What to Give a Dog for a Stomach Virus

Dogs can have bouts with upset stomach caused by a virus. While the uncomfortable symptoms are temporary, most owners try to relieve the pain and help their dog feel better as soon as possible. Simple treatments at home can be done for dogs with a stomach virus. However, a veterinarian should be called if problems persist, or if the dog's condition worsens.

  1. Keep Your Dog Hydrated

    • Keeping your dog hydrated during the upset stomach episode is very important. Withhold food and water for 3 to 4 hours after vomiting or diarrhea is noticed. Then slowly introduce tablespoons or water every 20 minutes or so. Dehydration can cause lethargy and other symptoms that a vet may misread when providing treatment. Persistent diarrhea and vomiting for 24 hours needs a veterinarian's attention.

    Bland Diet

    • A bland diet is recommended for dogs who have had a bout of vomiting or an upset stomach caused by a virus. The bland diet provides nutrition but is gentle on upset bellies without causing additional stress. To make a bland diet simply boil lean chicken breast meat until no pink is visible, and fully cook white rice. Combine the ingredients and give it to the dog in small amounts. Increase food amounts if there is no vomiting.

    Pepto-Bismol

    • Pepto-Bismol is a human drug that can be given to dogs when they have diarrhea, gas or an upset stomach. A dose of Pepto-Bismol can help solve mild cases of stomach viruses, but is not meant to be given long-term. The dosage of Pepto-Bismol depends on dog's weight, and tablets should be quartered or split in half. Do not give your dog liquid Pepto-Bismol. If you take your dog to the vet mention the dose of Pepto-Bismol, as it will show up on X-rays as a foreign object.