“Oh, no, Scruffy, you rowdy rascal, what did you just eat? Bad dog! Spit it out right this instant! No, don’t swallow it, you silly fool.”
Does it sound familiar? We bet you had a conversation with your pup that went something along those lines. After all, a canine loves gulping down everything it finds. But this devouring habit comes with a price, and you should learn how to deal with it.
We researched and wrote this article so all you dog moms and dads know what to give a dog for an upset stomach and vomiting.
You’ll find out:
- What Caused the Stomach Ache or Vomiting
- When You Can Help
- When You Need the Vet’s Help
- The Difference Between Regurgitation and Vomiting
- What Remedies Help With Dog Stomach Ache
- Other Causes of an Upset Tummy
- Why Your Dog Eats Grass, and Should You Let It
What Causes Dog Stomach Ache?
Gastroenteritis is the term vets use to describe stomach and gut irritation. Vomiting, pain, diarrhea, and dehydration follow soon after. It usually lasts one or two days.
But it can go on longer and get worse, especially if you notice symptoms like blood mixed with vomit and diarrhea.
Here are the most common causes of a dog with an upset stomach:
- Diet changes
- Eating something bad
- Worms
- Food allergies
- Parasites
- Gut blockage
- Viral infection
- Organ failure
- Toxicity
- Motion sickness
- Bloating
- Bacterial infection
- Pancreatitis
- Antibiotic use
- Cancer
Leaving foods that are toxic for your dog to your dogs around may lead to them accidentally ingesting that food and developing a toxicity.
Also, remember that flying with a dog can make it nervous or anxious, which in turn can lead to an upset stomach. In these cases, giving your dog the correct CBD dosage can ease your pet’s anxiety.
Additionally, if you think your pup might have food allergies then give these dog foods for allergies a try.
Before we tell you what to give a dog for an upset stomach and vomiting, there’s one thing you should consider — when you can help your pup and when you should see a vet.
When You Can Help and When to See a Vet
If you get a tummy ache, you know what to take — ginger, mint, rice, oatmeal, crackers, and toast. The pain will go away eventually. But when it comes to dogs, things can get complicated.
Some reasons are serious, others even lethal. So, before you help your dog and its upset stomach, watch out for these symptoms:
- Constant vomiting
- Constant pacing
- Constant drooling
- Continuous diarrhea
- Blood in its vomit or stool
- Increasingly lethargic state
- Running fever
- Constant dehydration
That’s when you know it’s time to visit a vet.
Regurgitation or Vomiting, Which One Is It?
Your little furry pal is a bottomless pit of hunger. That’s why it sometimes swallows food without chewing it properly.
But the digestive tract doesn’t like that, and that’s how your pet ends up with a dog upset stomach. Regurgitating happens when food comes out of your dog’s mouth, all covered in mucus. It’s a wonderfully disgusting sight, followed by your canine eating the regurgitated food again. So cute and totally not sickening.
But, if it’s just that, you have no reason to worry. You’ll notice it occurs quickly. Besides, your pet isn’t stiff and heaving while doing it, and the regurgitated food doesn’t reek.
On the other hand, vomit looks strange. It’s only normal if pups do it to remove something toxic from their furry bodies. The smell is deadly. That’s how you know if it’s regurgitation or vomiting.
So, what’s the remedy for vomiting? What can I give my dog with an upset stomach then? Don’t worry, fellow doggy moms and dads, we’ve got you covered.
Tummy Ache Remedies
There’s a lot of things to do before you start dishing out the chicken with rice.
First, stop giving food. It’s how to decrease the irritation in the stomach and digestive tract. Second, don’t give your pup water for the same reason. You should wait from 12 to 24 hours before feeding it. Call your vet for advice on the fasting period. Lastly, after some time passes, offer your pet a small amount of water. Keep giving a little every 10 to 15 minutes.
Now, let’s go over what you can give to a dog that has an upset stomach.
Bone Broth
What’s good for a dog’s upset stomach and doesn’t take much time? Bone broth — the best liquid meal that’s nutritious, delicious, and easy to digest. It helps your dog replenish some much-needed electrolytes.
To make some, you’ll need some beef marrow bones or chicken legs. Cover them with 2 inches of water and cook at a low temperature for a whole day. After that, the broth needs 3 hours in the fridge. Then, remove the hardened fat layer from the top and refrigerate.
When it’s time for your pet’s meal, microwave the broth just enough to turn into liquid. You can mix it with dry food to make it more delicious and easy to digest. Always make sure to remove the bones from the broth.
It’s a meal that won’t irritate the stomach and provide the needed nutrition for a dog that has an upset stomach.
Chicken and Rice
Our furry friends love chicken. And we’re not only talking about chasing it around the yard. No wonder that chicken and rice is already a prime ingredient in dog food. It’s a bland meal that’s easy to prepare and sits well with a dog’s upset stomach.
Boneless and skinless chicken breasts together with white rice are all you need — no seasoning, no oil, no butter. Shred the chicken to help with digestion. It’s the easiest meal to make when your dog has an upset stomach.
Probiotics
If diarrhea isn’t stopping, no matter what food you give your pup, it might have a bacterial imbalance issue. So, what to give a dog for an upset stomach and vomiting in this case? Probiotics are the answer.
Stomach bacteria help with digestion. If you’re dealing with an upset tummy, that means the microbes are running wild. That’s why we have probiotics, which are friendly bacteria found in the body. Your puppy needs enough of them to prevent further gastrointestinal issues. Things like infections and illnesses damage the immune system, and probiotics patch it up.
So, what can you give a dog for diarrhea? You can start with Purina FortiFlora probiotics on Chewy and see how it goes.
Ice Cubes
In case you start thinking about multiple copies of the rapper Ice Cube, stop.
We’re talking about regular ice chips you put in your whisky or soda.
But how does this help? Well, it’s a natural remedy for a dog with an upset stomach. Ice is anti-inflammatory, and, in such cases, it helps your pup stay hydrated better than water. It’s easier on the stomach. Plus, you can control how much your dog ingests.
Since ice cubes are easy to make and preserve, they’re the go-to remedy for soothing the stomach and hydration.
Canned Pumpkin
If you’re wondering what to give a dog for an upset stomach and vomiting, one of the top suggestions is canned pumpkin. While it’s not something all pups enjoy, it helps regulate their digestive system.
Canned pumpkin is high in fiber, rich in vitamins, and takes more time to absorb. Make sure it’s unseasoned, unsalted, peeled, cooked, and preferably served warm. Get a canned option, like the Farmer’s Market Organic Pumpkin Puree on Amazon, not the pumpkin pie mix, as that can contain sugar.
Squash is an excellent addition to your dog’s diet, especially if it has stomach issues. Check our best recommendations on fiber for dogs.
Ginger
In days of stomach pain, ginger ale is our good friend, so it shouldn’t be surprising that it helps canines, too.
Well, not the ale, but the ginger is great for your dog. Its anti-inflammatory properties relieve bloating and gas pain. Most homes keep this spice for cooking which makes it another common remedy for a tummy ache.
Keep in mind that a dog with an upset stomach should get small amounts of ginger. Give it too much, and you might make things worse.
Dill
What home remedy can I give my dog for vomiting? There has to be something we use daily that can help. And there is.
Do you love pickles? Seasoned pickles, to be precise. We use dill for that — a delicious and savory herb found in most homes that helps with cramping, gas, and nausea. It can even improve your dog’s appetite. Plus, it has antioxidant properties.
Don’t give your pup pickles. That seasoning can be of use, though.
Licorice Root
When it comes to home remedies for a dog and its stomach ache, licorice root is fantastic. Many cultures around the world use its anti-inflammatory properties. Besides, it’s safe for dogs and has great flavor! If your furry friend keeps avoiding the dill you gave it, try licorice root.
Again, use in small amounts. Just make sure you’re giving your pup the actual root or specially made dog supplements with licorice from Amazon.
Italian Parsley
Think before you start worrying about what to feed a dog with an upset stomach. Is there a plant you use with treats to improve your pup’s breath? After all, canines can have a bad case of stinky mouth.
That’s where Italian parsley comes into play. I bet you didn’t know it’s great for easing tummy issues. Just feed it in small amounts and make sure it’s Italian parsley, not spring parsley, as that can be toxic.
Slippery Elm
It’s another herb that’s among the common remedies for dogs with an upset stomach. We know it’s tree bark, but it’s also high in fiber and can relieve diarrhea and constipation. It helps with vomiting and nausea.
Slippery elm reduces inflammation. Besides, it lubricates the digestive tract thanks to its oil secretions. Ensure your dog isn’t allergic to it, and it will become a tremendous ally in the battle against tummy issues.
Ulcers, Viruses, and Parasites
What causes an upset stomach in dogs? Gastrointestinal issues aren’t the only instigators. Large amounts of stomach acid, dangerous viruses, and harmful parasites can be a problem, too.
Let’s see what else causes stomach aches and vomiting.
What Are Ulcers and How Do They Appear?
Stomach acid is another factor when it comes to upset stomach issues in dogs. When it accumulates too much, the adverse effects come in the form of ulcers.
We all know what acid does — it burns through things. A large amount of it breaks down the tummy’s innermost part, which is how small holes form in the stomach tissue. That’s what we call ulcers. They’re incredibly painful and harmful to our cute little four-legged babies.
What Are the Symptoms of Ulcers?
Ulcers are unique since only infections and strong medication can create them. But they’re accompanied by other digestive issues, like acid reflux and gastritis.
How can you find out if your pet has ulcers? There are two visible symptoms — bloody vomit and a dark, hard stool. Unfortunately, many symptoms remain unseen. Watch out for sudden weight loss, changes in appetite, lethargy, and fatigue.
Let’s see what dog upset stomach treatment can help with ulcers.
Healing and Relieving Ulcers
How long does an upset stomach last in dogs if ulcers cause it? You need to treat it immediately, or your pet won’t eat food since it hurts.
Your vet will prescribe antibiotics and painkillers to ease the pain and slowly heal the stomach tissue over six to eight weeks. I know this sounds horrible, but you can help.
As mentioned above, canned pumpkin has many health benefits that are useful to pups with ulcers. It’s the perfect solution since this type of food doesn’t aggravate the abscess.
The Danger of Viruses and Parasites
Like stomach aches, viruses are typical dog ailments. Yet, some can be a severe danger to your pup. Similarly, parasites are never welcome in your pet’s tummy and can cause all kinds of trouble.
If you think your dog has an upset stomach because of a virus or parasite, stay calm. It happens.
Detecting Dog Viruses and Parasites
The most common way for our furry friends to get a virus or parasite is by eating contaminated fecal matter.
Another source is contaminated water. Around 40% of US fishing and swimming lakes are too polluted for humans, dogs usually tolerate bad water better than us but still, you should never let your pup drink stagnant water, it could be full of toxins and parasites.
Preventing this is quite a task as a pup eats and drinks many weird things daily. You can’t constantly watch the dog to make sure it doesn’t eat some poop.
Let’s find out what happens with the dog and its upset tummy in this case.
What the Parvovirus and Worms Do to Your Dog
Parvovirus is the most common threat. That’s why your furry pal should get regular vaccinations. The virus attacks the small intestine and then moves on to the bloodstream. Next, it gets to the white blood cells, followed by the bone marrow and, finally, the heart.
When it comes to parasites, worms are a frequent annoyance. These nasty buggers live in the intestines where the nutrient-rich food is. Instead of your pup getting the needed substances, the worms devour them. That’s when the dog stomach ache manifests itself, along with weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, severe dehydration, and a fever.
Dealing With Viruses and Parasites
It’s not pleasant, but you need to examine your dog’s stool. That’s the best way to understand what’s going on inside. Thankfully, the dog stomach ache symptoms of viruses and parasites are always the same.
Your pup’s stool can tell you a lot. The early sign of a Parvovirus is bloody diarrhea. Also, you can see worms when they appear in your pup’s private business. Take a stool sample to the vet for analysis.
No worries, both the Parvovirus and worms are easily treatable. Vaccination fixes the former, while orally administered antibiotics take care of the latter. So, you just need to notice a virus or parasite early enough for proper treatment.
Should Your Dog Eat Grass?
There’s lots of debate on dogs and their tendency to eat grass. Some say it helps them throw up, and others claim it relieves a dog with a stomach ache.
In any case, there’s one thing you need to understand — our lawns are sprayed. Be it fertilizers or other chemicals; it isn’t good if your pup eats it. It doesn’t matter if the grass helps when the chemicals make everything worse.
Before your pup gets to act as a mini-lawn mower that devours the grass, try some of the remedies we mentioned instead. At least they don’t have toxic chemicals!
Conclusion
Congratulations, you completed your training.
When someone asks you what to give a dog for an upset stomach and vomiting, your answer will cover everything from ice cubes and fasting to cooking bone broth and herbs. Now, if there’s a tummy emergency, you already know which remedies are in your home.
Ulcers, viruses, and parasites that cause tummy aches are no match for you.
