Home Remedies for Upset Stomach in Dogs

When a dog has minor stomach upset, veterinarians often suggest they fast for a few hours until they return to normal. However, this approach has been questioned. While fasting may be beneficial, research suggests this is not always the case and will depend on the individual dog. Some supplementation with polyphenols or other antioxidants have been suggested, but further research is needed for a conclusive treatment guideline^[1].

As with all health issues in dogs, prevention of an upset stomach is better than treatment. Since the stomach is part of the digestive tract, ensuring healthy digestion begins with providing a correct diet for the dog. This diet is not the same for every animal and will need to be based on their specific nutritional needs. This needs to consider factors such as age and preexisting health conditions.

Since each dog's diet can differ, it is important to speak to a veterinarian. Especially if a dog has recurring stomach upset, a veterinary checkup can help you to make the correct changes to their diet and prevent gastrointestinal problems in the future. While all dogs will need a healthy diet, those with a sensitive stomach will need greater care in arranging their food than others.

When a dog has an upset stomach, treating it at home with diet can help. It is currently recommended they consume a highly digestible diet which is both low in fat and low in fiber. To provide this diet, you have two main options:

• Homemade food: you can prepare some meals at home with a low-fat protein (e.g. chicken or turkey), vegetables (e.g. carrots or pumpkin) and cereals (e.g. rice or oats).
• Commercial feed: provide a feed specially formulated for dogs with gastrointestinal disorders. These are much more digestible than conventional commercial feeds.

It is also advisable to divide the ration into several meals a day to avoid overloading the digestive system. This does not mean that we should give more food, but that we should divide the same volume into smaller meals given 3-4 times a day.

Learn more about the causes of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

As we have stated, mild gastric upset in dogs should resolve on its own. Fasting may help, but we need to ensure we support the dog through this time. Some home remedies can help to settle a dog's stomach, but they will not treat serious issues such as infections or chronic diseases such as as inflammatory bowel disease in dogs. For this reason, the use of home remedies may delay treatment or even worsen symptoms.

If you are sure your dog only has a mild upset stomach, we look at the effectiveness of proposed home remedies:

• Chamomile infusion: chamomile has compounds such as bisabolol and apigenin which have mild anti-inflammatory and even sedative effects. An infusion of chamomile may help the dog to return to normal and is generally safe in small doses. Too much can worsen gastrointestinal distress and result in vomiting or diarrhea. We also need to be careful to ensure the dog does not have any allergies.
• Mint infusion: mint is known to have antispasmodic effects which may be able to help reduce nausea. However, it is not always the best option. This is especially the case with peppermint which is toxic in large doses. Peppermint oil is completely contraindicated in dogs and can worsen the clinical picture. Generally speaking, there are more effective home remedies for an upset stomach in dogs.
• Ginger infusion: ginger has been well-documetned as an antiemetic, helping to reduce vomiting. It can soothe gastrointestinal upset in small amounts such as when used in ginger tea.
• Aloe vera: claims of the benefits of aloe vera include both internal and topical use, but both can be limited in dogs. Especially when taken internally, aloe vera can be toxic. It contains compounds such as anthraquinones which provide a laxative effect and can harm the gastrointestinal mucosa. Not only is its effectiveness in question, but its potential toxicity means we should avoid its use in dogs.

Before administering any home remedy to your dog, you should consult a veterinarian. They will ensure the correct protocol is being taken and help to avoid any potential adverse side effects. This is especially important if they are already being treated for any issue, since some home remedies may have contraindications for your dog.

As we have explained, a dog can have an upset stomach for a variety of reasons. If they have eaten something which disagrees with them, they can have some mild stomach bloating. It is very important to differentiate this from other serious issues such as gastric torsion, a potentially fatal condition which is commonly known as bloat in dogs.

Bloat occurs when the dog's stomach turns on its axis. When it does so, it stops digestive flow through the gastrointestinal system. Since food and water cannot pass through, it accumulates in the stomach. This causes the stomach to dilate, potentially resulting in rupture and the death of the animal.

Since gastric torsion is one of the most deadly diseases in dogs, it is essential you know that you cannot treat it at home. No home remedy will stop the torsion and clinical intervention is necessary. This will most often be in the form of surgery to return the stomach back to its original position. They will also need follow-up care and dietary changes to best ensure the problem doesn't return.

If your dog has symptoms of gastric torsion such as a distended abdomen, lethargy, hypersalivation, retching, pale mucous membranes and increased heart rate, you will need to take them to a veterinarian. These are symptoms which could also apply to other serious health problems. Prompt intervention can make the difference between life and death.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Home Remedies for Upset Stomach in Dogs, we recommend you visit our Intestinal problems category.