What Should I Do When My Chihuahua Has a Stomachache?

If your dog (or specifically your Chihuahua in this case) appears to have a stomachache there are several approaches you can take. Judge the severity of it over the course of an hour or two before doing anything else. According to the PetMD website, "Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is identified by blood in the vomit and/or stool, often due to a food borne illness" which is common with dogs. The conclusion in prolonged problems should always be to consult a vet or animal hospital.

  1. Notice the Warning Signs and Symptoms

    • If your dog has stopped eating or is acting strange and pacing around, you'll know immediately that something's wrong. In addition, if it has thrown up or is eating grass, you know the dog's stomach is bothering it. Other signs may include moaning and lethargic behavior or disinterest in normal activities. Animals that are close to their owners will often attempt to communicate that something is wrong by their behavior or facial expressions.

    See If It Has Eaten Something Abnormal

    • Chihuahuas are small dogs and could easily have stomach problems from eating any number of household items. Like most dogs, Chihuahuas are known to eat strange objects when unsupervised. Check the area the dog has been in for any items that might've gone missing and could've been swallowed. Because Chihuahuas are smaller animals with smaller stomachs, they may be prone to becoming irritated more easily than dogs with stronger and larger organs.

    Take the Dog Outside

    • In the event the dog is sick, it will most likely be vomiting and weak. You may have to carry or lead it outside. Eating grass is the simplest way for a dog to make its stomach feel better. Take the dog out into the yard or into a dog run and watch its behavior. If the dog can vomit and begins to act more normal, you may be in the clear; otherwise, more serious measures may need to be taken.

    Contact Your Veterinarian

    • Call your regular vet, and let her know that the dog is having some stomach issues. Clue the vet into the behavior and the specific problems that are occurring. If your vet isn't available or the office is closed for the night or weekend, take your dog to the closest animal hospital. In most cases, stomachaches will come and go with animals, but in rare cases dogs may have swallowed something toxic or have a life threatening problem. The quicker you can determine the problem and act, the more likely your pet is to survive.