutrient-dense meal high in soluble fiber that helps prolong stomach emptying and shorten the length of diarrhea. It gives you immediate energy and aids in digestion, making it the ideal choice for treating diarrhea and colic.
If using canned pumpkin, increase the amount of rice and pumpkin by adding 1-4 tablespoons of canned pumpkin to white rice and stirring thoroughly. Per tablespoon, pumpkin has 5 calories and 0.4 grams of soluble fiber.
Boil the pumpkin until it is tender, then use a fork and spoon to mash it and combine it with the rice. Keep in mind that food must be stored at normal temperature—not hot or cold.
Mashed boiled potatoes
A starchy vegetable, potatoes include vitamins C, B6, potassium, magnesium, and fiber, in addition to other minerals. Despite being incredibly nourishing, you should only give your pet mashed potatoes in moderation because they are high in sugar and carbohydrates, which can make them gain weight if consumed in excess.
Once the outside has been spotless of dust, the vegetable is peeled, boiled, and cooked when a fork can easily be inserted. Just a simple and nourishing mashed potato dish for your dog with diarrhea—just remove the potatoes and mash them.
Giving your dog raw potatoes is especially dangerous since they contain melanin, which can damage certain of their teeth.
Mashed cooked carrots
When observing carrots’ orange-red color, you may also see that they contain a significant amount of vitamin A, along with vitamins K and C, potassium, and fiber.
Carrots will become incredibly soft and simple to digest when cooked, making them the ideal treat for your dog who is constipated.
All that is required is to peel, clean, boil, crush, and combine them with rice. You could also just chop them up and cook them with rice if you’re pressed for time. Make sure your dog receives them all at room temperature.
Mashed sweet potatoes
In addition to providing fiber, sweet potatoes are also a good source of vitamins and nutrients like manganese, calcium, and vitamins B6, B5, and C. The fiber in sweet potatoes also aids in the relief of gastrointestinal pain and promotes healthy digestion.
Before boiling or steaming the potatoes, make sure they are equally cooked and remove any external dust. Cut the potatoes to ripen them rapidly. Feed your pet by crushing them with a tool or machine.
Boiled egg
Hard-boiled eggs are not bad for dogs. We are all familiar with eggs, which are rich in vitamins, protein, and other minerals that provide the body with energy.
You can chop, smash, and combine it with white rice after boiling, peeling, and feeding it to the dog. It’s also crucial to stress that no additional spices are used.
Keep in mind that feeding dogs raw eggs is not recommended since they may contain bacteria like salmonella, which can cause food poisoning and exacerbate symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Oatmeal
Dogs can use oats in a variety of ways. Oatmeal is a common breakfast choice for people who are trying to lose weight and exercise. It efficiently controls diarrhea in dogs, has high soluble fiber content, and helps keep the stomach full for a long time. For senior dogs with digestive irregularities, oats are extremely beneficial.
Simply cooking the oatmeal with a little water on the stove and waiting for it to expand is all that is required to prepare a cup of oats. Avoid giving your dog raw oats, which could harm his upset stomach, and only feed them when they have cooled to room temperature.
Cottage cheese
Since cottage cheese is high in fat and protein, it helps to solidify healthy waste and ward off diarrhea. Additionally, veterinarians advise against overfeeding dogs because too much high-fat cheese will worsen diarrhea. To make it more appealing to your dog, combine it with rice.
Watermelon
It provides many vitamins for dogs. Many people enjoy the cooling qualities of watermelon, which also happens to be rich in potassium, vitamins A, B, and C. It has extremely little fat, calories, and cholesterol, and lycopene strengthens the immune system.
Watermelon’s high water and fiber content can prevent your dog from becoming dehydrated while experiencing diarrhea. Before giving your dog a melon, since the seeds might lead to intestinal blockage, remove all the seeds, peel the outer skin, and cut the melon into bite-sized pieces.
Banana
Dogs eat bananas to help their digestive systems.Bananas are rich in potassium and the vitamins B6 and C. Because they are healthy for the digestive system, vets also advise regular dogs to consume bananas. Dogs with colic or diarrhea should be given bananas, according to veterinarians.
Bananas can also be given to your dog as a snack, but only in moderation due to the high sugar content of bananas. For them to eat, either crush them with rice or cut them into small pieces.
FAQs
Does wet food help settle a dog’s tummy better than dry kibble does?
Wet food can be beneficial because it can increase the moisture content of your dog’s diet which may help improve hydration. However, there is no scientific evidence that shows wet food has a greater ability to soothe an upset stomach. It is important to discuss your pet’s diet with a veterinarian so that you can find the best option for them.
Is it safe to give human food to a dog with an upset stomach?
It is generally not recommended to give human food to dogs as their digestive systems can have difficulty processing certain foods. If you are concerned about your dog’s upset stomach, it is best to consult a veterinarian for advice on the best course of action.
Can certain breeds of dogs be more prone to digestive issues than others?
Some breeds may be predisposed to digestive problems due to their anatomy. Additionally, certain breeds of dogs may be more susceptible to food allergies or intolerance which can cause digestive issues. It is important to speak with your veterinarian about the best diet for your pet and any concerns you have about potential digestive issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, determining what to give a dog for upset stomach is a crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership, as it ensures the well-being and happiness of our furry companions. By considering natural remedies above, you can help alleviate your dog’s discomfort and promote a speedy recovery. Remember, however, that consulting with your veterinarian is always the best course of action, as they can provide tailored guidance and support based on your dog’s specific needs. Ultimately, by being proactive and knowledgeable about your dog’s health, you’ll be better equipped to address gastrointestinal issues and ensure that your beloved pet remains a happy and healthy member of your family.