Watching your furry friend struggle with an upset stomach can be distressing. Just like us, dogs can experience tummy troubles from time to time. The good news is that in many cases, with some simple at-home care, your pup can be back to their playful self in no time.
Why Do Dogs Get Stomach Aches?
There’s a myriad of reasons why dogs might experience stomach upset. From pesky stomach ulcers to motion sickness, weak immune systems, dietary issues like food allergies, and even viral or bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal tract, the causes can vary.
Dogs dealing with upset stomachs can exhibit a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Look out for signs like diarrhea, vomiting, reduced appetite, and gas. It’s not uncommon to see dogs munching on grass in an attempt to ease their discomfort.
Wondering when to seek veterinary care for your pooch? Keep an eye out for more severe symptoms such as collapse, pale gums, weight loss, abdominal pain, weakness, bloody vomit or diarrhea, prolonged loss of appetite, or persistent vomiting.
How to Help Your Pup Feel Better
When it comes to treating your dog’s upset stomach, you have a few options at your disposal:
1. Home Remedies
Often, simple home remedies can work wonders in settling your dog’s stomach. Start by ensuring your dog has access to plenty of fresh, clean water to stay hydrated. It’s also recommended to fast your dog for 12 to 24 hours to give their gastrointestinal tract a chance to rest. Encourage them to drink water during this time to help flush out their system.
After fasting, introduce a bland diet to your pup. Consider feeding them foods like cottage cheese, unseasoned ground beef, plain canned pumpkin, boiled unseasoned chicken, and white rice. These easy-to-digest foods can provide essential nutrients without putting too much strain on their system.
2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
In some cases, over-the-counter medications like Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate can help alleviate your dog’s stomach issues. Before administering any OTC medication, it’s wise to consult your vet for guidance on the right medicine and dosage for your furry companion.
3. Prescription Medications
If home remedies and OTC medications aren’t doing the trick, a trip to the vet may be necessary. Your vet will conduct a thorough examination and diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of your dog’s upset stomach. Based on their findings, they may prescribe specific medications to address the issue.
In more serious cases, where dogs may require hospitalization, advanced care such as intravenous fluids might be needed.
Conclusion
Upset stomachs can be a real discomfort for our beloved canine companions. By being proactive and attentive to your dog’s symptoms, you can help them feel better faster. Remember, if your dog’s tummy woes persist despite home remedies and OTC medications, don’t hesitate to seek professional veterinary care.