To settle a dog's upset stomach, start with a short fast (12-24 hrs for adults), provide plenty of fresh water (or ice chips), then introduce small, frequent servings of a bland diet like boiled chicken and white rice or pumpkin, avoiding seasonings. Ensure rest, avoid strenuous play, and contact your vet if symptoms worsen, don't improve in a day or two, or include lethargy, blood, or excessive vomiting/drinking, as this could signal a serious issue needing professional care.
Give Bland, Easily Digestible Food
Boiled chicken and rice (with no seasonings) is a good option for short-term stomach upset. For more chronic stomach issues, your vet can recommend a special prescription or even over-the-counter diets that are made specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Tips for Calming Your Dog Naturally
It's important to know what to expect as far as the resolution of upset stomach symptoms in dogs. If your dog is vomiting or not eating, do not go more than 24 hours without seeking care from your veterinarian. Diarrhea usually takes longer to resolve: 3-5 days is typical and should be improving over that time.
If the vomiting is mild, infrequent, and not accompanied by severe symptoms, you may try these gentle home remedies.
A mixture of equal parts boiled (white) rice, white potato or pasta noodles and any of the following proteins:
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®) is commonly kept in medicine cabinets for digestive upset. Your veterinarian may recommend giving your dog this medication and can provide the appropriate dosing. Let your veterinarian know immediately if your dog vomits the bismuth subsalicylate.
Many cases of GI upset will resolve on their own, but there are several symptoms owners can watch out for to determine if a trip to the veterinarian is necessary, including if the dog stops eating or drinking, is depressed/lethargic, has frequent or persistent vomit or diarrhea (lasting beyond 24 hours), blood in the ...
Fortunately, there are medications that can calm your dog's tummy woes. Veterinarians often prescribe maropitant (Cerenia) for dogs experiencing nausea and vomiting. You can also give ondansetron (Zofran), a human medication, to your dog. Small, bland meals may help settle your dog's stomach.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
Dog Upset Stomach Treatment
You can feed small amounts of a homemade bland diet, such as boiled white-meat chicken and white rice with no salt, fat, or seasonings. You may also talk to your vet about feeding a commercial gastrointestinal diet, like Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Support.
Calm a dog with touch
Some dogs will pace when they're anxious. To help calm them in this situation, place the palm of your hand on their side, on their ribs close to their front legs. This will help them to understand that you're there for them and help them to feel calmer.
If you're wondering whether scrambled eggs are a safe and yummy option for your furry friend who's feeling a little down in the dumps (literally), then wonder no more! Scrambled eggs can be a great option for dogs with diarrhoea because they're easy to digest and gentle on your dog's stomach.
The most common signs that a dog is experiencing gastroenteritis include:
Some experts recommend giving your dog a liquid diet (of bone broth) one day a week to ensure their digestive system is cleaned out and has the opportunity to regenerate and nourish itself.
White rice is not only safe for dogs, but it's great for helping dogs with digestive problems, such as diarrhea, because: It's bland, which helps slow stool production and ease diarrhea. It has easily digestible carbohydrates.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
These can lead to dehydration, causing a dog to drink more water. If your dog drinks too much water at once, it can cause more vomiting/regurgitation. If the gastrointestinal signs are frequent, severe, or persistent, seek veterinary care.
Gastroenteritis can typically be resolved at home with rehydration therapy, but you should first bring your dog to a veterinarian to ensure that the symptoms are not the sign a more serious disease. The two most common signs of gastroenteritis are vomiting and diarrhea.
OK to Give (under veterinary supervision)
Home care for dogs with an upset stomach
Vomiting and diarrhea are perhaps the most noticeable signs of a gastrointestinal issue, but pet owners should also watch for symptoms such as decreased appetite, abdominal discomfort, excessive drooling, or changes in stool consistency and color.
Peppermint tea: Simply brew a cup of peppermint tea to help calm your stomach. Peppermint oil: Inhaling the scent of peppermint oil or applying a small amount to your temples or wrists can help relieve nausea quickly. Peppermint candies: Sucking on peppermint lozenges can also provide immediate relief.
Treatment