This entry was posted on 2023-05-24 by Pet Heaven Store.

An upset stomach is one of the most common reasons for pets, esp dogs, to visit their veterinarian. However, not all gastrointestinal problems in pets are alike.

While many digestive issues appear similar, there are actually many different causes and underlying health conditions (which range from mild to very serious) that can lead to symptoms like vomiting or diarrhoea.

Symptoms of digestive issues in dogs

Gastrointestinal issues refer to disorders of the stomach (gastro-) or intestines. Here are the most common signs you will see if your pet has an upset stomach.

Vomiting;or just nausea presented as drooling or lip-licking and loss of appetite

Diarrhoea, with or without blood or mucus.

Constipation.

Increased gas or flatulence.

Fever.

Dehydration.

Abdominal pain (you may notice a hunched posture, a “praying” posture with the forelimbs and chest on the floor while the hind end is raised, or showing pain when you palpate the abdomen)

Abdominal enlargement/distension.

Distress or inability to get comfortable.

Keep in mind that pets usually will not have all of these symptoms at once, so even just one or two of these signs can be a cause for concern.

Causes of GIT upsets:

Dietary indiscretion, eg “garbage disease” or changing food too quickly

Stress, eg Kennelling

Infections (viral or bacterial), eg parvo or salmonella

Parasites, eg intestinal worms or giardia

Inflammation & allergies

Toxins, eg chocolate,

GDV (bloat)

Pancreatitis, eg eating too much fatty food

Intestinal obstruction, eg ingesting a sock

Some medication

Underlying health conditions, eg cancer

Treating Dog Stomach Issues at Home

If you have an adult dog who is otherwise healthy, acting like their normal selves, keeping down food and water, and only having mild digestive symptoms, it is usually okay to try a few simple home treatments for a couple of days. Just be sure to schedule a veterinary visit if your pup gets worse, or if their symptoms do not improve.

Here are a few things you can try:

A low fat, bland, highly digestible diet. Plain, lean chicken and rice is a common option, and many dogs love the taste. Plain, cooked sweet potato or pumpkin can also add fiber, which may help firm up loose stools.

Always keep plenty of water available, so your pup can stay hydrated.

Allow your dog to rest.

Consider adding probiotics that are formulated for pets.

Other dietary changes that may help resolve and prevent GI upset are feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day and not giving a dog table scraps, raw meat, or foods high in fat.

When Is a Veterinary Visit Needed for Stomach Issues in Dogs?

The short answer is, when in doubt, it’s better to be on the safe side and call your vet — or seek emergency veterinary care if it is after hours and your pet seems very ill. That’s because

certain conditions can be very serious and even life-threatening.

Sometimes, it’s surprisingly difficult to tell whether or not a stomach problem is serious. And even mild conditions may become serious (and more challenging/expensive to treat) if left untreated for too long.

So always err on the side of caution. With that in mind, here are a few things that warrant an urgent veterinary visit:

Your pet is a young puppy, an older senior, or suffers from a chronic health condition.

Your pet is not eating or drinking at all.

Vomiting or diarrhoea is severe or is very bloody.

The vomiting or diarrhoea last for more than 48 hours.

Stomach upset is accompanied by symptoms such as depression/lethargy, dehydration, or fever.

Your pet is exhibiting abdominal pain.

You know your pet ingested a foreign object.

Your pet is showing symptoms of bloat, especially in breeds that are prone to the condition.