Just like us, our furry friends can experience tummy upsets from time to time. All sorts of things can cause an upset stomach, and you may not always know the underlying cause, especially in mild cases.
Ever wondered what to give dogs for an upset stomach? Look no further! We’re going to dive into the common causes of an upset stomach and home remedies you can rely on to settle your pup’s tummy.
What Usually Causes An Upset Stomach In Dogs?
While there can be lots of different reasons for digestive issues, the likely culprit for a stomach upset is something your dog has ingested. Dogs can have sensitive stomachs, and sometimes, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what has caused the problem.
Here are some common causes of an upset stomach in dogs:
- Eating something they shouldn’t, like human food, a foreign material, or a toxic substance.
- Overeating, especially high-fat or high-calorie food.
- Switching to a new dog food too quickly, like changing brands, food types, or ingredients.
- Bacteria or viruses
- Parasites
- Dog food allergies
- Underlying medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or pancreatitis.
- Reactions to medications
- Motion sickness or balance issues
How do I Know if My Dog has an Upset Stomach?
Stomach upset in dogs can range from mild to severe. Unlike us, our pups can’t tell us how bad their stomach upset is. There are some obvious telltale signs that your dog is in discomfort. You can then monitor their symptoms and consult your vet, who can guide you on the best treatment plan and what to give a dog with an upset stomach and vomiting.
Here are the symptoms that could signal your dog has an upset stomach:
- Vomiting (can include retching as well)
- Diarrhea or loose stool
- Increased frequency of stools
- Gurgling noises from the stomach
- Eating grass
- General tiredness or weakness
- Gas
In general, a mild case of tummy upset in dogs can clear up in a couple of days. But if your dog has any of the following, it’s important to speak with your vet quickly:
- Stops eating and drinking
- Has very watery stools
- Is constantly vomiting
- Is old or very young
- Has blood in vomit or stool
You know best when your dog isn’t feeling like themselves. If you have any concerns, your vet can give you the best advice.
Home Remedies for a Dog With an Upset Stomach
When it comes to a home remedy for your dog's upset stomach, your kitchen cupboards are a great place to start. Many of us already have ingredients that can naturally help soothe an upset tummy.
Ginger
Ginger can be a helpful remedy for calming an upset stomach. If your dog can drink water, try grating fresh, peeled ginger root into boiling water, then leave it to cool before serving it. Or you can add ginger powder to your dog’s food.
Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is good for tummy upsets as it’s high in soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps to absorb the extra water in the intestines. Insoluble fiber helps to firm up your dog’s stool, so it’s less watery and more comfortable for your dog.
Make sure to choose plain pumpkin puree only, where pumpkin is the only listed ingredient. Avoid any pumpkin pie filling as it contains sugar and spices that could upset your dog’s stomach more. Stick to a small amount of pumpkin puree and add 1-2 tablespoons to your dog’s food. Monitor your dog for improvements, and if symptoms get worse or nothing changes in a day or two, then contact your vet.
At Jinx, we love pumpkin for dogs so much that we use it in a lot of our recipes, including all of our kibble formulas, our Salmon & Pumpkin Jerky Tenders, as well as our yummy Chicken & Pumpkin Meal Topper. Pumpkin is full of nutrients to help your dog thrive and is a natural source of antioxidants.
Rice
White rice is a common home remedy for dogs with an upset stomach. Because rice is bland and gentle, it’s easy to digest. It can also help to bind the stool, which is especially helpful for dogs with diarrhea. Why not add a spoon of pumpkin to rice to give an extra boost of nutrients?
Ice Chips
If your dog is throwing up or has diarrhea, they can quickly get dehydrated. Ice chips can be useful to gently rehydrate your dog, especially if they’re not drinking much water, which might help settle your pup’s tummy. If your dog is not keen on ice chips, your vet may suggest another way to increase hydration.
Honey
Some vets recommend honey for mild bouts of diarrhea and tummy upset. Honey is full of antioxidants that can help to calm inflammation and support healing. Remember to stick to small amounts of honey, as large amounts could lead to weight gain or stomach upset.
Slippery Elm
If you’re wondering what can I give my dog for an upset stomach, slippery elm is a popular choice. Slippery elm is the stringy part of the bark of a slippery elm tree. It contains a substance called mucilage, which forms a protective coating in the intestines after eating. This helps to soothe irritation, protect the digestive tract, and firm up a soft stool, helping to ease diarrhea. You can buy slippery elm as a supplement but always check with your vet first.
Cabbage
Cabbage, like other vegetables, contains nutrients like fiber, essential minerals, and vitamins. Fiber can help to solidify loose stools and prevent constipation. It’s a good idea to cook plain cabbage and only give in small amounts. Remember to speak to your vet if you’re making significant changes to your dog’s diet or have any concerns about their health.
Tips To Help Soothe Your Dog’s Stomach
Alongside knowing what to give a dog with an upset stomach, there are other things you can do to help soothe your pup’s tummy and get them on the road to feeling like themselves again.
Keep Them Hydrated
If your dog is experiencing mild stomach upset symptoms, it’s important to avoid dehydration. Focus on giving your dog small amounts of water often throughout the day, ideally every 2-3 hours. Avoid giving your dog lots of water at once, as this can make them throw up. If your dog isn’t drinking enough water, try ice chips or bone both.
If your pup is experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhea, contact your vet, who can help rehydrate your dog and determine the underlying cause of the problem.
Consider Fasting Them
Another way to soothe a dog’s stomach is to take a break from food and fast for 12-24 hours. This window gives the digestive system time to rest and heal. Always consult your veterinarian before fasting to make sure that it’s suitable for your dog.
Give Them a Bland Diet
As a dog parent, you may have already come across the bland diet. These are the foods that many of us turn to when our furry friends aren’t feeling their best. A bland diet usually includes foods that are easy to digest, like chicken or turkey. Avoid any foods that could irritate your pup’s stomach.
Feed Them Fiber-Rich Foods
Adding fiber-rich foods like pumpkins, boiled sweet potato, and carrots can introduce extra fiber to your pup’s diet. Fiber supports a healthy digestive system, prevents constipation, and helps with regular bowel movements.
You can find sweet potato in our Salmon, Brown Rice, and Sweet Potato kibble recipe to support healthy digestion and eye health. As always, real high-quality protein is the number #1 ingredient. The Atlantic Salmon goes down especially well with our dogs!
Remember that it’s best to introduce new, digestion-friendly kibble once your dog is feeling better and back to normal. As with any changes in your dog’s diet, make sure to follow a two-week transition from old food to new. Monitor their #2, and if you notice a loose stool or changes, hold off on increasing the amount of new kibble until the stool returns to normal and work towards a diet with 100% new kibble.
Support Their Gut with Probiotics
What else can you give a dog for an upset stomach? When a dog has an upset tummy, their gut microbiome has been thrown off balance. Probiotics, which are friendly bacteria, can help to restore balance in the gut. Introducing beneficial bacteria into your dog’s gut can aid digestion, counteract any bad bacteria that could be causing a tummy upset, and strengthen immunity.
While there are human foods that naturally contain probiotics, like yogurt and sauerkraut, these are not always the best choice for dogs. Instead, opt for a probiotic dog food that contains probiotic strains specifically for dogs, like Jinx. We use 20 million patented probiotics for gut health in all our kibble recipes, including our Cage-Free Chicken Dog Food.
Encourage Rest and Relaxation
When your dog feels a little off with an upset stomach, encourage plenty of rest. Try to keep stressors to a minimum and make sure they have their favorite comfort blanket. Extra hugs, cuddles, and attention are a must.
Provide a Healthy and Complete Diet
A healthy and balanced diet is the cornerstone of your dog’s health. A balanced diet will provide all the nutrients they need for a strong immune system to fight off infections and illnesses and to support a healthy digestive system. Steering clear of dog foods with fillers like corn or wheat is another great way to support your dog’s digestive health, as these ingredients can be hard to digest and don’t provide nutritional value outside of calories. Jinx high-quality dog food supports your dog’s digestive health with probiotics, naturally occurring prebiotic fiber, and easy-to-digest ingredients. A dog with a healthy gut will enjoy the daily benefits of healthy digestion and bounce back quicker if and when stomach upset does occur.
At Jinx, we're here to upgrade the way you care for your dog by providing holistic nutrition made with thoughtful formulation, real ingredients, and a whole lot of love.