What can a dog take for upset stomach

Although your dog's upset stomach  (including vomiting and diarrhea) can be a common sign of poisoning or illness, the most common culprit in dogs is simple digestive upset.   More often than not, your dog could have eaten too much, too fast, or ate something he or she should not have consumed at all, causing an upset stomach or even vomiting.   

If scavenging trash, ingesting moldy, rotten food, or scarfing food too quickly is the culprit, then offering an at-home remedy for upset stomachs may do the trick. However, keep in mind that while isolated episodes may not be serious, if 2-3 episodes in a 24-hour period occur, or the upset stomach is accompanied by other symptoms, it could in fact be something more serious. 

According to Julie Reck DVM, Veterinary Medical Center of Fort Mill, South Carolina and Co-Founder of Aspire Vet, upset stomachs accompanied by other symptoms could warrant immediate medical attention.

“If a dog has other symptoms, such as a lack of appetite or is acting tired or sluggish, then even an isolated episode should be evaluated by your veterinarian,” Julie Reck DVM said.1

As far as giving an antacid to your pooch, avoid Pepto-Bismol® and other products containing salicylic acid, which inflame canine tummies. Your veterinarian may suggest Pepcid®, Mylanta® or Gaviscon® (except for pets with kidney disease).2 Additionally, oral probiotics may help with stomach issues, as long as the brand you choose does not contain xylitol.

Other tummy soothers for Fido may be found in places as close as your kitchen cupboard!  Consider checking out some do-it-yourself home remedies that may help your dog’s upset stomach:

Ginger

Ginger can be a simple solution for a dog’s upset stomach, and what works better than ginger snap cookies? Two cookies for a medium-sized dog can generally does the trick.  If your dog will drink, you can also try peeling fresh ginger root, and boiling it in water. When cool, let him lap it up. All of these options can also help your dog with motion sickness. 

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin Puree is a natural remedy for diarrhea since fiber helps firm up loose stools.  

Rice

Rice is very easily digested by a dog with an upset stomach.  Better yet, adding a spoonful of pumpkin to it can boost its benefits and make it taste yummier as well.  

Honey

Honey is packed with antioxidants and flavonoids, and its pH is low enough to slow or prevent the growth of many types of bacteria. There is substantial evidence that New Zealand’s Manuka honey may be effective against Helicobacter pylori bacteria which causes stomach ulcers.3

Carob

Carob (aka pet-safe chocolate) is great for calming an upset tummy and curbing diarrhea. Mixing carob powder with a little honey and filtered water, or even into non-fat plain yogurt, can be a treat for your dog. 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has long been considered a treatment for nausea, fever and diarrhea!    

Slippery Elm

This is one of the greatest remedies for digestive disorders. When the bark is mixed with goat milk or goat milk yogurt, it lines the gut and intestines, protecting the mucous membranes from irritation. It is best to check with your veterinarian regarding dosing.4

Cabbage

Cabbage contains many nutrients that support the tummy and intestinal lining.  The veggie has anti-inflammatory properties, and cabbage can help curb stomach pain. 

• Prevent pets from drinking out of lakes, streams, gutters, buckets and unsanitary sources.
• Wash water bowls daily.
• Don't feed table scraps or change a pet's diet suddenly.
• Ensure all leftovers or potentially harmful foods are kept out of a pet’s reach
• Check with your veterinarian regularly 

Dogs sometimes get into things that they should not, however vomiting and diarrhea can also be signs of serious illness.  When in doubt, always check with your veterinarian to ensure a quick recovery.  

Looking for more ways to keep your pup happy and healthy? Consider investing in a dog insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance.1  Get your free quote today. 

Just like people, dogs can get stomach aches for a variety of reasons, from eating something they shouldn’t have to catching a disease. Because these causes have a wide range of severity, many dog owners are unsure of how to respond to a dog showing gastrointestinal (GI) upset and if a trip to the veterinarian is always necessary.

Dr. Emily Gould, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, discusses the common causes and symptoms of digestive issues, as well as what owners can do to help their pup through the pain.

“The most common gastrointestinal issues causing owners to seek veterinary care for their dogs are dietary indiscretion (eating of food that upsets their GI tract), ingestion of a foreign object, intestinal parasites, pancreatitis, and chronic inflammatory intestinal disease (caused by food allergies/intolerance or immune-mediated inflammation),” she said.

The most common symptoms for any form of GI upset are vomiting and diarrhea, which can appear as acute symptoms with a sudden onset or chronic symptoms with multiple episodes over several weeks.

“Some animals with GI upset will also become nauseous, which can manifest as excessive drooling/salivation, lip licking, and lack of interest in food,” Gould said. “The development of flatulence and/or loud ‘gut sounds’ (known as borborygmi) might also be noted in some cases.”

Many cases of GI upset will resolve on their own, but there are several symptoms owners can watch out for to determine if a trip to the veterinarian is necessary, including if the dog stops eating or drinking, is depressed/lethargic, has frequent or persistent vomit or diarrhea (lasting beyond 24 hours), blood in the vomitus or diarrhea, or is known to have ingested a foreign object.

“For the most part, if your pet is still acting like itself and eating and drinking normally, there is not always a need to bring them in for signs lasting less than 48 hours,” Gould said. “If signs continue for more than 48 hours or any of the earlier criteria are noted, veterinary care is warranted, as vomiting and diarrhea can cause life-threatening dehydration if medical care is not provided.”

One notable cause of GI upset in puppies, specifically, is parvovirus, a condition that can be life-threatening for dogs that have not been fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated puppies with GI issues should always be taken to a veterinarian because parvovirus can cause extreme dehydration and death within 24 hours without supportive care.

“Puppies, in general, also become dehydrated very quickly, so more than one or two episodes of vomiting or diarrhea in a young dog necessitates veterinary care,” Gould said.

If a dog begins showing signs of stomach upset but is still willing to eat and drink, its owner can first try offering a bland, low-fat, highly digestible diet to resolve the issue.

“Boiled, skinless chicken or turkey breast mixed with white rice or low-fat cottage cheese can be offered in the short term,” Gould said. “The low-fat component makes the food easier to digest and helps the stomach empty its contents quickly.

“However, these are not balanced diets for long-term consumption, and continuing to feed an unbalanced diet can result in life-threatening nutrient deficiencies,” she reminds owners. “Long-term home-cooked diets must be formulated via a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.”

Other dietary changes that may help resolve and prevent GI upset are feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day and not giving a dog table scraps, raw meat, or foods high in fat.

Because the causes of digestive issues can range from mild to severe, dog owners should always be on the lookout for any signs of discomfort. A quick response, and trip to the veterinarian, if necessary, can save time, money, and even a dog’s life.

“Gastrointestinal upset can be very distressing for owners, and it is always better to be on the safe side with having your dog evaluated if you are at all concerned,” Gould said. “While many causes of GI upset are not life threatening, some can be, which is why assessment by a veterinarian is never wrong.”

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to [email protected].

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