Can I give my dog something for upset stomach?

Dogs are definitely prone to cases of upset stomach. There are many potential reasons for this but poor food choices and/or overeating can be culprits.

If your pet already has an upset stomach, maybe you are considering an over-the-counter product or a natural remedy. But often, time itself can fix such a problem. A typical canine stomachache can be cured by withholding food for several hours.

Owners worry because it’s tough to determine the severity of a dog’s upset stomach. Certainly chronic or recurring stomach pains require a vet visit for a proper diagnosis. Obviously that’s urgent if your dog is vomiting severely, has a prolonged case of diarrhea or is noticeably lethargic.

Can I Give My Dog Something for Upset Stomach? Answer: Yes

Vets sometimes use Imodium, also known as Loperamide, to cure dogs of stomach aches. This is especially true if they’re suffering with a combination of associated symptoms including diarrhea.

Imodium for children is even safer but your dog’s size and their overall health still plays an important factor. The general rule of thumb is not to exceed 1mg per 20 pounds over a period of 8 hours. Small dogs are particularly vulnerable to improper doses.

Even better may be a good canine probiotic because it can help to restore your dog’s gastrointestinal balance rather than just dealing with the symptoms. Also, if you know they have food sensitivities, consider a high-quality limited-ingredient dry dog food made specifically for food sensitive dogs.

Video: My Dog's Stomach is Upset

Diarrhea & Dehydration

Some pets with upset stomachs will refuse to drink or eat, causing them to become dehydrated which worsens their problems. Evaluate your dog’s hydration by pulling some skin up between their shoulder blades. If it doesn’t instantly bounce back into place, then a visit to a vet would be prudent. Skin that takes a second or two to get back into place is a telltale sign that your dog is considerably dehydrated, perhaps seriously.

Dogs with uncontrollable diarrhea often need to have their bowel movements examined for blood in the watery stool. When this is observed it means they’re likely experiencing dehydration. Upset stomach and dehydration often go hand-in-hand in dogs.

Some Natural Remedies

If your dog’s upset stomach isn’t very severe and they are still their happy-go-lucky selves, try removing all food for 24-hours. They’ll act as if they’re starved, but it’s an effective way to give the stomach time to return to normal.

After they’ve had no food for awhile, start feeding them smaller meals made up of cooked white rice and boiled chicken. This food is plain and bland which is easily digestible. After a couple of days, return them to their normal dog food. You’re likely to see a full recovery assuming your dog isn’t suffering from some other underlying condition.

Sometimes we put our dogs on a special diet combination of oatmeal and pumpkin to treat an irritated stomach. Carrots are also good and bananas mixed into yogurt isn’t bad either.

Video: A Minute with the Vet: Pup's Upset Stomach

Things to Watch For

If your dog is vomiting severely and is also lethargic, maybe they’ve eaten something poisonous. In such a case, get your beloved dog to the vet as soon as possible. Food poisoning is serious enough but a veterinarian can also diagnose and possibility rule out more serious conditions.

Keep an eye on the severity of any diarrhea symptoms, such as blood in the stool, in conjunction with upset stomach. If your dog develops the squirts, beyond anything short term, then they need professional dehydration monitoring. Do not underestimate how severe diarrhea can very easily and completely dehydrate your dog. The skin test is very highly recommended.

Conclusion on Upset Stomach

Dogs live and eat in the moment and tend to experience bouts of stomachaches more often than we do. If your dog’s upset stomach is worsening, it may be necessary to visit a veterinarian. In any case, prioritize the prevention of dehydration during such a vulnerable time. You may be able to successfully treat a routine upset stomach by withholding food for a period, giving bland meals thereafter. Imodium is also commonly used. Most importantly, if your four-legged friend isn’t recovering, go in for a veterinary diagnosis for your dog’s sake.

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