Symptoms of an Upset Stomach in Dogs and What to Do

An upset stomach is a bout of indigestion that causes general discomfort, usually caused by some digestive difficulty or by eating too much. Although it's often seen as a "minor" problem when it happens occasionally, the truth is that repeated episodes of indigestion can affect a dog's health.

Let's look at the symptoms that tell us a dog has an upset stomach, and in that case, what we can do to fix it.

Why do dogs get upset stomachs?

Most episodes of indigestion in dogs happen from eating too much food, whether it's their kibble, natural food, or human food. That said, there are other causes behind a dog's upset stomach, one of the most common being greedy behavior that generally leads the dog to gulp down food very quickly without chewing it properly.

Another problematic behavior is drinking a large amount of water all at once, especially if a large amount of food is also eaten at the same time, or shortly after drinking a lot of water.

What's more, any dog that has to eat in an environment or context with high stress, anxiety, or fear can develop frequent episodes of indigestion, along with other digestive disorders. Because of this, it's essential for your dog to have the right space and time to eat calmly, free of negative emotions, and confident that their wellbeing isn't at risk.

Lastly, another very relevant risk factor for an upset stomach in dogs is having some health issue that leads to digestive difficulties. For example, food allergies and intolerances tend to cause various gastrointestinal symptoms.

How to know if my dog has an upset stomach

The first sign that a dog has an upset stomach usually shows up as burping and vomiting, generally occurring shortly after eating. That said, here are other symptoms of an upset stomach in dogs you should know:

• Dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Diarrhea.
• Bloating and/or abdominal discomfort.
• Lying down in "odd" positions.
• Stomach pain.
• Inactivity.
• Weakness.
• Agitation or restlessness.

My dog has an upset stomach: what should I do?

In most cases, when it's an occasional bout of indigestion, there's no need to panic, since it's very likely every dog has had, or will have, at least one episode of an upset stomach in their life.

What you should do, in this case, is simply hold off on feeding and watch how the symptoms progress. Generally, a 12- to 24-hour fast to let the digestive system settle is enough to relieve the digestive overload and discomfort caused by indigestion in dogs.

Remember to always leave fresh, clean water available for your dog, since proper hydration is key for their body to recover, and also to prevent any signs of dehydration resulting from vomiting and diarrhea that may occur.

For most dogs with an upset stomach, these basic measures will be enough to restore their wellbeing. That said, if you notice symptoms aren't improving after 24 hours, or if your dog has very frequent episodes of indigestion and other digestive disorders (gas, diarrhea, vomiting, changes in bowel movements), don't hesitate to see the vet to investigate whether there's an underlying condition.

Home remedies for treating an upset stomach in dogs

There are some natural, homemade solutions you can give a dog with an upset stomach to ease stomach discomfort and the feeling of general unease. But keep in mind that these home remedies don't replace veterinary care and treatment suited to your dog's specific needs. With that said, here are some natural ingredients that can offer some comfort to a dog with an upset stomach:

1. Homemade electrolyte solution: recommended for dogs with an upset stomach who've had diarrhea and/or vomiting, since it helps replace fluids and electrolytes, preventing signs of dehydration. To make it, just mix 1 liter of boiled mineral water with 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and the juice of ½ a lemon. Stir well so the solid ingredients fully dissolve, and let it cool before giving it to your dog. This homemade solution stays good for 24 hours.
2. Chamomile: one of the herbs offering the most benefits for digestive health and dogs' overall wellbeing. Chamomile tea is excellent for easing stomach spasms and pain, preventing intestinal gas buildup, and also helps calm agitation and restlessness. A safe, beneficial daily dose is 2 tablespoons of chamomile tea.
3. Turmeric: this deep yellow root has digestive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood-sugar-lowering properties. Its effect on dogs' bodies (and humans' too) stimulates stomach activity and supports intestinal movement, reducing symptoms of an upset stomach in dogs. The maximum dose is 60 mg of turmeric powder a day, three to four times a week.
4. Cinnamon: also has digestive, anti-inflammatory, blood-sugar-lowering, and antibacterial effects. It works by easing stomach cramps and spasms, preventing intestinal gas buildup, and supporting digestion. You can give your dog 1/3 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, or 1 tablespoon of cinnamon stick tea, two to three times a week.
5. Probiotics: contain strains of "good" bacteria that make up dogs' gut microbiota, whose balance is essential for maintaining healthy digestion, optimal nutrient absorption, and a strengthened immune system. To add probiotics to your dog's diet, you can use natural sources such as kefir or sugar-free yogurt, or capsule supplements. The recommended dose is 1 tablespoon per 20kg of body weight, two to three times a week.

Now you know the best home remedies for an upset stomach in dogs, but don't forget it's extremely important to set a feeding routine and build good eating habits for your best friend. For example, set feeding times and don't leave them without food for several hours, keep them from eating too fast, avoid walks or physical activity right after eating, and make sure they have the space and time they need to eat calmly and securely.