Is your dog’s stomach problem a growing concern? Learn how to recognize symptoms and pinpoint causes to effectively treat and prevent future occurrences. Equip yourself with knowledge to safeguard your pet’s well-being. Simply put, a dog upset stomach could entail more than seems immediately obvious. However, as a common health issue in dogs, rest assured that there is plenty of help available for dog upset stomach.
Every dog owner experiences joy our dogs bring. But when they’re down with an upset stomach, joy quickly turns to concern. More than mild discomfort your dog may experience, an effort should be made to understand common issues that affect dogs and what should be done to address them effectively.
Whether it’s food allergies, digestive disorders, dehydration, or even infections, it’s essential to have the tools and knowledge to act. And, if toxins are the culprits, prompt vet consultation is crucial. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of upset stomach in dogs, so let’s dive in.
Summary
Understanding a dog’s digestive system
The canine digestive system isn’t just about breaking down food. It’s a complex, finely tuned system that feeds nutrients to the body, and like all systems, things can go awry. To understand what is going on with our dog indigestion or upset stomach, we need to recognize the symptoms and causes that can disrupt a dog’s digestive system.
Recognizing symptoms of a dog upset stomach
Common symptoms of upset stomach in a dog
We’re talking about the clear signals of upset stomach in a dog…vomiting, diarrhea, a sudden decrease in appetite or your dog not eating at all . However, sometimes, it can be subtle shifts, like a once-playful dog now preferring the corner of a room.
Distinguishing mild from severe symptoms
It’s a spectrum. While occasional lethargy after a meal might be nothing, consistent patterns are red flags. It’s about distinguishing the usual post-meal laziness from a severe lethargic state.
When immediate consultation with a vet is crucial
While we all love home remedies and quick fixes, there are times when professional intervention is crucial. If your dog displays prolonged symptoms or if they seem in distress, it’s time to seek help from a vet.
Understanding the Causes of Upset Stomach
Several factors can cause an upset stomach in dogs. Some of the common causes include:
1. Food allergies – Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to certain foods, causing digestive discomfort.
2. Digestive disorders – Underlying disorders, like irritable bowel syndrome, can be at play.
3. Food intolerance – Not to be confused with allergies, intolerance is when a dog’s digestive system can’t digest specific foods.
4. Stress – A new environment, separation anxiety, or other stressors can upset a dog’s stomach.
5. Dietary changes – A sudden change in diet can lead to digestive issues.
6. Dehydration – Lack of adequate water can cause stomach problems.
7. Infections – Bacterial or viral infections can lead to an upset stomach.
8. Harmful Bacteria – Bad bacteria, if ingested, can wreak havoc on a dog’s digestive system.
9. Parvovirus – A severe virus that can cause vomiting and diarrhea among other symptoms.
10. Toxins – Ingestion of toxic substances, even certain plants, can lead to stomach issues. There are many toxins that dogs can be subjected to, for example, anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) that is the second leading cause of fatal poisonings in animals. The foregoing is likely due-to-the fact that most homes have antifreeze that can either leak from vehicles or from containers.
As reported by PetMD the Humane Society Legislative Fund estimates that at least 10,000-90,000 animals die each year from anti-freeze poisoning. If toxins are suspected as a cause of dog upset stomach, you should contact a vet immediately.
Fortunately, ASPCA has an animal poison control hotline, which is 888-426-4435. In addition, ASPCA has helpful information about animal toxins posted on their website.
Dietary causes
Just like humans, certain foods can cause an upset stomach in dogs, which is most common cause. A new dog food, treat or other food item could prove to be an allergen that cause stomach turmoil. In other cases, dogs have been known to eat grass or other plants that can cause stomach distress.
Non-dietary causes of dog upset stomach
Beyond food, other factors play a role in your dog’s digestive system. Stress from a new environment, infections, or swallowing a foreign object can lead to an upset stomach. It’s essential to consider these potential causes when diagnosing your dog’s condition.
Home remedies for dog vomiting and upset stomach
When your dog is vomiting or otherwise in distress with an upset stomach, sometimes home remedies can offer immediate relief, discussed below.
1. Hydration First – Before anything else, ensure your dog has access to clean water. It can ease stomach turmoil and prevent dehydration. Contaminated water could in-itself be a source of dog indigestion. It’s also important to remember that dogs can become dehydrated and weak quickly when they have stomach issues. Clean, refreshing water can provide relief. Water should be refreshed at least daily.
Due to a high level of importance of hydrating, you may want to consider adding a pet water dispenser and/or standalone filtration system, from top-supplier PetLibro, linked below.

A full article on PetLibro is also posted on this site.
2. Keep Calm and Comfort On – A distressed dog needs comfort. Talk to them, pet them, and ensure they’re in a calm environment.
3. Digestive supplements – Consider over-the-counter digestive supplements, but always in consultation with a vet. The first question that often comes to mind is what do you give a dog with an upset stomach? In reality there are few things you can give a dog while being 100% satisfied it is safe for your dog’s system. More on this below under “When to consult a vet”.
4. More on hydration – If your dog is showing signs of dehydration, consider electrolyte solutions. But again, always consult with your vet.
5. Food alternatives – Switch to bland diets temporarily. Boiled rice or chicken can be easier on their stomach.
6. DIY remedies – Home remedies like ginger or broth can help soothe minor upsets. But keep in mind that you should contact a vet before giving your dog any OTC stomach remedies you may have at home or purchase locally.
7. A Walk Helps – Sometimes, a gentle walk can help ease the discomfort and stimulate digestion.
8. Comfort is Crucial – Ensure your dog has a comfortable resting place. Comfort can speed up recovery.
Dietary changes for relief
Sometimes, it’s about going back to basics. A bland diet, shift in feeding patterns, or simply introducing hydration can bring immense relief.
Benefits of probiotics and how they help
The gut is a universe of its own. Probiotics? They’re the superheroes maintaining peace. Introducing dog-friendly probiotics can balance this universe, leading to a happier, healthier pet. Like other supplements the should be administered in consultation with a vet.
When to consult a vet
If none of the foregoing provides relief and the problem persists, it is time to contact a vet. They can provide guidance on whether it’s necessary to bring your dog in for an examination and may recommend dietary changes, medications, or other treatments to help alleviate the upset stomach. Free vet advice via live chat is available to anyone with a Chewy account in their “Connect with a Vet” service. Just click the link below for access.


If a vet prescribes a medication or approves an over-the-counter remedy and an online source is appropriate for your situation, Chewy is also a great source for discount prescriptions and OTC medices.
Crucial signs to monitor
Beyond the usual signs, there are certain symptoms that scream for professional attention. It’s about recognizing them and acting swiftly.
What to expect during a vet visit
Vet visits can be daunting, especially when your dog is in distress. But understanding the process, from examination to potential treatments, can ease stress. Before a visit or consultation, some preparation can be helpful. It’s a good idea to have any medical records available you may have for your dog, plus a list of medications your dog may be taking. Being prepared can reduce stress and provide the best vet care experience.
Preventing future stomach upsets
Prevention is always better than a cure. Here are some actionable steps to ensure your dog’s stomach remains as healthy as possible:
Step 1: Identify the Culprit – The first step in any preventive measure is identifying what’s causing the upset. It could be a new treat, an underlying health issue, or even stress. Once you pinpoint the cause, you can take appropriate measures.
Step 2: Balance is Key – Ensure your dog has a balanced diet. A well-rounded meal, rich in essential nutrients, can keep many stomach issues at bay.
Step 3: Experiment with Food Types – Every dog has its preferences. Try different food types to gauge what your dog prefers and what suits its stomach.
Step 4: Alter Feeding Schedules – Sometimes, it’s not about what they eat but when they eat. Consider shifting your dog’s feeding schedule, perhaps introducing a 12-24 hour fasting period, especially if they’ve had a recent upset.
Step 5: Natural Remedies to the Rescue – Mother Nature has answers. Explore natural remedies like ginger or pumpkin to ease minor stomach discomforts.
Step 6: Be Vigilant – Always be on the lookout for signs of an upset stomach. Early detection can prevent more severe issues.
Step 7: Community Watch – If you know of other dogs suffering from a stomach upset, it might indicate a shared cause, like a contaminated water source. Act on this information.
Step 8: Embrace Preventive Care – Educate yourself on preventive care measures specific to stomach upsets. Regular vet visits and health check-ups can be invaluable.
Dietary preventions
It’s not just about what they eat, but how they eat. Consistency in diet, awareness of potential allergens, and timely meals can prevent many future upsets.
Non-dietary preventions
A clean and safe environment, stress management, and regular check-ups play a pivotal role in ensuring your dog remains in the best of health.
Final thoughts
Your dog’s well-being is in your hands. An upset stomach, while common, can be a source of distress. But with the right knowledge, timely interventions, and preventive measures, it’s a challenge you can be well-equipped to handle. After all, our best friends are worth it.

About the author
Arthur Frentzel is a generalist researcher and writer, researching and authoring hundreds of articles covering diverse categories such as automotive, genealogy, investing, economics, and pets. In recent years, he has published 56 articles on the Seeking Alpha international investment portal and remains as a contributor. For his love of pets, he has dedicated his research and writing to the pet category.
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