Effective Home Remedies for Your Dog's Upset Stomach
Dogs, like humans, can suffer from occasional stomach upset. Causes range from eating unusual items, sudden dietary changes, infections, food allergies, stress, or parasites to medication side effects. Recognizing early signs and providing supportive home care can help your pet recover quickly, but it's crucial to understand when to seek veterinary attention.
Recognizing Symptoms of Digestive Distress
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive salivation
- Gurgling stomach noises and gas
- Increased bowel movements or straining
- Abdominal pain (prayer position)
- Lethargy and shivering
- Weight loss, dehydration, or fever
If your dog shows signs like persistent vomiting, bloody stool or vomit, a distended abdomen, refusal to eat or drink, or extreme fatigue, consult a vet immediately.
Top 6 Home Remedies to Alleviate Mild Stomach Ache in Dogs
- Hydration: Offer small, frequent sips of water or ice cubes. Bone broth or diluted unsweetened coconut water may help. Avoid letting your dog gulp large amounts which can worsen vomiting.
- Introduce a Bland Diet: After withholding food for up to 24 hours, feed small, easily digestible meals like boiled chicken or turkey with white rice. Plain boiled fish or lean beef is also acceptable. No seasonings, onions, or garlic.
- Reintroduce Regular Diet Gradually: Mix increasing amounts of your dog's normal food with the bland diet over several days to ease the transition.
- Encourage Rest: Allow your dog to rest in a calm, quiet place. Avoid physical activity or excitement until symptoms subside fully.
- Eliminate Treats and Table Scraps: Stick to the bland meal plan temporarily. Avoid giving commercial dog treats or snacks that can irritate the gut.
- Use Probiotics and Natural Fiber (with vet approval): Probiotic supplements or dog-safe foods like plain pumpkin puree, boiled sweet potatoes, and green bananas may aid digestion. These should be introduced carefully and with veterinary guidance.
Natural & Holistic Options (Use With Caution)
Natural aids like honey water for hydration, ginger or slippery elm (herbs), and human probiotics like yogurt or kefir may be helpful, but always consult your vet before administering.
What Not to Do
- Do not give human medications like Pepto Bismol unless specifically instructed by a vet
- Avoid sudden dietary changes or offering your dog grass
- Don’t neglect serious symptoms or allow scavenging
When to Seek Veterinary Help
- Repeated vomiting (more than 2-3 times in a day)
- Diarrhea lasting more than a day or two
- Blood in stools or vomit
- Refusal to eat or drink for over 24 hours
- Severe pain, bloating, or behavioral changes
Minor cases of upset stomach often resolve within 24–48 hours with proper care at home. If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt veterinary evaluation is essential. Always consult your veterinarian before beginning any home remedy regimen to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your pet's condition.
