What to Give Dogs with Upset Stomach: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're a dog owner, you know that the occasional upset stomach is inevitable. While most cases aren't serious, it's important to know what to give your dog to help them feel better quickly.

Causes of Upset Stomach in Dogs

Upset stomach in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn't)
• Food allergies
• Stress
• Infections
• Parasites
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Cancer

Symptoms of Upset Stomach in Dogs

The symptoms of upset stomach in dogs can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy

What to Give Dogs with Upset Stomach

If your dog is experiencing an upset stomach, there are a few things you can give them to help them feel better.

Bland Diet

The first step is to put your dog on a bland diet. This means feeding them a low-fat, low-fiber diet that is easy to digest. Some good options include:

• Boiled chicken and rice
• Scrambled eggs
• Cottage cheese
• Yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
• Oatmeal

Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria that can help to restore balance to the gut microbiome. This can help to reduce symptoms of upset stomach and improve overall digestion. You can give your dog probiotics in the form of supplements or by adding them to their food.

Anti-Diarrheal Medication

If your dog is experiencing severe diarrhea, you may need to give them anti-diarrheal medication. This can help to slow down the diarrhea and give your dog's digestive system a chance to rest.

Hydration

It's important to keep your dog hydrated when they have an upset stomach. Encourage them to drink plenty of water or broth. You can also give them electrolyte solutions, such as Pedialyte, to help prevent dehydration.

When to See a Vet

If your dog's upset stomach doesn't improve after a few days, or if they are experiencing any other symptoms, such as vomiting blood or diarrhea, it's important to see a veterinarian. They can help to determine the underlying cause of your dog's upset stomach and recommend the appropriate treatment.

How to Prevent Upset Stomach in Dogs

There are a few things you can do to help prevent upset stomach in dogs, including:

• Feed your dog a high-quality diet
• Avoid giving your dog table scraps
• Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water available
• Avoid stress
• Keep your dog up-to-date on their vaccinations
• Deworm your dog regularly

Stories

Story 1:

My dog, Max, has a sensitive stomach. He often gets upset stomachs if he eats anything out of the ordinary. One time, he ate a whole bag of chicken bones and ended up with a severe case of diarrhea. I took him to the vet and they gave him some anti-diarrheal medication and put him on a bland diet. He was feeling much better after a few days.

What we learn:

It's important to be careful about what you feed your dog if they have a sensitive stomach. Avoid giving them table scraps and make sure they have plenty of fresh water available.

Story 2:

My dog, Bella, gets upset stomachs when she's stressed. She's a very anxious dog and she often gets stressed when we go on vacation or when we have guests over. One time, she got so stressed that she started vomiting. I took her to the vet and they said she had a stress-related upset stomach. They gave her some anti-anxiety medication and recommended that I try to keep her stress levels down.

What we learn:

Stress can be a major cause of upset stomach in dogs. If your dog is stressed, try to find ways to reduce their stress levels. This may include providing them with a safe and quiet place to relax, avoiding stressful situations, and exercising them regularly.

Story 3:

My dog, Charlie, has had chronic diarrhea for years. We've tried everything to figure out what's causing it, but we haven't been able to find a cure. We've tried different diets, medications, and supplements, but nothing has worked. Charlie is a happy and healthy dog, but his diarrhea is a constant source of stress for us.

What we learn:

Chronic upset stomach can be a very frustrating problem for both dogs and their owners. If your dog has chronic upset stomach, don't give up hope. There are many different treatment options available, and with time and patience, you may be able to find a solution that works for your dog.

Benefits of Treating Upset Stomach in Dogs

Treating upset stomach in dogs can provide a number of benefits, including:

• Relief from symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
• Improved digestion
• Increased appetite
• Reduced stress
• Improved overall health

Pros and Cons of Different Treatment Options

There are a variety of different treatment options available for upset stomach in dogs. Each treatment option has its own pros and cons.

Bland Diet

• Pros: Easy to implement, inexpensive, effective for mild cases of upset stomach
• Cons: Not as effective for severe cases of upset stomach, may not provide all the nutrients your dog needs

Probiotics

• Pros: Can help to restore balance to the gut microbiome, improve digestion, reduce symptoms of upset stomach
• Cons: May not be effective for all dogs, can be expensive

Anti-Diarrheal Medication

• Pros: Can quickly stop diarrhea, effective for severe cases of upset stomach
• Cons: Can have side effects, such as constipation, drowsiness, and vomiting

Hydration

• Pros: Essential for preventing dehydration, can help to improve symptoms of upset stomach
• Cons: May be difficult to get your dog to drink enough fluids

FAQs

Q: What is the best thing to give a dog with an upset stomach?
A: The best thing to give a dog with an upset stomach is a bland diet. This means feeding them a low-fat, low-fiber diet that is easy to digest. Some good options include boiled chicken and rice, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt (plain, unsweetened), and oatmeal.

Q: How long does it take for a dog's upset stomach to go away?
A: Most cases of upset stomach in dogs will resolve within a few days. However, if your dog's upset stomach does not improve after a few days, or if they are experiencing any other symptoms, such as vomiting blood or diarrhea, it's important to see a veterinarian.

Q: Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol for an upset stomach?
A: Pepto-Bismol can be used to treat upset stomach in dogs, but it's important to follow the dosage instructions carefully. Giving your dog too much Pepto-Bismol can lead to side effects, such as constipation, drowsiness, and vomiting.

Q: Can I give my dog Imodium for an upset stomach?
A: Imodium is not recommended for dogs. It can cause serious side effects, such as constipation, drowsiness, and vomiting.

Q: What are the signs of dehydration in dogs?
A: Signs of dehydration in dogs include dry gums, sunken eyes, loss of appetite, and lethargy. If you think your dog may be dehydrated, it's important to see a veterinarian immediately.

Q: How can I prevent my dog from getting an upset stomach?
A: There are a few things you can do to help prevent your dog from getting an upset stomach, including:

• Feed your dog a high-quality diet
• Avoid giving your dog table scraps
• Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water available
• Avoid stress
• Keep your dog up-to-date on their vaccinations
• Deworm your dog regularly

Table 1: Common Causes of Upset Stomach in Dogs

Table 2: Treatment Options for Upset Stomach in Dogs