Canine with an Upset Stomach

While it may seem as though your canine's tummy and appetite are indestructible, dogs, like humans, are susceptible to stomachaches. An upset stomach for a dog comes in various forms and degrees of severity. Understanding the causes and symptoms of your dog's upset stomach is important, so that you can give your dog the relief it needs.

  1. Symptoms

    • Besides a full food bowl, you can tell that a canine has an upset stomach by familiarizing yourself with basic symptoms. Things to look out for include vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence and constipation. If you are in tune with your dog's demeanor, you might be able to tell when it is uncomfortable, based on the way the dog is lying down -- or if it is whining. Additionally, look at your dog's belly to see if it looks bloated or swollen.

    Causes

    • Many things can cause a canine to have an upset stomach. Food allergies, being introduced to a new type of food, ingesting a foreign object, intestinal worms or bacterial infections are some common examples of stomachache causes in dogs. Your vet may want to perform a stool sample to look for signs of worms, blood or other bacteria. When basic causes are ruled out, a vet may check the canine for stomach ulcers or tumors.

    Treatment and Home Remedies

    • Treatments and home remedies depend on the symptoms and causes of the stomachache. In some cases, your dog's stomachache will pass on its own, especially if your dog vomits or eliminates enough. If your dog has diarrhea, your vet may suggest giving your dog an anti-diarrheal. If the stomachache persists or is too severe, your vet may prescribe an antibiotic, if a bacterial infection is suspected. For home remedies, try giving your dog licorice root or ginger.

    Food

    • Your dog will eat when it is ready to, but it's still important to offer your dog the food. Bland food is best when canines have stomachaches. A combination of white rice and bland boiled chicken breast is an example of a bland dish that your dog will provide protein, but that will not aggravate the condition.