What Can I Give My Dog For An Upset Stomach?
Dogs are naturally curious, which means they sometimes eat things they shouldn’t. Unfortunately, this can lead to stomach upset and other digestive issues. When your dog has an upset stomach, it’s not just tough on them—it can be stressful for you too. Knowing what’s behind your dog’s tummy troubles and spotting the signs early can help you step in quickly and ease their discomfort.
Let’s take a closer look at what might be bothering your pup and how to tell when it’s time to take action.
Common Causes of Upset Stomach in Dogs
One of the most frequent reasons dogs get upset stomachs is dietary indiscretion—a fancy way of saying they ate something they weren’t supposed to. Whether it’s table scraps, garbage, or something they found outside, dogs can get themselves into digestive trouble pretty easily.
Infections are another common culprit. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can sneak in through contaminated food, water, or contact with other animals. Infections like Salmonella or E. coli can cause more serious symptoms and usually require a vet’s help.
Sometimes, the cause may be something more long-term, such as a food allergy or intolerance. Just like people, some dogs react poorly to certain ingredients in their food. If you suspect this might be the case, your vet can help pinpoint the trigger and recommend a diet that’s gentler on your dog’s stomach.
Spotting the Signs: What to Watch For
A dog with an upset stomach will often show signs that something’s not right. The most noticeable symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes mild, sometimes more intense. Occasional vomiting might not be a big deal, but if it’s happening repeatedly or your dog seems especially tired or uncomfortable, it’s worth a closer look.
Other red flags include:
- Loss of appetite (especially if it lasts more than a day)
- Lethargy or low energy
- Excessive drooling
- Abdominal discomfort (like whining or guarding their belly)
- Unusual behavior—being more withdrawn, irritable, or restless
What You Can Give Your Dog for an Upset Stomach
It’s natural to want to help your pup feel better fast, but before reaching into your medicine cabinet, keep in mind that not all over-the-counter medications are safe for dogs.
Some dog owners may wonder whether it is safe to give their dog Pepto Bismol. The answer isn’t straightforward. While Pepto Bismol can be beneficial in certain situations, it is important to consult a veterinarian before giving it to your dog. It is not safe for every dog, and the appropriate dosage is critical. Other options your vet might suggest include:
- Dog-specific antacids to reduce stomach acid
- Probiotics to restore healthy gut bacteria
- Bland diets (like plain boiled chicken and rice) for a day or two to let the stomach settle
How to Help Prevent Tummy Troubles
While we can’t protect our dogs from everything, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the chances of stomach issues:
- Stick to a consistent, high-quality diet—avoid switching foods suddenly.
- Avoid giving table scraps or letting your dog access garbage.
- Keep harmful foods and substances out of reach—including chocolate, grapes, xylitol, and household chemicals.
- Stay on top of regular vet visits, deworming, and vaccinations.
Barri J. Morrison, DVM, in the PetMD article, stated that: “If your dog has had an upset stomach for less than 48 hours and they are still eating and drinking, not lethargic, and have no blood in their feces or vomit, you can try to manage the issue at home.
You can feed small amounts of a bland diet, such as boiled white-meat chicken and white rice with no salt, fat, or seasonings.
If your dog is having diarrhea, you can add fiber by giving canned 100% pumpkin puree or a fiber powder.
Probiotics can also help relieve an upset stomach.”
When to See the Vet
Sometimes, home care just isn’t enough. If your dog’s symptoms persist for more than a day or two, or if you notice more serious signs like bloody stool, vomiting blood, fever, or signs of dehydration, it’s time to call your vet. They can run tests, provide medications, and get your dog back on the road to recovery.
How Can Pet Insurance Help You if Your Dog Needs Treatment?
Pet insurance can be a valuable tool in managing the costs of treating a dog’s veterinary expenses. By having a pet insurance policy in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that you can provide medical care for your furry companion without worrying about the financial burden. Pet insurance can help cover the costs of veterinary consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, and even specialized treatments if required.
Reimbursement
This method is the most common for pet insurance companies. You pay out of pocket for the veterinarian bill, and then the insurance company reimburses you for what’s covered under the insurance plan. The steps look like this.
- You pay the vet bill after your dog’s visit.
- You fill out the pet insurance claim form.
- Submit the claim form and other required documentation to the insurer.
- After the claim is approved, you will be reimbursed for eligible expenses.
What Does Odie Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance covers various veterinary expenses, providing financial protection and peace of mind for pet owners. Here are the details of the coverage options offered by Odie Pet Insurance:
Illness & Injury Plan
The Illness & Injury Plan is an all-inclusive insurance plan designed to cover a wide range of medical needs for your pet. This plan includes comprehensive coverage for various illnesses, injuries, and veterinary services. Some of the covered items include:
- 24/7 Televet Chat
- Emergency vet visits
- Overnight hospital stays
- IV Fluids & Medications
- Medical Supplies
- Surgeries
- MRI/CAT Scans
- Rehabilitative Care
- Prescription Medications
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Laboratory Tests
Accident-Only Plan
The Accident-Only Plan is designed for pet owners seeking coverage specifically for accidents. This plan provides financial protection for emergency veterinary care resulting from accidental injuries. It includes 90% reimbursement up to $10,000 each year, with a $250 annual deductible.
Here’s an overview of the Accident-Only Plan:
- Coverage for broken bones, sprains, eye injuries, and traumatic dental fractures.
- Coverage for wounds, including bite wounds, lacerations, snake bites, and bee stings.
- Veterinary treatments covered for accidental injuries include X-rays & ultrasounds, laboratory tests, emergency care, hospitalization, CT scan & MRI, and surgery.
The Wellness Add-on Plan
The Wellness Plan is an add-on for routine care coverage you can purchase with an insurance policy. It focuses on preventive care and covers routine veterinary services. Odie has two wellness plan options available:
Basic Plan:
- Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
- Reimbursement up to $305 per year.
Plus Plan:
- Ideal for puppies and kittens.
- Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
- Reimbursement up to $535 per year.
