Stomach Relief for Dogs

Whenever we experience stomach upset, we run immediately to the bathroom to relieve ourselves. Unfortunately, that's not the case for our dogs. What should you do for a dog's upset stomach? What are the things you can do and provide stomach relief for dogs?

In this article, we have come up with the common causes, symptoms of a dog upset stomach , and a list of what to give a dog for an upset stomach. 

What Does an Upset Stomach Mean?

Gastroenteritis is a general term for stomach upset in dogs. According to People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, gastroenteritis in dogs ranges from mild (stays up to one to two days) to severe (stays for more than two days, diarrhea and/or vomit may contain blood, and your furbaby may become very weak).

Causes of an Upset Stomach in Dogs

There are a lot of possible reasons on why dogs experience an upset stomach. First, it can be because your dog ate something he's not supposed to. Your furbaby is a curious pup; he likes to lick things and put things inside his mouth. It can be that he ingested something that shouldn't have been.

Second, stress. Stress greatly triggers a stomach to be upset. Stress negatively affects your furbaby's digestive system. It can cause a decrease in blood and oxygen flow to the stomach, cramping, an imbalance in gut bacteria and inflammation.

Third, sudden change of dog food. Even though your furbaby will probably eat anything served in front of him, his stomach doesn't really agree all the time. A sudden change in diet is one of the many reasons of an upset stomach. Know that your dog's stomach needs an adjustment period to adjust to this diet change.

Moreover, allergies, medication side effects, and weather conditions can also cause episodes of stomach upsets in dogs. In worst case scenarios, your dog may have an upset stomach because of intestinal parasites, worms, bacterial gut infections, gut blockage, and parvovirus. It is always best to consult your veterinarian about this so they will be able to properly diagnose the cause of your furbaby's upset stomach.

Signs of a Stomach Upset

Occasional upset stomach can be totally normal for dogs, just like it is for us. Here are signs to watch out for that could mean it is an emergency situation:

Provide Diapers and Pee Pads

Stomach upset in your dog can include a messy episodes of diarrhea. Even If your dog is potty-trained, they will have difficulty during these times and accidents may be possible. Pet Parents® Dog Diapers will help keep your dog and your home clean when dealing with a dog upset stomach. You can also put Pawtect® Pads in places where your furbaby usually rests or lays down for extra leakage protection while they remain comfortable.

Fasting

When your dog has ingested a non-food item, their stomach will try to get rid of the object. So, in some situations, having them fast for if you have them fast for 12 to 24 hours can be helpful. According to PetMD, if your dog's stomach is having a hard time, it’s better to not let it digest things for the meantime. Fasting may seem simple but you must consult this with your veterinarian first as not dog breeds are the same. Some can tolerate long hours of fasting, some can’t. So, call your vet for their recommendation.

Provide Bone Broth

To keep your furbaby hydrated and to help heal his stomach at the same time, bone broth can be beneficial for your dog. To prepare, simmer meat with apple cider vinegar and water. Once the meat falls off the bone, continue to simmer until the bone's minerals and marrow are released into the water.

Make Probiotics a Habit.

Provide your dog with Probiotics supplements that will help with their digestive health. Probiotic SoftSupps® provide your dogs with valuable nutrients that can help support your dog's immune & digestive health. Pumpkin for dogs & prebiotics help promote healthy digestion through fiber. Papaya & natural enzymes help nourish natural gut bacteria & support bowel health. Probiotics SoftSupps® also contains a branded form of the Bacillus coagulans probiotic, BC MS-99®, that helps maintain gut flora your dog's digestive tract. These are beneficial when dealing with a dog upset stomach and as a part of your dog's daily diet.

Seek a Veterinarian.

Watch the overall pattern of your dog's symptoms, which should slowly subside over 24 to 48 hours. However, if your dog seems to be constantly uncomfortable or if the symptoms get worse—for instance, the frequency continues to increase every few hours, you see blood in their vomit or stool, or they collapse—call a veterinarian immediately.