What to give dogs for upset stomach

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 (sign of nausea), gulping (as a way to combat acid reflux), loss of appetite and lethargy.

But when it comes to treatment, the severity of your dogs symptoms should dictate your response.

Severe Symptoms of Upset Stomach

If your dog is displaying severe signs of illness such as repeated, frequent vomiting and diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, or fever, contact your vet or your local emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

If you have a puppy between 6 weeks and 6 months old that is showing severe signs of upset stomach, call your vet immediately. Parvovirus (parvo) is a very serious and contagious condition that can be fatal for puppies. 

Infrequent Vomiting

If your dog is vomiting infrequently, chances are good that there is nothing seriously wrong with your canine friend. That said, it's always advisable to call your vet before giving any remedies to your dog for their upset stomach.

Here are a few things you can try, to help your dog feel better if they have an upset stomach:

Withhold food.

• Give your dog's stomach a break from the hard work of digesting food. Have your dog skip a meal or two while their GI track deals with the issue. Fasting for 24 hours will not harm your dog and may help your dog's tummy to recover more quickly.

Provide your dog with ice cubes.

• Rather than providing a full bowl of water for your dog to gulp down, provide small amounts of water in their bowl or a couple of ice cubes every few minute. It's important to keep your dog hydrated while they have an upset stomach but drinking too much water may make your dog's tummy feel worse.

Give your dog bone broth to drink.

• Dogs love home cooked bone broth and providing your dog with small amounts of bone broth is a tasty way to keep your canine friend hydrated. Bone broth takes a long time to prepare so it's a good idea to have some in your freezer in case of emergencies.

Feed your dog canned pumpkin.

• Canned 100% pumpkin is an excellent remedy for indigestion. Pumpkin has a low glycemic index which means it is absorbed slowly by the body which can be soothing for an irritated GI tract. Be sure that you buy pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling which contains sugar and spices. How much pumpkin to offer your dog will depend on weight. Contact your vet for guidelines on how much pumpkin you should give your dog.

Signs of an upset stomach should disappear within 24-48 hours. If your dog's symptoms continue for more than a couple of days. it's time to see the vet.

Causes of Upset Stomach in Dogs

From indigestion to cancer there are a vast number of reasons why your dog may have an upset stomach. While all dogs will vomit occasionally, if your dog vomits or has diarrhea often or continuously it's time to visit the vet for a checkup. Chronic or frequent vomiting or diarrhea are a signs that there is an issue with your dog's health that needs to be addressed.  

Contact your vet if your dog is experiencing ongoing or frequent symptoms of an upset stomach. Your vet will be able to examine your dog and run tests if necessary in order to provide an accurate diagnosis of the problem, and provide appropriate treatment. 

Some causes of upset stomach in dogs include:

• Bloat
• Parvovirus
• Intestinal Parasites
• Viral Infection
• Reaction to Medications
• Intestinal foreign bodies
• Heat Stroke

• Change of Diet
• Constipation
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney Failure
• Liver Failure
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Toxins or Poisons

• Ingestion of toxic substances
• Uterine Infection
• Stress
• Stomach ulcers
• Food sensitivities & allergies
• Bacterial Infection
• Cancer

Most of the conditions listed above are treatable, particularly when treated as soon as possible after symptoms appear.

If you're concerned that your dog may be sick, contact our Southeast Memphis vets to book an appointment today.

As they are famous for their unquenchable appetite, it’s not uncommon for a dog to suffer from indigestion or stomach issues. Canine stomach ache is usually a result of spoiled food, a food intolerance or allergy, or because they have ingested something questionable. Most tummy issues are easily treated by the vet, but if you’d like to alleviate your pup’s pain naturally at home, check out the following advice and remedies.

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, it’s most probably because he ingested something he wasn’t supposed to. Vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, and pain are just the body’s 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 dog’s stomach aches. Before making any abrupt changes in your dog’s 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.

How do I know my dog has digestive problems?

Asides from the apparent vomiting and diarrhea, you may notice other sickness symptoms, such as excessively licking of lips, gulping the air to fight the reflux, gaging or heaving, and even licking objects or paws. High temperature can be a sign of food poisoning, so watch out for dry and warm noses. When feeling nauseated, dogs will sometimes eat grass to soothe the stomach or induce vomiting. In general, you will notice your pooch lying around, lacking energy and appetite.

Photo by R+R Medicinals on Unsplash

Herbal remedies for soothing dog stomach issues

Until you can get your dog to a vet, or if you think the problem is minor, there are simple herbal recipes to help your pooch endure the unpleasant symptoms. Remember –  these remedies are effective with mild gastrointestinal issues, so make sure to consult the vet before taking matters into your own hands, just in case your dog’s problem is worse than you think it is.

Your dog will be interested in your herbal remedy if it’s nicely mixed with wet food. You can also give the herbs in the form of tea if the taste isn’t an issue. Another great way of slipping in the remedies is by mixing them with yogurt. It is packed with good probiotics and will also help improve the gut bacteria and restore digestive balance. Lastly, before opting for a holistic treatment approach, make sure to do your research and get acquainted with all the possible side effects or precautions. Always consult a vet if you have any doubts or questions.

Healing herbs to soothe a dog’s upset stomach

1.     Ginger

This potent, ancient remedy has been used for centuries to ease sickness and nausea. Also, dogs find it tasty, so it can easily be included in their typical meal or given as tea.

2.     Basil

This spice is fantastic for fighting bacteria due to the healing oils it contains. Mix a few fresh leaves with your dog’s wet food and he will immediately feel the results.

3.     Rosemary

Rosemary is efficient for fighting nausea, bloating, upset stomach, diarrhea and constipation. It is also a natural immune booster and breath freshener, so you can give rosemary to dogs to improve their general health and well being, too.

4.     Calendula

Yellow calendula flowers are non-toxic and are famous for their antiseptic antifungal properties. For this reason, you can use them for soothing your dog’s stomach pain if it’s induced by food poisoning or bacterial infections.

5.     Goldenseal

This wild plant is also very powerful at fighting intestinal bacteria and soothing bowel problems. Goldenseal tea will help your dog diminish bloating and regulate bowel movement in no time.

6.     Chamomile

Apart from having anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, chamomile is in medicine used for relaxation and improving sleep. If your dog’s stomach problems are stress-related, for example, a consequence of separation anxiety or something similar, chamomile tea or flowers mixed with food will do the trick.

7.     Milk Thistle

This herb has also proven to have soothing benefits for digestive problems. Moreover, it can improve liver function and prevent liver-based health issues in dogs.

Dog Hydration and gastrointestinal problems

Symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting can be hazardous due to the sudden and excessive loss of body fluids. Dehydration can further lead to serious health problems and require more intensive treatment if not treated properly. Keeping your dog hydrated in these situations is essential; however, gulping water can make an already upset stomach even worse.

A simple trick you can try out is giving your dog ice chips or cubes in small amounts. The dog will slowly lick the ice, which will hydrate and refresh him. Also, remove the water bowl out of reach and try giving a few spoonfuls of water from time to time.

Soothing Food Ingredients to Give Your Dog

If you notice your dog having gut-related issues, the best would be to restrict and change his diet for the time being. Ingredients like rice, yogurt, cooked chicken, bone broth, and pumpkin puree are beneficial for balancing out the gut bacteria and improving digestion. Broths and soups are full of beneficial nutrients like bone marrow, protein and minerals, and are also very hydrating. Make sure to give your dog much smaller portions to prevent nausea and stomach pain. Cooked or canned pumpkin (without spices) is also great as it slowly absorbs, thus helping with digestion without upsetting the stomach.

Home Remedies for Dog Vomiting and Upset Stomach

Many people find themselves with a dog with an upset stomach, which also often leads to vomiting. While many home remedies work in a very helpful way, they are usually not the final solution. Here are some of the best home remedies for your dog’s vomit and upset stomach that have been tested extensively and found to be most effective.

1) Ginger
Ginger is one of the best home remedies for your dog’s vomiting and upset stomach because it has anti-spasmodic effects. It is believed to help settle stomach irritation and nausea, helping your dog to feel better. It also works as an antacid that is easy for your dog to digest.

Add a small amount of ginger to your dog’s food or water at least three times a day for at least a week. This will help relieve the discomfort and nausea.

2) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be mixed in with your dog’s drinking water. It is a good source of carbonation and it can help settle upset stomachs. The formula below should be used as a guideline:

2 tsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tsp water

Mix in small amounts every few minutes and your dog will be able to drink it easily. If your dog throws up after drinking, try adding two more teaspoons of water and mixing again. Also, make sure that the apple cider vinegar is fresh. These home remedies for dog vomiting and upset stomach have been shown to work very well for many dogs. Purchase some of these at pet supply stores or try them at home first to see if they work for your dog’s vomiting and upset stomach.

Feature photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash