When was the last time you ate something that gave you an upset stomach?
Sometimes, we know that a spicy dish might churn up some acid in our stomachs but we take the risk anyway. After all, there are plenty of antacid pills we can take to sooth our upset stomachs. Dogs aren’t as lucky. Often, they will eat things that they have no business eating. Just because it isn’t in their bowl doesn’t mean it is off limits. Just as stress can trigger a bout of stomach aches in humans, it can also trigger troubles for a pup’s tummy. That stress can come from thunderstorms, fireworks or being away from you for too long.
The most common signs of an upset stomach in a dog are vomiting and diarrhea. You should also watch out if they stop eating. Dogs also eat grass when they’re stomach feels upset. Ironically, that can trigger vomiting but it might make them feel better. What happens when your dog has an upset stomach? Here are your options:
Wait It Out
As Shrek likes to say, “Better out than in.” That also applies to a dog with an upset stomach. They could try to purge what is causing stress. That means avoiding filling up their stomachs with more food. Consider putting your dog on a fast for 12 to 24 hours. You might have a problem holding back treats but your pup should be fine and whatever is troubling them can pass, just like it does with you.
Ice Cubes
Dogs can get dehydrated when sick like humans. Anyone who has had a bout of the stomach flu knows that drinking water at the height of the sickness isn’t always a good remedy but you still need to be hydrated. The solution for the dog is to take away their water bowl but give them ice cubes or ice chips every two hours. If they can keep that down, then increase the cubes until they can take a few gulps of water.
Try to remove your dogs’ water bowl from their reach, and give them ice chips every 2 to 3 hours. Observe and notice if they can keep that down. If they can try next to give some more ice cubes and a couple of teaspoons of water.
Bone Broth
Bone broth provides a soothing boost to a dog with an ailing stomach. It also helps them stay hydrated. Making the broth requires you to boil beef or chicken until the meat falls off the bone. When that happens, you should continue simmering until the marrow from the bones is released in the water. The only drawback is that you might need to simmer that meat and bones for 24 hours. You can always whip up a batch in advance. When the broth has simmered for a day, skim off the fat and freeze it. If all of that seems like a lot of effort, then there is always box bone broth available.
Canned Pumpkin
Many holistic veterinarians swear by canned pumpkin for upset dog tummies. You just have to be sure it is canned pumpkin versus pumpkin pie mix. You don’t want to add in any of the spices you would use for a pie unless it is just a tiny pinch of ginger. As with ginger all, it can soothe that aching tummy.
See a Doctor
When the first symptoms of an upset dog appear, start the clock. You should notice them running their course and subside within one to two days. If the symptoms don’t let up or worsen, then you should see your dog’s vet right away. Something else could be going on that only the doctor would know about.
