Why Does My Dog Keep Getting an Upset Stomach?
Dogs are sometimes subject to stomach upsets. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including overeating, eating too fast, eating fatty foods, or ingesting too much water after exercise. As a dog owner, it is natural that you start to worry when your dog keeps getting an upset stomach.
Well, we understand that dealing with such an anxious situation could be hard. However, rest assured that not all dogs who keep getting an upset stomach are on the verge of something chronic.
You only need to have the right kind of information about dog’s stomach upsets and how to treat this issue by yourself at home and you’re good to go.
Below, we are sharing all the information that you need about why dogs get upset stomachs, how to prevent this from happening and some home remedies for an upset stomach in dogs.
Why Do Dogs Get Upset Stomachs Repeatedly?
There are a variety of reasons why dogs might get an upset stomach. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Dietary Indiscretion
A dog that eats a lot of things he or she isn’t supposed to can get an upset stomach. This might include eating garbage, spoiled food, or items like chocolate or onions that are poisonous to dogs.
There can be something that is perfectly fine for other dogs but might give yours an allergy or infection. Having that edible easily accessible to your dog can cause him to overeat and get an upset stomach.
2. Eating Too Fast
Gulping down meals too quickly is another common reason for an upset stomach in dogs. When a dog eats too fast, he doesn’t chew his food properly, which can lead to indigestion and an upset stomach.
3. Eating Too Much
Just like people, dogs can get stomach upsets from eating too much. When a dog consumes more than he needs, his stomach becomes overloaded and he can experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
4. Drinking Too Much Water After Exercise
Dogs that ingest too much water after they’ve been playing or exercising can also get stomach upsets. This is because they can drink so much that their stomachs become dilated and they experience vomiting or diarrhea.
5. Food Allergies
Allergies are another common cause of upset tummies in dogs. Dogs can develop allergies to many different types of food, including grains, dairy products, chicken, beef, and pork.
6. Infections
Bacterial or viral infections can also cause stomach upsets in dogs. These types of infections are usually more severe and can require treatment with antibiotics or other medications.
7. Stress
Just like people, dogs can get stomach upset from stress. Dogs that are anxious or stressed might develop nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
8. Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a common health problem in dogs and can cause an upset stomach. This is because the kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins out of the blood and when they’re not functioning properly, these toxins can build up and make your dog sick.
9. Liver Disease
Liver disease is another common health problem in dogs that can cause an upset stomach. This is because the liver is responsible for filtering toxins out of the blood and when it’s not functioning properly, these toxins can build up and make your dog sick.
10. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a condition that affects the pancreas and can cause an upset stomach. Pancreatitis is usually more severe and can require treatment with antibiotics or other medications.
11. Motion Sickness
Dogs that get motion sickness might also experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. This is because the movement can trigger the stomach to become upset.
12. Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a virus that affects dogs and can cause severe stomach upsets. This virus is highly contagious and can be deadly if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of Stomach Upset in Dogs to Watch Out For
If your dog is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it might be indicative of an upset stomach:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Bloody stools
- Yellow discharge from the eyes or nose
If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it’s important to take him to the vet for an evaluation. The sooner you can get a diagnosis and treatment, the better.
Treating an Upset Stomach in Dogs
The best way to treat an upset stomach in dogs is to identify the underlying cause and then treat that accordingly. If the cause is a food allergy, for example, your dog might need to be put on a special diet. If the cause is an infection, your dog might need antibiotics or other medications.
In some cases, an upset tummy can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate. However, it’s important to speak to your vet before giving your dog any medication, as some medications can be dangerous for dogs. You can also work on some homemade recipes and foods for dogs when they have an upset stomach to help calm the situation down.
When to See a Vet For an Upset Stomach in Dogs
If your dog is showing any signs of an upset tummy, it’s always best to see a vet. This is because there are many different causes of upset tummy in dogs and some of them can be quite serious. The vet can do a physical examination and run some tests to determine the cause of your dog’s upset tummy and then recommend the best course of treatment.
Don’t worry and here’s to wishing a speedy recovery to your little pooch!
