What can you give a dog to settle their stomach?

Table of Contents

When your dog experiences digestive upset, providing the right remedies can bring them quick relief. Certain bland foods, probiotics, and medications can be administered to help quickly settle your dog’s stomach and get them back to their happy, healthy selves.

Introduction: The Ups and Downs of a Dog’s Digestion

A dog’s digestive system, while remarkably resilient, is also prone to occasional upsets. From dietary indiscretions (eating something they shouldn’t have!) to stress and underlying medical conditions, many factors can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and a general feeling of discomfort in your furry friend. Understanding the causes of digestive upset and knowing what you can give a dog to settle their stomach is crucial for every pet owner.

Common Causes of Upset Stomach in Dogs

Before diving into remedies, it’s helpful to understand the potential causes of your dog’s discomfort. Pinpointing the cause can sometimes guide your treatment approach. Some of the common culprits include:

Dietary Indiscretions: Eating garbage, spoiled food, or table scraps.
Food Allergies or Intolerances: Reactions to specific ingredients in their diet.
Parasites: Internal parasites such as worms or protozoa.
Infections: Bacterial or viral infections of the gastrointestinal tract.
Stress and Anxiety: Changes in routine, travel, or separation anxiety.
Medications: Certain medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can all manifest as digestive upset.
Toxins: Ingesting poisonous substances.

Safe and Effective Home Remedies

When your dog is experiencing mild digestive distress, there are several safe and effective home remedies you can try to settle their stomach.

Fasting: Withholding food for 12-24 hours can give the digestive system a chance to rest and recover. Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water during this time. This is generally safe for adult dogs but should only be done under vet guidance with puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with underlying health conditions.
Bland Diet: Once the fasting period is over (or if fasting isn’t appropriate), introduce a bland diet. Easily digestible options include boiled chicken (skinless, boneless) and white rice, or plain cooked sweet potato.
Probiotics: Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria into the gut, helping to restore balance and improve digestion. You can find probiotic supplements specifically formulated for dogs. Consult your veterinarian about the proper dosage. Plain, unsweetened yogurt with active cultures can also be used in small amounts, but many dogs are lactose intolerant.
Pumpkin: Plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling!) is a good source of fiber, which can help with both diarrhea and constipation.
Bone Broth: A savory and nourishing liquid, bone broth provides essential nutrients and can help soothe the digestive tract. Look for bone broth that is low in sodium and free of added onions or garlic, which are toxic to dogs.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

While home remedies can be helpful for mild cases, it’s crucial to recognize when veterinary intervention is necessary. Contact your veterinarian if your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms:

Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
Blood in vomit or stool.
Lethargy or weakness.
Abdominal pain or distention.
Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours.
Dehydration (e.g., sunken eyes, dry gums).
Known ingestion of a toxin or foreign object.

These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires professional treatment. Delaying treatment could potentially worsen your dog’s condition.

Medications Your Vet Might Prescribe

Depending on the cause of your dog’s upset stomach, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to help alleviate symptoms and address the underlying issue. Some common medications include:

Anti-emetics: To stop vomiting.
Anti-diarrheals: To control diarrhea.
Probiotics (Veterinary Formulations): Higher potency versions designed for specific ailments.
Antacids: To reduce stomach acid.
Antibiotics: To treat bacterial infections.
Parasiticides: To eliminate parasites.

It’s essential to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully when administering any medication to your dog. Never give your dog human medications without consulting your vet, as many human medications are toxic to dogs.

Preventing Upset Stomach in Dogs

Prevention is always better than cure. You can take several steps to reduce the risk of your dog experiencing digestive upset:

Feed a high-quality, balanced diet.
Avoid feeding table scraps or giving your dog access to garbage.
Introduce new foods gradually.
Keep potentially toxic substances out of reach.
Regularly deworm your dog.
Manage stress and anxiety.
Schedule regular veterinary checkups.

By being proactive about your dog’s health, you can help minimize the chances of them experiencing an upset stomach. Knowing what you can give a dog to settle their stomach in conjunction with these preventative measures offers the best outcome.

A Note on Breed Predispositions

Certain dog breeds are more prone to specific gastrointestinal issues. For example, German Shepherds are predisposed to bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus or GDV), a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Knowing your breed’s potential vulnerabilities can help you be more vigilant about their digestive health.

Transitioning Back to Regular Food

After your dog’s stomach has settled and they are tolerating the bland diet well, you can gradually transition them back to their regular food. Mix a small amount of their regular food with the bland diet and gradually increase the amount of regular food over several days until they are back to eating their normal diet. Monitor their stool for any signs of recurrence of digestive upset.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best bland diet for a dog with an upset stomach?

The most common and effective bland diet for dogs is a mixture of boiled, skinless, boneless chicken and plain white rice. Cooked sweet potato can also be used. These foods are easily digestible and gentle on the stomach. Avoid seasoning the food as it can further irritate the digestive tract.

How much pumpkin should I give my dog for diarrhea?

For dogs with diarrhea, a general guideline is to give 1-4 tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin per meal, depending on the size of the dog. Always start with a smaller amount and monitor their response. Ensure it is 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains spices that can be harmful.

Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol for an upset stomach?

Pepto-Bismol is not generally recommended for dogs, as it contains salicylate, which can be toxic to dogs in high doses. While some veterinarians may occasionally prescribe it in small, carefully calculated doses, it is always best to consult your vet first.

Is yogurt good for my dog’s upset stomach?

Plain, unsweetened yogurt with active and live cultures can be beneficial for some dogs with digestive upset due to its probiotic properties. However, many dogs are lactose intolerant, so it’s essential to monitor for any adverse reactions such as gas or diarrhea. Start with a small amount to see how your dog tolerates it.

How long should I fast my dog with an upset stomach?

Fasting for 12-24 hours can allow the digestive system to rest. This approach is typically only recommended for healthy adult dogs. Puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with underlying health conditions should not be fasted without veterinary guidance. Always ensure fresh water is available during the fasting period.

What human foods are toxic to dogs and can cause an upset stomach?

Many human foods can be harmful to dogs, including chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, avocados, macadamia nuts, and foods containing xylitol (an artificial sweetener). Avoid giving your dog any of these foods.

How can I tell if my dog is dehydrated?

Signs of dehydration in dogs include sunken eyes, dry gums, decreased skin elasticity (when you gently pinch and lift the skin, it doesn’t snap back quickly), and lethargy. If you suspect your dog is dehydrated, seek veterinary care immediately.

What are the signs of bloat (GDV) in dogs?

Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is a life-threatening condition characterized by abdominal distention, restlessness, retching without producing vomit, panting, and collapse. Bloat is a veterinary emergency that requires immediate surgical intervention.

Are probiotics safe for all dogs?

Probiotics are generally considered safe for most dogs, but it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before starting your dog on a probiotic supplement. Certain medical conditions may contraindicate the use of probiotics.

My dog is vomiting yellow bile. What does that mean?

Vomiting yellow bile often indicates an empty stomach or irritation of the stomach lining. It can also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Monitor your dog closely and consult your veterinarian if the vomiting persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.

How often should I deworm my dog?

The frequency of deworming depends on various factors, including your dog’s age, lifestyle, and geographic location. Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate deworming schedule for your dog based on their individual needs. Follow your vet’s advice on the best deworming medication.

When should I take my dog to the vet for an upset stomach?

You should take your dog to the vet if they exhibit any of the “red flag” symptoms discussed above, such as severe or persistent vomiting/diarrhea, blood in vomit or stool, lethargy, abdominal pain, dehydration, or known ingestion of a toxin. Err on the side of caution and seek veterinary care promptly if you’re concerned about your dog’s health. What can you give a dog to settle their stomach? The best answer is sometimes a vet visit!