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.
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.
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. Finally, your dog may start stretching its front paws out repeatedly in a doggie bow.
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.
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.
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.
For dogs, raw and whole meals are good options. Organic meals, natural vegetarian sources, and even biodynamic foods are perfect! Foods like beetroots, carrots and even shredded coconut would work towards detoxifying your dog's gut! This food can clean out your dog's digestive system and prevent indigestion.
An upset stomach is one of the most obvious signs that your dog has eaten something bad, and it's also one of the first signs to show up. Common gastrointestinal signs that your dog is sick include: Vomiting. Diarrhea.
Signs a Dog May Be Feeling 'Sad'
A depressed dog may stop eating and drinking, become lethargic and withdrawn, or their depression can manifest as anxiety, and the dog may become destructive. A depressed dog might also become aggressive, Inman says.
Socializing your pet, learning what makes them tick, treating their separation anxiety, crate training, enrolling in a training course, and using calming treats and scents are all ways to make your dog feel safe.
If your dog's stomach feels abnormally hard, that could be a sign that they're dealing with a stomach issue. Common stomach issues that cause a hard stomach include gastric dilation volvulus, peritonitis, and Cushing's disease. If your dog's stomach is hard, you should take them to the vet right away.
If your dog's stomach is upset, he may quiver and shake before and after the bout of nausea. If your dog has consumed something poisonous, such as a poisonous plant or substance, the toxic chemicals can make your dog very sick. Your dog may quiver if he is suffering from a poisoning.
If your dog is eating grass and they are also having diarrhea or are vomiting, their stomach issues are likely the reason why. There are two reasons why dogs instinctively eat grass when they have an upset stomach. The first is that grass contains fiber, which can help soothe stomach problems.
A hurt dog may express their pain either through whining, whimpering, yelping, growling, and even howling.
Signs of a Sick Cat or Sick Dog
Decrease in appetite accompanied by weight loss. Bad breath or foul odor coming from the ears or skin. Excessive thirst or urination. Unexplained aggression or other behavioral changes.
One of the common ways your dog will try to say sorry is by making “puppy eyes” or tucking its tail between its legs. Avoiding eye contact and lowering their ears are also common ways for dogs to apologize. They also watch for your reaction.
"Often dogs become depressed as a result of pain or illness. If your dog shows the above signals, take him to the vet to make sure he does not have an underlying condition," advises Trott.
Sick dogs need a lot of sleep and rest. Provide a quiet and comfortable place for your dog to relax that is free of disturbances, including other pets or young children who may be a bother. You may want to keep your sick dog in a private room or separate area of the house to ensure that they are left alone.
Give cooled, boiled water little and often. If your pet is vomiting and unable to keep food down, you can try missing one meal, although still allow access to water. Then, offer small amounts of a white meat diet such as boiled chicken or boiled fish (cod or coley), with white rice.