How to Calm an Upset Stomach on a Dog

Dog relaxing

Dogs can get an upset stomach, which can have several different causes. It can result from changes in diet or routine that causes anxiety for your pet. It also can be caused by an ulcer, intestinal worms or other disorders. If your dog is suffering from diarrhea and/or vomiting there is a danger of dehydration. It is important to know what you can do to calm your dog's upset stomach and when you should call the veterinarian.

Things You'll Need

• Ice chips or ice cubes
• Gatorade or Plain Pedialyte
• Pepto Bismol
• Teaspoon
• Plain yogurt
• Chicken and rice

Instructions

Steps to Calm Your Dog's Upset Stomach

1. Don't feed your dog for 24 hours. Any further feeding will only irritate the dog's already upset stomach. If the dog is a puppy feed him after 12 hours.

2. Give him ice. Since vomiting and diarrhea may cause dehydration it is important to keep your dog hydrated. But giving your dog water may make him queasy and cause additional vomiting. Put ice chips or a couple of ice cubes in his water bowl instead. Replace them as they melt.

3. Give your dog a small amount of unflavored Pedialyte or Gatorade to help replace electrolytes lost due to vomiting and diarrhea.

4. Yogurt contains good bacteria that helps to aid digestion. Give your dog a spoonful of plain yogurt to settle his stomach.

5. Feed your dog a bland diet for the first 48 hours following the fast. Veterinarians recommend boiled rice and chicken. Remove the skin from the chicken. Feed your dog small portions three to four times daily. If your dog tolerates the bland diet for at least two days begin to reintroduce his regular diet slowly over the next few days.

Tips & Warnings

• If vomiting and/or diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours consult your veterinarian.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read this Article in Spanish