Helping Your Dog with an Upset Stomach: Safe Steps and What to Avoid
When your dog has an upset stomach, it can be worrying. Dogs get digestive troubles for all sorts of reasons — maybe they ate something strange, had a sudden change in diet, caught an infection, picked up parasites, reacted to medication, or experienced stress. Usually, mild symptoms pass quickly, but sometimes they're a sign of something more serious.
Spotting the Signs of Digestive Upset
Your dog's behavior is often your first clue. Watch for:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (loose or watery stools)
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive drooling
- Stomach gurgling or noises
- Gas and increased bowel movements
- Straining to poop
- Abdominal pain (sometimes shown by stretching front legs out)
- Lethargy or restlessness
- Shivering or dehydration
- Fever or weight loss
If you notice blood in vomit or stool, a swollen belly, ongoing vomiting/diarrhea, refusal to eat/drink, or extreme lethargy — these are emergencies. Get veterinary help right away.
Mild Cases: Home Care You Can Try (With Vet Guidance)
If your dog seems otherwise well and is still eating and drinking normally, you might manage mild symptoms at home. But always check with your vet before starting any treatment.
- Hydration: Keep fresh water available. Offer small amounts frequently — even ice cubes if your dog can't keep water down. Bone broth is gentle and hydrating; some vets also suggest diluted Pedialyte or unsweetened coconut water.
- Bland Diet: After withholding food for four to twenty-four hours (depending on symptoms), offer small portions of boiled white-meat chicken, turkey, lean beef with white rice, or plain boiled fish. Avoid fatty foods and seasoning. Baby food with simple ingredients (no onion/garlic) can work in a pinch.
- Slowly Return to Regular Food: Once your dog's symptoms improve, gradually mix their normal food back in over several days.
- Rest: Let your dog relax in a quiet spot and avoid rough play until they're feeling better.
- No Treats/Table Scraps: Hold off on extras that could irritate the gut during recovery.
- Probiotics/Fiber: Some dogs benefit from vet-recommended probiotic supplements or fiber-rich foods like plain pumpkin puree, boiled sweet potato, mashed carrots, green bananas, or steamed spinach — but always introduce new foods slowly and check with your vet first.
If Your Dog Needs Medical Treatment
Your vet may prescribe anti-nausea drugs (like maropitant/Cerenia), antacids (famotidine/Pepcid), antibiotics for infections, dewormers for parasites, or fluids for dehydration. Serious cases might need pain relief or surgery — especially if there's a blockage or toxin involved.
Caution: Human Medications Aren't Always Safe!
You might've heard that Pepto Bismol can help dogs; sometimes vets do recommend it for short-term use. But never give any human medication without explicit veterinary instructions — dosages vary by size and health status, and some ingredients are dangerous for dogs (and cats). For example: don't give Pepto Bismol to pregnant/nursing dogs or those with bleeding disorders.
A Few Natural Approaches (With Vet Approval)
- Bland bone broth for hydration
- Certain probiotics (like yogurt/kefir made for dogs)
- Pumpkin puree as a gentle fiber source
- Select herbs such as ginger/slippery elm — only if approved by your vet!
Avoid feeding grass; it's rarely helpful and could be contaminated with chemicals.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Don't ignore severe symptoms — call the vet if things aren't improving quickly.
- Avoid abrupt food changes; transition slowly over at least a week when switching diets.
- Don't let dogs scavenge trash or non-food items; keep toxins out of reach.
Prevention Tips for Fewer Stomach Issues
- Feed a consistent diet suited to your dog's needs; transition new foods gradually over one to two weeks.
- Keep up with vaccines and parasite prevention.
- Wash food/water bowls regularly.
- Avoid overfeeding treats/table scraps.
When It's Time to Call the Vet Immediately
- Your dog vomits repeatedly (more than two to three times in twenty-four hours).
- Persistent diarrhea lasts more than one to two days.
- You see blood in vomit/stool.
- Your dog refuses water/food entirely.
- Lethargy/collapse/extreme pain develops; difficulty breathing occurs; puppies/seniors/chronically ill dogs show symptoms.
If you act early and follow these steps carefully — always checking with your veterinarian along the way — most mild stomach upsets resolve within a day or two. Don't hesitate to seek professional help if you're worried about your dog's health!
