Dogs are prone to suffering from upset stomach and episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. Here are some upset stomach remedies for dogs that can effectively treat this common health problem in dogs.
An upset stomach is a common health problem that can cause nasty episodes of diarrhea and vomiting in dogs, leaving the canines and their owners quite distressed. This can be even more problematic if your little puppy loves to wander around the neighborhood and chews on just about anything that it can find. A sudden change in the diet, eating large quantities of food, dietary indiscretion, and mental stress can contribute to the upset stomach problems. While there are a number of over-the-counter antacids that are available, it is best to stick to simple remedies to prevent any side effects of the medications. Here is a look at the causes, symptoms, and remedies for an upset stomach in dogs.
Upset Stomach Causes
Eating inadequate, toxic, chemical, or decomposed food is one of the major causes of upset stomach in dogs. A sudden change in diet can also worsen the problem. In addition, diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, inflammatory bowel disease in dogs, and poor digestion can also contribute to the problem. Stress and other such problems can also trigger off an upset stomach.
Upset Stomach Symptoms
You can identify that your dog is suffering from an upset stomach when it displays certain symptoms. Some of the common symptoms include constipation, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms of upset stomach include:
- Vomiting
- Loose, watery, and in some cases, bloody stool
- Lethargy
- Persistent high fever
- Increased thirst
- Dehydration
Upset Stomach Remedies
Restrict Food
For dogs suffering from an upset stomach, the first rule is to restrict the food for a minimum of twelve hours. An overnight fast gives your dog’s stomach time to recover.
Bland Diet
After the period of fasting, feed the dog a bland diet consisting of boiled rice and chicken or boiled rice and hamburger. Chicken should be fed only after taking off the skin. Make sure the hamburger is fat-free before serving it to the dog. The food should be served in small quantities. Continue with this diet till the vomiting subsides.
Eating Grass
No, I am not bonkers. Eating grass helps the dog vomit out the food and eases the symptoms of an upset stomach.
Avoid Dehydration
The constant vomiting and loose stool increases the odds of your dog becoming dehydrated. Fill its bowl with half water and half Gatorade or give it some Pedialyte to replace the electrolytes. A dog suffering from upset stomach should not be fed water continuously. This can only make the condition worse by increasing the vomiting. Check if your dog is getting dehydrated by lifting the skin on its shoulder and back. If it stays firm instead of flapping back, then you might need to consult a veterinarian for introduction of subcutaneous fluids.
Yogurt
Probiotic yogurt and cottage cheese contains bacteria that is quite effective in soothing the upset stomach and the irritated intestines.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies are known to be effective in soothing the digestive system and restore its balance. Some well-known herbal remedies include plantain, Podophyllum, and Alchemilla vulgaris.
While most mild cases of diarrhea and upset stomach can be cured in a few days with these simple remedies, remember that the vomiting and other symptoms can be the result of something serious. These serious issues can result in persistent symptoms which are extremely difficult to treat. So if the symptoms do not subside in a few days, it is a good idea to consult a veterinarian.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of a veterinarian.
