Your dog's stomach is much like your own. It has a lining that can be compromised by food and drink, resulting in an upset stomach. The symptoms of an upset stomach in dogs are similar to those we experience when our stomachs are upset: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Signs of Upset Stomach in Dogs
Like us, dogs can experience a range of symptoms that could indicate an upset stomach. Here’s what to watch for:
1) Cloudy or Bubbly Saliva
One of the most common symptoms of digestive issues in dogs is cloudy or bubbly saliva. When your dog licks their mouth, they're basically trying to soothe an upset stomach by cleaning away liquids that might be causing pain. So if you notice a change in your pup's saliva, it could be a sign that something's wrong with their digestive system.
Another common sign of digestive problems is foamy or bubbly saliva — this can happen whether or not there are other symptoms present. Yellow, white, and clear foamy spit are all signs of trouble to watch out for.
2) Unusual Drooling
Drooling is a common symptom of an upset stomach in dogs. However, it's important to note that a dry mouth can also cause drooling, and it's important to rule out this possibility before labeling your dog as having an upset stomach.
If your dog is anxious or fearful, he may be drooling as well. Dogs who are stressed out tend to salivate more than usual, which leads to excessive drooling and slobbering. It's also possible that your dog is in pain due to something else going on with him besides his gastrointestinal system—such as arthritis or chronic urinary tract infections—and while these aren't considered symptoms of an upset stomach, they can cause excessive salivation too.
3) Lack of Appetite
One of the most common symptoms of an upset stomach in dogs is a loss of appetite. Dogs may eat less or stop eating altogether, and sometimes they will even eat their own vomit. If your dog has abdominal pain, he may also drink more water than usual and have a change in his stool color or consistency.
4) Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common symptom of an upset stomach in dogs. If you notice your dog having loose stools, or if the stools are watery or have blood in them, it could mean that your pet has a bacterial infection or food allergy. Diarrhea can also be caused by stress and anxiety; some pets will overeat when they are nervous, which can lead to diarrhea.
5) Vomiting
Vomiting is a sign of an upset stomach. If your dog is vomiting, it can be caused by a foreign object, illness, or poison.
Vomiting can also be a sign of gastric distress. This may occur when the dog ingests something that upsets their stomach and causes them to throw up when they try to digest it further.
What is the Cause of Upset Stomach in Dogs?
The truth is that dogs get upset stomachs for a number of reasons. Dogs are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and vegetables. Their diet may change depending on the season or what is available at the time, but it's important to keep dogs on a consistent diet so they don't develop any allergies or food intolerances.
The most common cause of an upset stomach in dogs is ingesting something they shouldn't have eaten—usually something that contains chemicals or other ingredients that can make them sick if they consume too much of it at once.
If your dog has ingested something toxic, seek medical attention immediately because this could lead to serious health problems like organ failure if not treated quickly enough.
Other problems associated with eating the wrong thing include:
- Constipation
Constipation is a common problem in dogs, especially when they are not eating enough fiber. Some signs of constipation include the dog having difficulty passing stool, straining to go to the bathroom, and even vomiting after trying to pass stool. If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, it's important to get him checked out by your vet as soon as possible.
- Bloating
Abdominal enlargement or bloating is a sign of gas. Gas accumulation can occur when your dog eats too fast, eats too much at one time, or eats fatty foods.
If your dog has a bloated stomach, it may be uncomfortable for him and may cause him to refuse food. He might also have trouble breathing and show signs of pain if the gas has built up inside him.
How to Manage Upset Stomach in Dogs
If you've been looking for natural remedies for a dog's upset stomach, we've got you covered. Whether your pup is suffering from nausea or vomiting, natural remedies could include:
1) Apple Cider Vinegar
This is a great way to treat upset stomachs in dogs. Apple cider vinegar works well as a digestive aid and can help to relieve the symptoms of nausea. All you need to do is mix one teaspoon of ACV with one tablespoon of honey and give it to your dog on its own or mixed with food.
2) Ginger Root Tea
Ginger root tea can be used as a home remedy for upset stomach in dogs. Add 1 tsp of ginger root powder to a cup of boiling water. Allow it to steep for 5 minutes before giving it to your dog. It may help relieve nausea, vomiting and diarrhea caused by motion sickness or other causes.
3) Bone Broth
Bone broth is a great way to help a dog with upset stomach. It's easy to make, and you can use the bones from any type of meat you want. The most common types are beef, chicken, and lamb.
Here's how to make bone broth for dogs with upset stomach:
a. Get some beef bones or chicken backs—you'll be able to find them at the grocery store in the freezer section. They're usually pretty inexpensive.
b. Put them in a pot on the stove and cover them with water by about half an inch (about a centimeter). If you have time for it, let it simmer for a few hours so that all the goodness comes out of the bones into the water—this can take up to 24 hours!
c. After about 24 hours have passed, strain out all the solids using cheesecloth or another strainer that can catch small pieces of meat but not bones or teeth (if making this for your dog). Pour into ice cube trays or glass jars and freeze until solid—you can keep these in your freezer indefinitely if they're well-wrapped up!
4) Veterinary-Formulated Dog Probiotics
Daily probiotics, like Daily Dog, are one of the best things you can do for your pet's health. They can help with so many issues, from digestive problems to immune health.
Probiotics help your dog's gut be healthy and strong, which is especially important if they're a puppy or senior dog who might not have great digestion to start with.
If your dog is in significant distress, you can use a highly-concentrated probiotic paste to get your dog back on track.
It is important to remember that not all probiotics are created equal. Choose those that are formulated and recommended by veterinarians for best results.
Consult a Veterinarian in Severe or Ongoing Cases
Generally, pet parents will wait to see if symptoms of an upset stomach subside before making a veterinary appointment. However, if they don't improve within 12 hours or so, then it's probably time to give your vet a call. If your dog has been vomiting for more than 24 hours or if they are vomiting blood or black tar-like material, call your veterinarian to determine if an emergency appointment is warranted.
It's always a good idea to check in with your veterinarian if your dog is having any stomach problems. That way, you can make sure that they get the right care and treatment, and identify any underlying issues that might be causing the problem. In the meantime, you can try the remedies outlined in this article.
Read More:
When To See A Veterinarian For A Dog’s Stomach Ache
Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials
