How to Treat a Dog's Sensitive Stomach

Some dogs are prone to sensitive stomachs for various reasons such as allergies, and can’t be fed just any diet. Luckily, there are a variety of dog foods on the market that are geared specifically for these pooches, as well as other remedies to stop the diarrhea and help the food stay down.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Take your dog to the vet for an exam to make sure the problem is not more serious than a "sensitive stomach." There are a variety of medical conditions that can cause digestive problems such as colitis and pancreatitis. Only a blood test will tell for sure.

2. 

   Use an elevated dog bowl. This helps digestion, especially for larger dogs so that they don't have to bend over as far. There are a variety of elevated bowls out there that can be found at most stores that sell pet supplies.

3. Feed a diet consisting of easily digestible ingredients such as chicken, rice and oatmeal. If feeding a commercial dog food, a special formula for sensitive stomachs may do the trick or if the problem is more severe and recurring, your vet may suggest a prescription dog food.

4. Feed your dog treats that aid in digestion or are made specifically for sensitive stomachs. Charcoal dog biscuits, for instance, are recommended for settling upset stomachs and easing gas.

5. Supplement your sensitive dog's diet with boiled chicken and rice, oatmeal, cottage cheese or yogurt. However, it’s best to primarily feed dog food, which contains a broader range of the necessary vitamins and minerals. If you prefer to feed your dog a home-cooked diet, make sure you work in the proper proportions of fats, proteins, carbs and fiber, as well as a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals. You can also supplement with a multivitamin, which is most important with older dogs.

Tips & Warnings

• Feeding smaller meals throughout the day instead of two larger meals can often help dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• A natural enzyme powder, such as Prozyme, can be mixed in with your dog's food to replace missing enzymes and help aid in digestion. Enzyme supplements have been proven to help certain dogs with digestion problems and recurring pancreatitis to absorb all of the nutrients and keep their food down.
• Control the urge to share what's on your plate with your pooch (as much as she loves your lasagna).
• Avoid dog food containing corn and wheat, which is not easily digestible. Also, some dogs may develop allergies from corn and wheat or other grains. There are various allergy formula and grain-free dog foods on the market. Dick Patten's Natural Balance, for instance, combines one protein source and one carbohydrate source and no grains in order to decrease the risk of allergies.

[blacklabs]

on 8/13/2009 I've two labs and they have been fed on Salters pet food for the last 3 years. After my experiences using other foods for them I know what they prefer and benefit from. Gone are the upset tummies and leaving food in their bowls - its all gone. The vet is impressed by both their coat quality and general health.

[2furrybabies]

on 12/29/2008 I have a 7 year old lab. She has had a sensitive stomach for a couple years. I've found that Pepto Bismol...yeah that's right the nasty pick junk we drink...works like you wouldn't believe. Just check with your vet to get the right dosage.

[diggitydogg]

on 8/9/2008 I would try chicken and rice mixed with warm water without the dry kibble for a few days until the diarrhea clears up. If that doesn't work, you should probably take him to the vet for a checkup if you haven't yet. You want to make sure it's not worms or a virus. Hope this helps!

[stumpy]

on 8/9/2008 HI we have had our lab puppy for 1wk now but his stools are light and runny i have kept him on the same dried food as breeder he gets kibbles I add little water ,he was getting few treats which i have stopped .Now i have added rice and pasta to see if that will firm him up