What to Do When Your Dog Has an Upset Stomach

Dogs, as our loyal companions, always tug at our heartstrings with their health conditions. When they experience stomach discomfort, we often feel anxious and helpless.

Stomach discomfort may manifest as symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal bloating. These symptoms can be caused by various reasons, including indigestion, food poisoning, gastritis, and parasitic infections.

Reasons for a dog’s stomach discomfort

(1) Overeating

Dogs’ stomachs may empty and send food to the intestines 5-7 hours after eating, which makes them want to defecate shortly after eating and also easily feel hungry again. Especially for puppies, they don’t know when to stop eating, and overeating can加重 their digestive burden, leading to indigestion. For example, some dogs may vomit after eating too much and then continue to eat. Owners should feed according to the recommended portion sizes on dog food packages, control the amount from a young age, and avoid giving too many snacks, as these can damage their stomachs and lead to a delicate digestive system.

(2) Unbalanced Diet

Feeding dogs oily foods, excessive fruits and vegetables, or long-term consumption of poor-quality dog food can all impair their digestion. For instance, long-term consumption of poor-quality dog food may lead to a decrease in dogs’ immunity, making them prone to diarrhea from eating just a little something wrong. Additionally, oily foods increase the burden on the stomach, and excessive fruits and vegetables may also cause stomach discomfort.

(3) Food Poisoning

Chocolate, coffee, grapes, onions, garlic, fish bones, high-oil and high-salt leftover food, etc., are harmful to dogs. Chocolate contains a large amount of theobromine, which can severely affect dogs’ hearts and central nervous system functions, leading to mild symptoms such as indigestion and diarrhea, or severe symptoms such as vomiting, seizures, and even death. Dogs may accidentally ingest these substances due to their gluttony, resulting in stomach discomfort from poisoning.

(4) Regurgitation

Dogs sometimes swallow their food without chewing, and difficult-to-digest substances may be regurgitated and then eaten again. This is a physiological vomiting, and generally, dogs will be fine, but it does look quite unpleasant.

(5) Gastrointestinal Blockage

Dogs may accidentally swallow small toys, small parts, etc., leading to gastrointestinal blockage. The symptoms are similar to those of gastroenteritis and can be difficult to distinguish, requiring X-ray examination. Owners should carefully select toys, replace damaged toys in a timely manner, and avoid dogs swallowing them.

(6) Parasites

Internal parasites, such as Giardia, can reside in dogs’ stomachs and intestines, absorbing nutrients and causing stomach discomfort. Dogs may eat and drink normally but often have diarrhea. Regular internal and external deworming can effectively prevent this situation.

(7) Gastrointestinal Diseases

Any gastrointestinal disease can cause stomach discomfort in dogs, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Generally, it is necessary to take the dog to see a veterinarian and control their diet.

How should we properly handle this situation?

Observe Symptoms
Firstly, it is crucial to closely observe the dog’s symptoms. Record the content of the vomit (such as food, foam, yellow bile, etc.), the frequency and nature of the diarrhea (such as watery, bloody, mucous, etc.), and whether there are other accompanying symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and weight loss. This information will help the veterinarian make a more accurate diagnosis.

Brief Fasting and Water Restriction
When the specific cause is uncertain, temporarily stopping feeding and water (generally no more than 24 hours) can alleviate the burden on the dog’s stomach and avoid further stimulation. However, long-term fasting and water restriction may lead to dehydration, so this step should be cautious and conducted under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Mild Care
If the dog only has mild discomfort, you can try giving some mild and easily digestible foods, such as cooked white meat (deboned and defatted), rice, or pumpkin puree. These foods are gentle on the stomach and easy to digest. At the same time, keep the dog warm and provide a quiet and comfortable environment to aid in its recovery.

Seek Medical Attention Promptly
If the dog’s symptoms persist or worsen, contact a veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian will conduct a detailed physical examination and, if necessary, perform blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasound examinations to determine the cause. Based on the diagnosis, the veterinarian may prescribe medications such as antibiotics, antacids, or deworming drugs for treatment.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Preventing stomach discomfort in dogs is also important. Ensuring a balanced diet for dogs, avoiding feeding them human food (especially oily, spicy, or containing harmful ingredients such as onions and grapes), regularly deworming, keeping water sources clean, and vaccinating them in a timely manner are all effective preventive measures.

Regular Diet: Feed at fixed times and in appropriate amounts, avoiding overfeeding or hunger.

Moderate Exercise: Moderate exercise helps promote digestion, but avoid intense exercise after meals.

Regular Physical Examinations: Conduct a comprehensive physical examination at least once a year to detect and address potential health issues promptly.

In summary, when your dog experiences stomach discomfort, it is crucial to remain calm, observe carefully, take timely measures, and seek professional help when needed. Through reasonable care and prevention, we can keep our beloved pets away from pain and allow them to enjoy more joyful moments.