- Being carnivores, dogs have no digestive enzymes in their saliva. They tend to gulp their food, which is digested in the stomach. The canine stomach is much more acidic than a human stomach, which is why dogs can lick themselves clean and eat things off the ground without tending to get sick. Unlike humans, dogs cannot digest uncooked starches in vegetables and grains, but they can digest raw meats quite easily. While the canine digestive system is quite sturdy, dogs can get stomach problems by eating unsuitable items or drinking dirty water.
- Dogs often eat inappropriate things, like poop, socks or grass, and they will quickly vomit something that cannot be properly digested. A dog's ability to vomit easily can save a lot of distress and vet bills by preventing unsuitable items from causing bacterial problems and obstructions in the intestines. Occasional vomiting is often not a cause for concern. Frothy yellow vomit is usually bile irritating an empty stomach and an easy remedy is to feed smaller, more frequent meals or snacks. Don't overfeed your dog, though, and don't feed potentially deadly foods like chocolate, grapes, cooked bones or large amounts of table scraps.
- Canine diarrhea is another common problem and usually originates not in the stomach, but in the intestines. Intestinal parasites like worms can cause diarrhea, as can a bacterial imbalance or overgrowth. A single instance of diarrhea is usually no cause for concern, but if diarrhea persists more than a day, take a fresh stool sample and your dog to the vet, who will check for bacteria and parasites.
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An isolated incident of either diarrhea or vomiting is usually nothing to worry about but if both happen at the same time, take your dog to the veterinarian. Puppies in particular are susceptible to distemper and parvovirus, which can quickly kill them if not treated quickly. Vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy are common symptoms.
If your canine has a mildly upset tummy, it may refuse a meal. If it refuses two meals in a row, call your vet.
Serious stomach problems in older dogs may be caused by cancer. Tumors can lead to internal bleeding. If your dog's gums are pale, and do not quickly change color when you press a finger along the gum line, your dog needs emergency medical attention.
Gently pinch the dog's skin on the back of the neck. It should snap right back into place. If the pinched skin remains raised, the dog is dehydrated. Call your vet for advice.
Never give any medication without talking to your vet first. Giving your dog an anti-diarrheal medication may stop the diarrhea but could make it much sicker. Diarrhea and vomiting are the body's natural response to getting rid of harmful substances and interrupting this process may be counterproductive. - For mild diarrhea, your vet may suggest feeding a bland cooked diet for one to three days. Cook white rice until it is mushy, and add lean ground cooked meat. Use a ratio of three parts cooked rice to one part meat. This mixture will help soothe your dog's stomach, will help absorb excess water in the colon, and will provide fluids and bulk to prevent further diarrhea.
