About Upset Stomach in Dogs
When a dog has an upset stomach, you probably don't end up figuring it out until there is vomit on the floor. Unfortunately, you cannot ask your pet how it is feeling, so you have to look out for the signs and know quick solutions to help your dog feel better again. Nursing your dog back to health can be easily done at home as long the dog doesn't have any other health problems.
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Significance
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It's common for puppies to experience stomachaches, because they usually get into things they are not supposed to. It's also normal for adult dogs to have an upset stomach from time to time. Just like humans, other animals sometimes don't feel well. However, you should always monitor your pet's symptoms, and if they worsen instead of improve within a few days, you definitely should see a veterinarian to rule out more severe health problems.
Symptoms
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When your dog has an upset stomach, it might be in a low-key mood and prefer to nap more. Dogs will also eat grass to alleviate their symptoms. In general, if your dog experiences any of the following symptoms, it probably is suffering from a stomachache: diarrhea, foamy vomit, lethargy and lack of appetite.
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Benefits
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If your dog has eaten something it shouldn't have such as rocks, buttons, or plants, it's best that your dog vomit. Items such as these can easily become trapped in your dog's intestines and prevent your dog from being able to eat and go to the bathroom. In the worst-case scenario, if your dog doesn't vomit, your dog might need surgery. In these cases, an upset stomach is beneficial.
Prevention/Solution
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Feeding your dog a balanced diet is an easy way to prevent upset stomachs. Another rule of thumb is to keep your dog in a calm and safe environment. However, while these preventive measures are effective, you cannot always stop an upset stomach from coming. So when your dog is ill, feed it bland foods such as scrambled eggs, tofu, chicken or rice. Also, keep it from running around and give it as much love and attention as you can to make it comfortable.
Considerations
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When your dog is ill, make sure to provide it with enough water. Vomiting can cause dehydration, which can prevent it from recovering. If you notice that your pet isn't getting any better within two to three days, you should seek a veterinarian's advice. Stomachaches can be a predisposition to other health problems like bloating (gastric dilatation-volvulus), which is often seen in larger breeds and can be deadly.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Made available by barfblog.foodsafety.ksu.edu.
