There are many reasons you might have an upset stomach. It is common to feel upset stomachs. We then use our gut feelings to find the right remedy. What happens if your dog is having a bad stomach? What can you do to tell if your dog is having a bad stomach? Do you have any suggestions for dogs with upset stomachs?
As with humans, the causes of upset stomachs in dogs vary. Learn more about upset stomachs in dogs and the signs that can be detected and possible remedies.
What causes dogs to have upset stomachs?
There are many reasons your dog might have an upset stomach, just like humans. This could indicate a serious medical condition. Dogs can get upset stomachs from eating things that aren’t good for them. Your dog’s upset stomach could be due to medical conditions such as gastrointestinal infections, Digestive System Cancer and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. It could also be a sign of inflammation, allergies, obstructions or gastric problems.
These are just a few of the causes that can affect your dog’s health.
Gas and Constipation
Gas is naturally produced by the body when a dog eats. Gas is an inevitable by-product of digestion. The dog will instinctively release the gas as it builds up. Excess gas can build up and cause upset stomach if it is slowed or blocked.
To make the gas pass, your dog might stretch. Gastric dilation volvulus (GDV) is a potentially fatal condition where the stomach can trap the gas.
The same applies to dogs. Your dog will absorb water from large intestines that have been digested. The food will become hard if it has low fiber content or stays at the colon for too long. Constipation is a condition where the dog feels pain or discomfort after releasing its feces.
Obstruction or Inflammation
Dogs can be curious and will try everything. These dogs are more likely to swallow toys, human food with spices, small objects like nuts and bolts, or other items they shouldn’t. The Miami Vets states that a foreign object can cause irritation or blockage to the stomach lining. Your dog will be in pain, lose appetite and have little energy.
Dogs can contract parvovirus from contact with other dogs and people. Dogs can get upset stomachs from the virus. Stomach upsets can also be caused by eating poisons.
Your dog can get sick if they are exposed to repetitive, unfamiliar movements. You could find your dog in a train, car, rocking chair or at the fair.
Dogs with an upset stomach
An upset stomach can cause your dog to display several symptoms. You can identify the cause by understanding your dog’s behavior and looking around. It will be easier to find the right remedies. Other indicators such as the color and texture of his stool, his energy levels and the size and shape of his abdomen are also important.
A fever is a condition in which your dog’s temperature rises above 102.5 degrees. Parvovirus is an infection in which your dog vomits all the food he eats. Constipation can be diagnosed if your dog is experiencing pain in his bowels, suffers from hard stools, or licks his rear end often. These symptoms can be combined with bloody diarrhea and bloody vomit to indicate intestinal inflammation. Excess gas and bloating can trigger restlessness, rapid breathing, and abdominal swelling.Obstructions would cause the dog to lose appetite, have an enlarged abdomen, have lethargy, the dog will try to induce vomiting, and have low body temperatures.
Handy Remedies to Help Dogs Get Upset Stomachs
If your dog is experiencing upset stomach symptoms, be sure to keep an eye on him for a while. If your dog shows any of the following symptoms, take him to the veterinarian.
Intensifying pain or discomfort. Multiple episodes of vomiting, diarrhea. Bleeding in the vomit. Yellowish liquids in vomit. Foreign objects, such as toys and rocks, around the dog. If the dog is unable to move or collapses, it may be considered severe lethargy.
Your dog’s vet will inspect it and recommend treatment. These are some of the most common remedies for dogs suffering from stomach upsets:
#1 Remedy Fasts
For 12-24 hours, give your dog nothing to eat. Time variations depend on the breed and age of your dog. A short-term fast gives the dog’s digestive system time and space to heal. Fasting could be helpful in relieving gas and inflammation. Fasting your dog may seem simple but it is best to consult your vet. Fasting is not for all dog breeds or puppies.
Remedy #2 Encourage water intake
This may seem counterintuitive especially for dogs that are already dehydrated. However, allowing your dog to drink water will only make the problem worse. You can monitor your dog’s water retention by restricting their water intake. As your dog’s health improves, you can increase the water intake.
Remedy #3: Give your dog some pure pumpkin
Pumpkins are high in fiber, low in glycemic index, and have slow absorption. When treating dogs with indigestion or upset stomachs, holistic vets love pumpkins. It must be pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie mixed or pumpkin with enhanced flavor. It is not a good idea to give your dog any other ingredients, such as sugar.
For small dogs or puppies, you can give your dog one-half teaspoon. If your dog is larger than 75lbs, you can give him a teaspoon of pumpkin.
Remedy #4 Give your dog a bland diet
Your dog will be able to eliminate any irritant substances by eating bland foods like rice and low-fat meats, such as chicken. Your dog will gradually restore balance to its digestive system.
Remedy #5 Surgery and medication
Sometimes, however, these remedies may not work. You could have something more serious. It is a sign of something more serious.
Invasive treatment such as surgery or medication may be required for conditions like cancer and bloating. IBS may require changes in diet and medication.
After carefully inspecting your dog, only a vet can make this call.
As you visit the vet, monitor your dog.
As you administer these remedies, be sure to monitor your dog’s behavior, stool, and vomit. You can slowly resume regular feeding if the situation improves. If the situation doesn’t improve, you can gradually resume regular feeding.
Remedies for upset stomachs in dogs – The Bottom Line
There are many remedies available online for dogs with upset stomachs. Bloggers and website administrators don’t know enough about your pet to ensure your fur baby’s well-being.
If your dog is having a bad stomach, take him to the vet. Talk to your vet about what you think is unusual. The vet may recommend simple or more complicated or invasive treatments like surgery. Your dog will feel better if you trust the vet and follow their advice.