What To Give A Dog For Upset Stomach: 5 Remedies
Upset stomachs in dogs are one of the most common problems. In most cases, it is not a matter of concern and can be cured in two or three days. But in some cases, the upset stomach of dogs can stay for a prolonged time. In these cases, there are certain things that you will have to do to treat your dog.
Always keep one thing in mind: if your dog is facing an upset stomach very frequently and is accompanied by fever, vomiting, and other problems, there is a high chance that your dog has been affected by some food allergies. It happens because your dog might be sensitive to certain food items or ingredients.
What to give a dog for upset stomach can be a problem for many dog owners. To clarify this problem, this article targets all the important things you should remember while helping a dog with an upset stomach.
Should You Give Your Dog Pepto
Another remedy is a little bit of Pepto-Bismol or Pepcid crushed and mixed with water . It is possible that these products manufacturers may change their formulas over time and may not be as safe as they once were for pups. As with any treatment, always consult a vet before proceeding with treatment. Learn more about Pepto Bismol for dogs.
Note that the Pepto-Bismol or Pepcid may make your dogs stool darken quite a bit this is not a reason for alarm.
What Causes Upset Stomachs In Dogs
Just like us, dogs can get an upset stomach for a variety of reasons. Its important to figure out the source of your dogs upset stomach so you can provide a proper treatment plan for your pooch. While most upset stomachs arent serious, sometimes it can be the side effect of an even bigger health problem.
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Common Causes Of Diarrhea In Pets
While diarrhea is a prevalent ailment in pets, its not a problem that should be taken lightly. In fact, diarrhea can often be a clinical sign of many different underlying conditions for animals. Well take you through some of the common causes of pet diarrhea, the best ways to treat the illness when it hits your own pet, as well as some ways to prevent it in the future.
Diarrhea is so common in pets that its actually been the No. 1 most claimed condition at Petplan for the last three years, says Dr. Jules Benson, VP of Veterinary Services at Petplan pet insurance. It could be brought on by anything from a virus or parasites to poisoning, allergic reaction, autoimmune disease, or even certain types of cancer, says Dr. Benson. The most common cause, however, usually occurs when an animal has eaten something that doesnt agree with his system. Diarrhea can also be a common side effect of some pet medications, including antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and heart medications, says Dr. Benson. Further complicating matters, some pets also experience diarrhea as a result of excitement or stress.
Of course treatment for diarrhea will vary based on whats causing it. If the diarrhea is being caused by an underlying condition, the vet will work to control that, while advocating treatment that will alleviate your pets symptoms, says Dr. Benson.
Signs Your Dog Has An Upset Stomach

The symptoms of an upset stomach in dogs generally depend on the severity and your pet’s stomach sensitivity. âIt could be anything from eating more slowly or skipping a meal all the way to vomiting, lethargy or dehydration,â Dr. Bullen notes.
If your dog has been sick or not eating for over 24 hours, or if theyâre unresponsive or lethargic, Dr. Bullen recommends seeking call your vet or going in for a check up.
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What Is Cbd And How Does It Work
CBD stands for cannabidiol one of the 115 active ingredients in cannabis known as cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are the plant-based equivalents of endocannabinoids, which are natural neurotransmitters produced by the endocannabinoid system .
The ECS is the major regulatory network in all mammals. It controls the functioning of all other systems and their organs. The main role of the ECS is to help the body maintain a balance between important biological processes.
The functions controlled by the ECS control pain, sleep, mood, memory, gut motility, immune response, sensations of fear and stress, body temperature, and appetite just to name a few.
The cannabinoid receptors occur throughout the body, with the largest concentrations in the central nervous system, immune system, and peripheral nervous system. Endocannabinoids are released whenever the balance in the body is disrupted. However, they dont last for too long and the body doesnt store them for later.
This is where CBD steps in.
CBD signals the ECS to produce more of its own endocannabinoids. It also makes them more available for the body by inhibiting the Fatty Amino Acid Hydrolase enzyme that breaks them down.
On top of that, CBD acts on more than 65 molecular targets.
Heres why you may want to consider giving CBD oil to your dog when they have an upset stomach.
Prevention Of Upset Stomach In Dogs
There are several things pet owners can do to help prevent their dogs from One of the most common problems pet owners face is their dog getting sick. One of the main causes of illness in dogs is an upset stomach. An upset stomach can be caused by a variety of factors, but many times its due to eating something that makes your dog sick. Prevention is the best way to avoid upset stomach in your dog, so here are some tips:
- Make sure your dog has a balanced diet. A diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates will help keep your pets digestive system healthy.
- Avoid giving your dog food that has been left out too long. If youre going to leave food out for your dog, make sure to clean up any messes made beforehand so that your pet doesnt get sick from contaminated food.
- Be careful about what you give your dog as treats. Keep treats to a minimum and try not to give your dog too many at one time.
- Make sure that you keep your dogs vaccinations up to date, especially rabies.
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The Danger Of Viruses And Parasites
Like stomach aches, viruses are typical dog ailments. Yet, some can be a severe danger to your pup. Similarly, parasites are never welcome in your pets tummy and can cause all kinds of trouble.
If you think your dog has an upset stomach because of a virus or parasite, stay calm. It happens.
Detecting Dog Viruses and Parasites
The most common way for our furry friends to get a virus or parasite is by eating contaminated fecal matter.
Another source is contaminated water. Around 40% of US fishing and swimming lakes are too polluted for humans, dogs usually tolerate bad water better than us but still, you should never let your pup drink stagnant water, it could be full of toxins and parasites.
Preventing this is quite a task as a pup eats and drinks many weird things daily. You cant constantly watch the dog to make sure it doesnt eat some poop.
Lets find out what happens with the dog and its upset tummy in this case.
What the Parvovirus and Worms Do to Your Dog
Parvovirus is the most common threat. Thats why your furry pal should get regular vaccinations. The virus attacks the small intestine and then moves on to the bloodstream. Next, it gets to the white blood cells, followed by the bone marrow and, finally, the heart.
Dealing With Viruses and Parasites
Its not pleasant, but you need to examine your dogs stool. Thats the best way to understand whats going on inside. Thankfully, the dog stomach ache symptoms of viruses and parasites are always the same.
Symptoms Of An Upset Stomach
The tell-tale symptoms of an irritated stomach in dogs are diarrhoea and vomiting, but there are several other signs to look out for, including:
- Reduced or loss of appetite
- Frequent licking of the lips, air, objects, or surfaces
- Appearing uncomfortable or stretching frequently
Dogs experiencing nausea will often lick their lips, swallow excessively, drool, pace, and contract their stomach muscles. They may also eat grass outside to induce vomiting and settle their tummy.
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Common Causes Of Upset Stomach In Dogs
There are many reasons your dog may have an upset stomach, though theres one common cause: they ate something they shouldnt have, says Kathy Backus, DVM, at Holistic Veterinary Services in Kaysville, Utah.
Dogs are curious like kids theyre always putting things in their mouth, she says. Vomiting and diarrhea are signs that a dogs body is trying to expel something that shouldnt be in their system. In a healthy dog, its a protective mechanism of the body thats totally normal.
These are a few things that can trigger an upset stomach in dogs:
-
Ingesting something that they shouldnt
-
Bacterial imbalances within the digestive tract
-
Chronic conditions such as food sensitivities
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.
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What Are Some Home Remedies That Can Help A Puppy Feel Better
A few home remedies can help a puppy or your Dog feel better when they have an upset stomach or stomach pain.
One of the most common is to give the puppy some boiled chicken and rice.
This is a bland diet, low-fat dog food that will be gentle on the stomach.
You can also try giving the puppy some ginger ale or Pedialyte to help settle their stomach.
If the puppy is vomiting, you can give them small amounts of water or chicken broth to keep them hydrated.
Finally, make sure the puppy has plenty of relaxation.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Its really important that your dog stay hydrated at all times, but especially if they are experiencing vomiting and diarrhea. With diarrhea, they may very quickly become dehydrated, sometimes within a couple of hours.
Try giving your dog ice chips every 2 3 hours. See if your dog can keep that down before more ice cubes and teaspoons of water.
Dont assume you can just offer water to your dog to help them stay hydrated. Dogs need electrolytes and vitamins to retain fluids. One solution is to give your dog Pedialyte. You give the same kind you give kids or you can go to an animal feed store to obtain a powder that can be mixed with water and given to your dog.
*NOTE: if your dog does not improve within 24 hours after being given Pedialyte, IMMEDIATELY take your dog to your veterinarian or animal emergency hospital. Dehydration in dogs can happen very quickly, causing possible organ failure or even death.
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Home Remedies For Your Dogs Upset Stomach
Following these tips can help your dog feel better when they have upset stomachs.
Remember, if your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea for more than 24 hours, you should immediately take them to a local emergency veterinary hospital.
Do Dogs Need Probiotics
Probiotics are prescribed for maintaining a desirable intestinal microbial balance. A generally healthy dog should be able to maintain the balance of digestive microbes naturally.
But during times of stress, illness, or malnutrition, an imbalance can occur.
Many dogs respond well to a supplement of beneficial microbes to bring the digestive microflora back in balance.
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Taste Of The Wild Prey Angus Beef Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Image courtesy Taste of the Wild
The Taste of the Wild Prey Angus Beef Limited Ingredient Dog Food is a grain-free, dry dog food that is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs. This formula is made with Angus beef as the first ingredient, and it also includes potatoes, peas, pork fat, and flaxseed.
It is fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure that your pup gets all the nutrients they need. The Taste of the Wild Prey Angus Beef Limited Ingredient Dog Food is a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Why Dogs Lose Their Appetite
Refusing to eat for more than two meals is uncommon for most animals. Loss of appetite is a serious indicator of an underlying illness, which can vary from depression to cancer. If you notice a change in your dogs eating habits, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. It is especially important to respond quickly to a refusal to eat in dogs who normally have a good appetite.
The most common reasons a dog will lose their appetite include:
Other, more serious reasons for a dog being sick include:
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How To Help Your Dogs Upset Stomach
Sharp pains, aching, and burningthese are all symptoms of a nasty tummy ache. Unfortunately, our furry best friends get stomach pain just like us, except they cant tell us when they have it. Luckily, there are some signs and symptoms to look out for so you know if your dog needs help. Once you know theyre uncomfortable, you need to understand how to help your dogs upset stomach.
Best Foods For Dog With An Upset Stomach
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Potato
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Real Salmon and Sweet Potato
Taste of the Wild Prey Angus Beef Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Chicken Flavor
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Rice Dog Food
Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP
Brothers Complete Advanced Allergy Lamb Meal and Egg
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Dog Upset Stomach Treatment
The treatment for your dogs upset stomach depends on the condition your veterinarian identifies.
Parvovirus. If they have parvovirus, they will need to be isolated from other dogs and require hospitalization. The veterinarian can give your dog intravenous fluids to rehydrate them and maintain their system’s ability to fight off the virus. Veterinarians might prescribe antibiotics to reduce any bacterial infections that result from the sickness.
Inflammation. For inflamed stomach tissue and conditions that cause a lot of vomiting, veterinarians generally prescribe short-term fasting and lots of fluid intake to make sure your dog is hydrated.
Other conditions. Bloating, cancer, and obstructions require immediate surgical procedures that can range from open surgery to less invasive procedures to remove obstructions.
On rare occasions, an ulcer might need to be removed surgically if it has caused a perforation in part of the gastrointestinal tract.
Common treatment. Vets often suggest a bland diet to treat a dog’s upset stomach. Rice and chicken, or a more specific diet, removes the irritating substances from food to help your dogs digestive system rebalance itself.
Veterinarians will treat your dogs symptoms with medication while they are determining the cause of their stomach problems. Probiotics are a common prescription for a dogs tummy troubles.
Pagination
Ulcers Viruses And Parasites

What causes an upset stomach in dogs? Gastrointestinal issues arent the only instigators. Large amounts of stomach acid, dangerous viruses, and harmful parasites can be a problem, too.
Lets see what else causes stomach aches and vomiting.
What Are Ulcers and How Do They Appear?
Stomach acid is another factor when it comes to upset stomach issues in dogs. When it accumulates too much, the adverse effects come in the form of ulcers.
We all know what acid does it burns through things. A large amount of it breaks down the tummys innermost part, which is how small holes form in the stomach tissue. Thats what we call ulcers. Theyre incredibly painful and harmful to our cute little four-legged babies.
What Are the Symptoms of Ulcers?
Ulcers are unique since only infections and strong medication can create them. But theyre accompanied by other digestive issues, like acid reflux and gastritis.
How can you find out if your pet has ulcers? There are two visible symptoms bloody vomit and a dark, hard stool. Unfortunately, many symptoms remain unseen. Watch out for sudden weight loss, changes in appetite, lethargy, and fatigue.
Lets see what dog upset stomach treatment can help with ulcers.
Healing and Relieving Ulcers
How long does an upset stomach last in dogs if ulcers cause it? You need to treat it immediately, or your pet wont eat food since it hurts.
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What Usually Causes An Upset Stomach In Dogs
Although dogs can suffer from severe digestive problems, if your furry friend has symptoms of an upset stomach, its most probably because he ingested something he wasnt supposed to. Vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, and pain are just the bodys fighting mechanisms to deal with the gut imposter.
Another common reason for an upset stomach may be simple overeating, especially with greasy and high-calorie food. Dogs will gulp down the food until their bowl is completely empty, so the power is basically in your hands. To rule out overeating as a cause of digestion problems, try making smaller portions per meal and look for dog food for sensitive stomachs.
Switching from puppy to adult dog, as well as changing brands, food type, or the feeding regimen can also be reasons for your dogs stomach aches. Before making any abrupt changes in your dogs diet, consult a trusted vet and focus on gradual transitioning. For example, instead of immediately switching from store-bought food to a raw dog diet, try combining the two or slowly introducing new ingredients.