What to do when your dog has an upset stomach

Dogs can develop an upset stomach for many reasons, but by far the most common cause is that Fido ate something he shouldn’t have. Like toddlers, our canine companions explore the world by putting things in their mouths, and an upset tummy, vomiting, and diarrhea are all normal signs that your dog’s body is trying to expel whatever offensive thing he ate. While some substances are dangerous and warrant an immediate trip to the vet’s, you can often treat your canine’s digestive trouble with a few simple steps at home.
 
Dogs tend to eat grass and other plants when their stomachs are hurting, so if your pet has suddenly taken to grazing, it’s a sign he’s having tummy troubles. Gulping air, licking lips, or licking the air or other objects can also signal that your pet is battling an upset stomach, as can salivation, loss of appetite, passing gas, and gurgling noises coming from his belly. While we hate to see our canine companions suffering, the best way to help if your dog is having these symptoms is to simply do nothing: Back off on Fido’s feeding schedule for 12 to 24 hours while his body expels whatever he ate. Keep your dog hydrated, but limit his water intake, too, as even too much liquid can exacerbate an upset stomach. If your pet is still queasy after fasting for one day, experts recommend feeding him a bland mix of two parts cooked white rice to one part white meat chicken. Try giving your dog just one tablespoon at first to see if his stomach can handle food, and then give him several small meals per day, for up to several days. Of course, eating something rancid isn’t the thing that can cause your dog’s digestion to go haywire. An inflamed pancreas, bloated stomach, severe allergies, leaky gut syndrome, parasites, and other serious medical conditions can also leave Fido feeling nauseous. If your pet’s symptoms don’t disappear within a day or two — or if you see blood in his vomit or stools or he is vomiting continuously, has spiked a fever, or is acting lethargic— take him to the veterinarian right away. Likewise, if you discover that your pet ate a toy, chemical or something else that is potentially poisonous or could cause intestinal blockages, take him to the vet’s immediately. Afterhours, you can call a Pet Poison Helpline to find out the level of risk your dog is facing after eating something he shouldn’t have.
 
Remember, an occasional upset stomach is normal for dogs, but frequent problems might mean something is wrong with your pet’s gastrointestinal tract. If your canine companion experiences frequent upset stomachs, seeks your veterinarian’s advice about changing your dog’s diet and other options.