February 03, 2022
Sharp pains, aching, and burning—these are all symptoms of a nasty tummy ache. Unfortunately, our furry best friends get stomach pain just like us, except they can’t tell us when they have it. Luckily, there are some signs and symptoms to look out for so you know if your dog needs help. Once you know they’re uncomfortable, you need to understand how to help your dog’s upset stomach.
There are a variety of symptoms that indicate your dog may be experiencing stomach pain. The most obvious symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, pacing, or loss of appetite. If your dog is having severe vomiting, fever, or bloody diarrhea, you need to visit a vet immediately. Any of these symptoms may signal that something serious is going on with your dog.
Not all signs of a stomach ache are so apparent. Something as simple as lethargy may be a product of an upset stomach. Whatever the case may be, the best way to assess a dog’s stomach ache is to keep a close eye on them.
Just like humans, there are many things that can upset your dog’s stomach. Not all dogs are the same. Some dogs are more sensitive than others, but you know your dog best.
Among the most common causes of stomach pain in dogs is eating something they shouldn’t have. This could mean anything from chocolate to a shoelace. If your dog ingests something they shouldn’t have, they need to be assessed as soon as possible by a veterinarian.
It could be something as simple as a change in your dog’s food or digestive system. Their bodies need time to adjust to any dietary changes, so they may exhibit some symptoms, such as a lack of appetite until they’ve gotten used to their new food. Another cause for digestive issues is a lack of proper digestive bacteria, also known as probiotics.
So, you’ve confirmed that your dog has an upset stomach. When a dog’s stomach ache isn’t severe enough to warrant a vet visit, what can you do? Here are some at-home remedies that will provide your pup with some relief.
It’s important to keep your dog hydrated if they have an upset stomach, especially if they’re experiencing diarrhea or vomiting. Too much plain water can upset their stomach further, so ice cubes are a good choice. By providing ice cubes, you can manage their intake of water better.
When it comes to at-home upset stomach remedies for dogs, pumpkin is one of the best ones. First, you need to be sure to get fresh or canned pumpkin that has very few ingredients. Pumpkin with added salt, spices, or water may cause further pain, so it’s best to avoid that.
The fiber provided by pumpkin acts as a prebiotic that stimulates the production of probiotics that help your dog with digestion.
Sometimes, adding to the stomach will only make things worse, so fasting is another possible remedy for a dog’s upset stomach. Before fasting, though, you need to consult your veterinarian to make sure that it’s safe for your dog. Every breed is different, and smaller dogs may not tolerate fasting as well as others.
At Care First Animal Hospital, we provide excellent care for our patients. We’re proud to offer same-day appointments for sick pets. If you’ve tried these at-home remedies and your dog still needs help, please give us a call, and schedule a same-day appointment.
We look forward to helping you and your pup!
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