Vets often suggest a bland diet to treat a dog's upset stomach. Rice and chicken, or a more specific diet, removes the irritating substances from food to help your dog's digestive system rebalance itself.
Chicken and rice are prime ingredients in many dog foods, and these mild foods sit well on upset canine stomachs. Plus, this bland meal is easy to prepare. All you need are boneless, skinless chicken breasts and rice.
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.
Gastroenteritis ranges from mild (lasts one to two days) to severe (lasts for more than two days, diarrhoea and/or vomit may contain blood, and they may become very poorly). If your dog's diarrhoea or vomit contains blood we call the condition haemorrhagic gastroenteritis which is usually more serious.
Whittenburg says to avoid giving your dog milk to treat constipation because it can lead to diarrhea and stomach upset. "You do not want to further upset your dog's gastrointestinal tract when they already have an issue, and you may make it worse," she explains.
Bananas are a gentle food for your pooch. This means, along with sweet potatoes and oatmeal, they're great for calming a dog's stomach. If your dog has chronic upset stomach or just isn't feeling well, mash up a little banana into his regular meal to help his tummy settle.
Scrambled eggs are a good option for dogs with diarrhea because they are easy to digest and packed full of protein. Dogs who have been vomiting or eating stool may not be able to handle the high-fat content but scrambled egg is one of the best options out there.
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.
Most dogs with gastroenteritis will have intermittent episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. The vomit may contain foamy, yellowish bile, especially after emptying the stomach. Many owners observe dry heaving or gagging after their dog eats or drinks.
A tablespoon of unsweetened yogurt can help your dog replace healthy bacteria in their stomach. If served daily, plain yogurt can even support your dog's digestive system.
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.
Some pet parents wonder if bread can help dogs if they're experiencing signs of gastrointestinal upset, like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. But does it actually help soothe our dogs' tummy ache? "No, it doesn't," Robinson says.
Dogs sometimes vomit up yellow foam. This yellow foam is a form of bile, or digestive fluid, that is produced in the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and released into the small intestine, just below the stomach. This yellow foam usually means that its stomach is empty and the bile is causing stomach irritation.
Internal causes for an upset stomach include dietary indiscretion (a fancy way of saying your dog ate something they shouldn't), food allergies, overeating, ulcers, tumors, parasites and intestinal blockages.
Common causes of gastroenteritis in dogs include any changes to normal diet, dietary indiscretion, infections (bacterial, viral, parasitic), toxins, or taking certain medications, among others. Gastroenteritis can be highly contagious and can spread through the dog community quickly.
Always see your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing symptoms of a stomach virus, as they will be able to determine the cause. The main course of treatment for a stomach virus is rehydration and restoration of the electrolyte balance, as well as other supportive therapies.
Eggs are high in protein and contain many essential fatty acids and essential amino acids. This makes them a yummy — and healthy — snack when cooked or boiled. In fact, eggs may even be able to help settle your dog's upset stomach and can also be an important source of protein in some commercial dog foods.
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®) is commonly kept in medicine cabinets for digestive upsets and can be administered to your dog.
So, yes, most types of peanut butter are perfectly fine for a healthy dog, but you should only provide it as a treat in moderation. Some dogs will get stomach upset after they eat a little or a lot of peanut butter. In most cases, symptoms resolve quickly and you avoid feeding your dog that food again.
White foamy vomit is usually due to saliva and digestive secretions mixing with air in your dog's tummy, resulting in vomit with a soap suds like appearance. Typically there is some sort of irritation or trigger causing the white foamy vomit.
Some tried-and-true methods include: Rice water: Boil high-quality rice in a lot of water, remove the grains, and offer the dog the creamy white soup that's left. A splash of broth or a bit baby food will make it more palatable. Plain white rice.
Ginger is one of the best home remedies for your dog's vomiting and upset stomach because it has anti-spasmodic effects. It is believed to help settle stomach irritation and nausea, helping your dog to feel better. It also works as an antacid that is easy for your dog to digest.
Yes, dogs can eat toast as long as they aren't intolerant or allergic to wheat or gluten. If they are sensitive, it's best not to give them toast just to make sure it doesn't pup-set their stomach. Dogs can also eat toast with some sort of spread on, provided it doesn't contain any ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
If your dog's upset stomach is caused by food poisoning, your vet may recommend that you withhold food for 24 hours to allow their digestive tract to rest. After that, introduce canned dog food, especially broth or canned pumpkin, to your dog's diet.