What to Do If Your Dog Has an Upset Stomach
Laura Evans |
June 08, 2024
37,521
As a dog owner, it’s distressing to see your furry friend suffer from an upset stomach, complete with distressing symptoms like vomiting and discomfort. In your search for relief, you’re not just looking for a quick fix, but for gentle and effective remedies that won’t cause further harm. This article is designed to provide compassionate and practical solutions to help restore your dog’s health and happiness.
Common Causes of Upset Stomach in Dogs
Understanding the common triggers of an upset stomach in dogs can be a valuable tool in both prevention and treatment. The causes can range from simple dietary indiscretions to more complex health issues.
Dietary Indiscretion: Dogs are curious by nature, and this sometimes leads them to eat things they shouldn’t. Consuming garbage, table scraps, or toxic foods can easily upset their stomachs.
Change in Diet: Even a well-intentioned change in their diet can lead to stomach issues. Dogs’ digestive systems may need time to adjust to new foods.
Food Intolerance or Allergies: Just like humans, dogs can develop intolerances or allergies to certain foods, which can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can disrupt your dog’s stomach, leading to discomfort and vomiting.
Stress: Emotional stress can manifest physically in dogs, often affecting their digestive system.
Underlying Health Issues: Conditions such as pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, or gastrointestinal diseases can present symptoms like an upset stomach.
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What to Give a Dog for Upset Stomach
When a dog presents with vomiting and signs of an upset stomach, it is vital to assess the severity. For non-severe cases, certain home remedies can be beneficial:
- Fasting: For a 24-hour period, withholding food (but not water) can allow the stomach to settle. When reintroducing food, bland diets are preferred. Boiled chicken and rice, which are easy on the stomach, can be given in small portions. The American Kennel Club suggests that 25% of the daily intake be provided every four hours for the first day.
Pumpkin: Plain canned pumpkin (not spiced or sweetened), which is high in fiber, can help regulate the digestive system. A survey by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that 80% of dog owners reported improvements in their dogs’ digestive issues after feeding them 1-4 tablespoons of pumpkin.
Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can restore balance to the intestinal flora. A clinical trial reported in the Journal of Applied Microbiology showed that probiotics could reduce gastrointestinal symptoms in 70% of dogs treated.
- Pepto-Bismol: In some cases, Pepto-Bismol can be administered to dogs. However, always consult with a veterinarian, as dosage and frequency are crucial and it’s not suitable for all dogs.
If symptoms persist beyond 24 hours or are severe, including dehydration, blood in vomit, or lethargy, seek veterinary assistance immediately, call your vet or out of hours a 24/7 pet helpline. Vets may prescribe antiemetics like maropitant citrate, which, according to the American Journal of Veterinary Research, is effective in 90% of cases for controlling vomiting.
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When to Seek Veterinary Help
In the delicate balance of caring for a dog with an upset stomach, understanding when to escalate to professional help is crucial. If your dog’s discomfort continues beyond a day or if they exhibit signs of severe distress, such as relentless vomiting, refusal to eat, or extreme lethargy, it’s time to consult your veterinarian.
Be particularly alert to symptoms like continuous retching without producing anything, a bloated abdomen, or discomfort when touching their stomach area. These signs could indicate more serious conditions that require immediate attention.
In situations where you’re unsure or need immediate advice, consider reaching out to a 24/7 pet helpline. These services offer valuable guidance and can help determine whether your dog’s symptoms require an urgent vet visit.
Your role as a vigilant pet parent is key. Trust your instincts; you know your furry companion better than anyone. If their condition seems to worsen despite your care, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice. A timely visit to the vet can provide not just relief but also peace of mind, guiding your beloved dog back to their happy, healthy self. Note that if your vet is not open, some services provide live chat and video options to connect you with a vet). It’s better to be safe than sorry.
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Conclusion
While an upset stomach in dogs is often not serious, it’s important to monitor your pet’s symptoms. For mild cases, home remedies and dietary adjustments can provide relief, but for more severe or persistent symptoms, veterinary intervention is necessary. Always consult a professional before administering any treatment to ensure the safety and health of your dog.
References:
- Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, “Gastrointestinal issues in dogs: Prevalence and treatment outcomes.”
- American Journal of Veterinary Research, “Efficacy of maropitant citrate in the treatment of canine vomiting.”
- American Kennel Club, “Bland diets for dogs with gastrointestinal issues.”
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, “Pumpkin supplementation in dog diets.”
- Journal of Applied Microbiology, “Effects of probiotics on canine gastrointestinal health.”
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