How To Tell if Your Dog Has an Upset Stomach and What Might Be Causing It

Concerned pet owners everywhere know the feeling of dread that comes along with noticing their beloved dog isn’t quite feeling like themselves and not knowing what the cause is. Is it something they ate? Could it be an infection kicking in? Or is something else causing their upset stomach?  Watching our dogs feel unwell can often evoke a sense of helplessness and confusion but not for much longer. Alpha Pet Waste wants you to know all the necessary info to assess their discomfort. From figuring out what's causing an upset stomach to making smart decisions about potential treatments or home remedies, this post has everything you need to make sure your dog stays happy and healthy.

Symptoms 

Unfortunately, your dog can’t tell you when they have an upset stomach. However, they can communicate through other means, if you paid close enough attention. There are the more obvious signs such as vomiting and diarrhea but there are other more subtle signs that you should be aware of.

• Gagging, gulping, or licking their lips or the air is often a sign of nausea or seen as a way to fight against acid reflux. 
• If your dog has bad breath. While a dog’s breath usually doesn’t smell good, if the breath seemed particularly acidic that would be a sign of stomach acid buildup. Another sign of stomach gas buildup is when your dog has excess gas or a swollen or distended stomach. 
• If your dog has been very lethargic or you notice a decrease in energy this may be a sign that they aren’t feeling well. Be mindful if your dog struggles to get in a comfortable position such as by laying scrunched up, stretching their front paws out in a doggy bow, or in a similar tense position. This can be similar to how we clutch our stomachs when are in pain. 
• Loss in appetite or weight loss. 

If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms or severe vomiting and diarrhea, you should contact your vet immediately. 

What about eating grass? 

It’s a common belief that dogs sometimes eat grass when their stomach is upset. While research has been inconsistent, if your dog suddenly starts eating a lot more grass it could be a sign of an upset stomach. If your dog has a habit of eating grass then it’s more likely that they either enjoy the taste or may be bored. 

Causes of Upset Stomach 

There are a number of things that cause gastroenteritis, the technical term for an upset stomach. While sometimes an upset stomach can be a sign of more serious issues, usually it is a result of changes in the diet or your dog eating something they shouldn’t have. 

• Intestinal parasites including worms and microorganisms
• Viral or bacterial infection
• Reaction to medications
• Intestinal foreign bodies
• Heat stroke
• Change of diet
• Constipation
• Organ failure 
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Ingestion of toxins or poisons
• Uterine infection
• Stress
• Stomach ulcers
• Food sensitivity & allergies
• Cancer 
• Blockages in the digestive tract

Whatever is causing your dog’s stomach pain, it’s usually very treatable especially if they receive the care they need quickly. So now that you understand what could be causing your dog’s upset stomach, what can you do it make them feel better? 

How to help them feel better? 

Fasting: 

Sometimes the best thing to do to help your dog feel better is to withhold food for a meal or two. Not eating for 12 to 24 hours will not hurt your dog but will more likely give their stomach a chance to recover and let them have a break from digesting food. 

Soothing Food: 

There are a number of comforting food that you can give your dog when they have an upset stomach. Our first suggestion is to soak their usual dry dog in water. By softening up the kibble, it will help ease the digestion process. Scrambled eggs can also be another comforting food option. 

Canned pumpkins can be excellent for upset stomachs. Pumpkin has a low glycemic index which means it is digested slowly which can be soothing for an irritated GI tract. Be mindful to only give them canned pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling as that has sugar and spices which can be bad for your dog. The amount you give your dog depends on their weight, you should ask your vet to ensure you are giving them the correct amount. 

Hydration: 

It’s important that your dog stay hydrated when they aren’t feeling well. However, drinking full bowls of water can be difficult for them and can sometimes make their stomachache worse. Instead, try giving them some ice cubes. It allows them to stay hydration without causing bloating. Another option is to give them bone broth. This has the added benefit of giving them some extra nutrition, especially if they aren’t eating as much.

Contact A Pet Waste Removal Company 

When your dog is feeling unwell, the last thing you should have to worry about is cleaning up after them. As one of the top dog waste solutions, Alpha Pet Waste will come to your house to make clean-up convenient and effortless. We are a reliable and affordable residential pet waste disposal service that works with you to ensure that your backyard is clean, your dog is healthy, and that you are satisfied. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you.