How to Care for a Schnoodle Dog With a Sensitive Stomach

The schnoodle, a cross between a schnauzer and a poodle, has a life expectancy of 15 years, and generally experiences less health problems than many purebred dogs. However, some schnoodles are prone to poor digestion and sensitive stomachs. Digestion issues are also common in schnauzers and poodles. Signs of a sensitive stomach include diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain after eating. A schnoodle with a sensitive stomach can live a normal life via a special diet and weight control.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hypoallergenic treats

1. Consult with a veterinarian to rule out serious health conditions, such as canine inflammatory bowel disease, colitis or pancreatitis. Sensitive stomachs may also indicate a food allergy. Tell the veterinarian what type of food your dog eats. The veterinary consultation may include a physical exam, blood work, urinalysis, stool analysis, an ultrasound or a trial diet.

2. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a diet based on your dog’s needs. Schnoodle dogs with sensitive stomachs respond well to hypoallergenic diets that balance protein, fiber, carbohydrates and fats to aid digestion. Look in pet stores for dog foods formulated for sensitive stomachs. Your dog’s veterinarian may also prescribe a dog food designed for digestive problems and food allergies. Prescription dog foods are sold at veterinary clinics.

3. Buy treats that are safe for dogs with food allergies. Hypoallergenic treats are less likely to irritate the schnoodle’s sensitive stomach. If your dog is on a prescription diet, ask the veterinarian to recommend a safe treat option.

4. Do not give your dog any foods that are not a part of her diet. Even an occasional piece of steak can upset a dog’s sensitive stomach.

5. Maintain your dog’s weight in a healthy range for his size. Overweight dogs are more likely to suffer from sensitive stomachs than fit dogs. Schnoodles, like schnauzers, are also susceptible to canine hyperlipidemia. A dog with hyperlipidemia has elevated blood serum lipids, including triglycerides and cholesterol. High levels of fat in the blood can lead to serious health problems, such as valvular heart disease. The healthy weight for a schnoodle varies. A dog at ideal weight has a visible waist, minimal abdominal fat and ribs that can be felt but not seen. Ask the veterinarian for guidance on how to keep your dog at a healthy weight.

6. Provide plenty of fresh water for your dog. Dehydration can make a sensitive stomach worse, because water aids digestion.

7. Exercise your dog to help her digest food and keep her fit. Walk her daily and let her run around the backyard.

Tips & Warnings

• Introduce a new diet to your dog gradually, to prevent an upset stomach.
• Consider a homemade diet in place of commercial dog foods. Some schnoodles with sensitive stomachs thrive on homemade dog food. Ask your dog’s veterinarian for advice on how to develop a balanced and nutritious homemade diet.
• Do not give your schnoodle rawhide chews, because rawhide is hard to digest.
• Never feed your dog table scraps. Dogs with sensitive stomachs cannot handle many of the seasonings and preservatives in food prepared for human consumption.
• Feed your dog two small meals instead of one large serving. Smaller meals may be easier on her digestive system.

Resources

• Placerville Veterinary Clinic--Weight Chart for Dogs
• Veterinary Partner--Article on Canine Hyperlipidemia

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