Signs of an Upset Stomach in a Dog There are a variety of symptoms that indicate your dog may be experiencing stomach pain. The most obvious symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, pacing, or loss of appetite. If your dog is having severe vomiting, fever, or bloody diarrhea, you need to visit a vet immediately.
Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of an inflamed, irritated stomach and intestines, or gastrointestinal upset in dogs and puppies. Other signs that your dog has an upset stomach could include, licking lips or licking the air (sign of nausea), gulping (as a way to combat acid reflux), loss of appetite and lethargy.
Acting lethargic or uncomfortable – There are a few behaviors that may indicate stomachaches. First, they may lose energy. A dog acting lethargic may be trying to minimize discomfort. They may also stay in a scrunched-up or tense position, similar to how humans will clutch their stomach.
How to Check Your Dog's Stomach. The exam is pretty straightforward: touch and feel your dog's stomach, starting just behind the ribs, and gently pressing your hands into the belly. Like all other parts of the body, you will be getting a feel for what is normal, and then continuing to monitor for any future changes.
Symptoms of a Dog's Upset Stomach
Intestinal inflammation: diarrhea, strain to move bowels, pain when emptying bowels, weight loss, and vomiting. Constipation: hard, dry feces, straining to move bowels. Bloating: restlessness, discomfort, rapid breathing, abdominal swelling, dry retching, excessive drooling.
Thankfully, most upset stomachs should clear up within 48 hours. However, digestive issues can continue longer if the underlying cause is a long-term problem – examples can be chronic stress, a food allergy (if no dietary changes have been made), or an untreated health condition.
Normally, your dog's belly should feel soft to the touch. While it's not healthy for dogs to have too much fat on their abdomen, their bellies shouldn't feel hard either. If your dog's stomach is hard, that could mean they have a serious stomach problem, such as GDV, peritonitis, or Cushing's disease.
Typically, a dog with a bloated stomach won't want you to touch it and might cry out in pain if you do. Lethargy: Colic can make dogs appear weak and sluggish, resulting in them lounging on the floor or couch for hours at a time.
Also, frequent whimpering is an obvious symptom that they're in distress. Vomiting/Diarrhea – The most obvious and unpleasant sign that your dog's stomach is in distress is the body violently attempting to rid itself of the offending substances.
What are the typical signs of pain in dogs? General behaviour: Shaking, flattened ears, low posture, aggression, grumpy temperament, panting or crying, excessive licking or scratching a specific area, reluctant to play, interact or exercise, lameness (limping), stiffness after rest, loss of appetite.
Pain: If your dog is in pain, it may remain hidden or become reluctant to interact with the family. Your dog may seem to be panting more than usual or trembling. You may also notice other signs of pain like irritability, restlessness, or aggression.
If a dog begins showing signs of stomach upset but is still willing to eat and drink, its owner can first try offering a bland, low-fat, highly digestible diet to resolve the issue. “Boiled, skinless chicken or turkey breast mixed with white rice or low-fat cottage cheese can be offered in the short term,” Gould said.
Signs of an intestinal blockage in dogs, or a bowel obstructions may include: Straining or unable to poop. Weakness. Loss of appetite.
Predisposed breeds include Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Weimaraners, Irish Setters, Gordon Setters, Standard Poodles, Basset Hounds, Doberman Pinschers, and Old English Sheepdogs. In a recent study, the top three breeds found to be at risk of bloat were 1) Great Dane, 2) St. Bernard, and 3) Weimaraner.
Taking an x-ray of your dog's abdomen is the only way to tell the difference between bloat and GDV, allowing for appropriate intervention. A dog with bloat can die in a matter of hours unless emergency gastropexy surgery is performed.
Signs of an Upset Stomach in a Dog
The most obvious symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, pacing, or loss of appetite. If your dog is having severe vomiting, fever, or bloody diarrhea, you need to visit a vet immediately. Any of these symptoms may signal that something serious is going on with your dog.