Dog With Upset Stomach

If you have a dog with an upset stomach, think about this for a second.  Every dog is going to go through a bout of vomiting at some point in their life.  It is simply a natural reaction to remove a substance that is irritating the stomach lining or intestines.  As you probably already know, dogs are not terribly discerning in what they eat and that can often get them in trouble.

If you are asking the question”What can I give my dog with an upset stomach?” the answer is nothing.  Literally withhold her food for 24 hours and let her vomit the substance up.  Make sure she has access to plenty of water so she doesn’t dehydrate.

If your dog starts having dry heaves, give her a couple of dollops of plain yogurt and that should settle her stomach.  After 24 hours start your dog on a bland diet.  Actually baby food is a great solution, particularly rice as it is bland but packed with nutrients.  Chicken broth is also a good starter as it will replace salt lost through vomiting.

Vomiting and regurgitation are common in puppies and small breeds for another reason.  If they are on dry dog food, they may simply eat too much.  When the dry food hits the stomach it will absorb fluids and expand, literally filling the dog up.  When dogs eat too much, the fastest way to get rid of the excess is to throw it up.  If this is a common occurrence with your puppy or small breed, simply reduce the portion that you serve for each meal.

So long as your dog remains alert and active during the vomiting bout there is probably nothing wrong and it will run its’ course within 24 hours.

Aren’t you glad?

There are instances however, that can be signs of serious problems.

Parasites such as round worms which are passed from the mother to the puppy can cause an intestinal irritation.  Mature roundworms can reach seven inches in length and look like spaghetti.  If your dog’s sputum has these creatures in it, it is time to see the vet.

Giardia is another single cell parasite that exists in at least 11% of all dogs.  This bacteria is easily transmitted by contact with other dogs or simply the soil they walk on.  Typically Giardia symptoms include both vomiting and diarrhea and needs to be treated at the veterinarian’s office.

Sudden violent vomiting, or attempt to vomit, can mean an obstruction in the stomach or intestine and requires immediate medical attention.  Dogs will eat anything that smells right to them, coins, ping pong balls, rubber duckies you name it.  When that item blocks the intestine it cuts off the blood supply and the intestine below the blockage will begin to die.  These obstructions are very dangerous and require urgent care.

Vomiting can just be a part of natural life for a dog or a signal of something far more serious.  I think you already know the importance of being able to make informed decisions about your pet’s health.  Your pet is counting on you to know what to do.