Knowing These 8 Dog Stomach Problems NATURAL Solutions Could Save Your Pet's Life!

Mar 30, 2023by Suzie Cyrenne

 

Picture this: you’re noticing that your dog is constantly pawing at his tummy and seems to have lost his appetite. Apart from not being in the mood to play, he also lets out a groan every now and then. Chances are your dog is having an upset stomach.

If you’re looking to get in on the proper natural solutions when dealing with dog stomach problems, then you’ve come to the right place. Besides guiding you on the causes and symptoms of this condition, I’ll also walk you through the home remedies you can go for when your canine family member is suffering from this health issue.

How about we start things off by touching on the common causes of an upset stomach in dogs?

 

What are the Common Causes of Upset Stomach in Dogs?

Believe it or not, there are several possible causes why your canine family member is having an upset stomach, which are as follows…

 

1. Bloat

Bloat occurs when your dog’s stomach becomes blocked up with fluids, gas or food. This makes his stomach expand and contract, which can be very painful.

 

2. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is when your canine family member frequently passes large amounts of broken, watery stools. This is usually triggered by bacterial and viral infection, as well as the entry of parasites in his digestive system.

 

3. Inflammation

An inflammation takes place when your dog’s immune system is fighting off bacteria, viruses, or parasites that have made their way inside his body. When this immune response happens in his digestive tract, it could set off an upset stomach. This can be also observed in dogs that are suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.

 

4. Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is another cause of an upset stomach in dogs. This is quite common among puppies that don’t have their sense of balance fully developed yet and may experience motion sickness during car rides.

 

5. Ingestion of foreign objects

When your dog eats something that he shouldn’t have like a piece of plastic or a small pebble, this causes adverse reactions in his digestive system. And the most prominent reaction from the ingestion of foreign objects is an upset stomach.

 

6. Ulcers

Lesions and sores that have formed inside your dog’s stomach are called ulcers. They can periodically cause an upset tummy.

 

7. Extreme amounts of stress

Another cause of an upset stomach in dogs in extreme amounts of stress. This can usually be attributed to a dog being separated from his loved ones, being in a strange environment, meeting new faces, and loud sounds.

 

Now we’ve got that out of the bag, let’s discuss the indicators of an upset stomach in dogs…

 

What are the Signs of an Upset Stomach in Dogs? 

If you’re suspecting that your canine family member is having a stomach upset, here are the signs that you need to look out for…

  • Sudden lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • He is constantly pawing at his tummy
  • He is frequently moaning and groaning
  • Your dog tends to lick the floor or eats grass
  • His stomach is firm to the touch
  • He is salivating and experiencing gassiness
  • He is passing broken and watery stools
  • You can hear gurgling noises from his tummy

Next, let’s discuss how long an upset stomach lasts in dogs…

 

How long does an Upset Stomach in Dogs lasts?

An upset tummy in dogs typically lasts for about 24 to 48 hours. After such time, the signs that we’ve just touched on will gradually disappear.

However, if the indicators of an upset stomach in dogs continue to persist for more than three days, then it’s time to seek medical help or provide your canine family member with the right natural remedies to help him deal with this health issue.

Now here’s a question I’ve been asked by a lot of pet parents and animal lovers lately…

 

Does Stomach Upset in Dogs Go Away on Its Own?

The short answer is it depends. If the cause of the upset stomach is due to stress, motion sickness, and the ingestion of foreign objects, then this problem will go away on its own after 24 to 48 hours.

On the other hand, if it was caused by some other disease or health issue, such as diarrhea, ulcer, or bloat, you’ll need to provide your dog with immediate and proper care and attention to make him feel better again.

Now let’s talk about the proper way of checking your dog’s stomach when you are suspecting that his tummy is upset…

 

How Do You Check a Dog's Stomach?

First, choose a spacious and comfortable area where you can efficiently examine your dog’s stomach, such as your living room or patio. The garage works well for this one, too.

Second, gently position your canine family member on his side. I recommend placing a pillow under him so he will remain comfy as you go along.

Third, gently place your palm on his tummy and apply a very small amount of pressure. Take note of any weird sounds, unnatural firmness, as well as any sores or lesions in and around his abdominal area.

Make sure you also look out for any changes in your dog’s breathing or groaning when you touch a specific part of his tummy. Take note of these areas and check for any signs of injury, sores, swelling, and similar issues.

And lastly, don’t forget to give him a treat for being such a good boy.

So, here’s a question that I’ve been asked a lot by dog parents like you: when should you worry about your dog’s upset stomach?

 

When Should I Worry About My Dog’s Upset Stomach?

While your dog having an upset stomach is definitely something that you should not ignore, the following are the crucial signs that your canine family member requires immediate and proper care and attention:

  • He is constantly groaning and moaning, which indicates that he is in a lot of pain
  • His tummy is visibly swollen and feels rigid to the touch
  • He is experiencing bouts of repeated vomiting or diarrhea

Next, let’s touch on the things you should do when your dog vomits or is suffering from diarrhea…

 

What Should I Do When My Dog Vomits or has Diarrhea?

If your canine family member experiences bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, here are the things that you should do:

  • Take note of the smell and color of the vomit or diarrhea. Remember to check carefully if it also contains blood or any traces of foreign objects.
  • Avoid giving your dog any food for at least 3 to 4 hours, but make sure you provide him with a sufficient amount of water.
  • If the vomiting or diarrhea stops, give him small amounts of bland food like boiled chicken and rice to get his appetite going again.
  • Slowly introduce a bit of his regular food, gradually increasing the amount each time until his normal appetite returns.
  • Should the vomiting or diarrhea occur again, repeat the process until his normal appetite comes back.

Now here are the natural remedies for upset stomachs in dogs I was telling you about earlier…

 

What Natural Remedy Can I Give My Dog for An Upset Stomach?

Apple cider vinegar helps bolster the digestive process.

According to PharmacyToday, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been observed to possess some beneficial attributes when it comes to improving the digestive process.

Besides helping the stomach ease up a bit during episodes of diarrhea and bloating, apple cider vinegar is also seen to effectively inhibit bacteria such as E.coli that may set off tummy problems in dogs.

To use apple cider vinegar to support your dog during an upset stomach, directly add in a fourth of a teaspoon of ACV to your canine family member’s water. Make sure the water is fresh and not just topped up for this application.

Moreover, always keep in mind not to give apple cider vinegar to your dog straight since its sheer acidity can disrupt the number of beneficial bacteria in his gut.

 

Ginger is an all-around tummy helper.

A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reveals that ginger possesses comprehensive benefits when it comes to keeping the stomach in tiptop shape.

Apart from helping improve the digestive process, various tests on this aromatic plant also showed that it has positive effects on flatulence, helps stave off nausea and constipation, as well as hold back parasitic infections.

To use ginger to support your dog during an upset stomach, finely grate half a thumb-sized piece and mix it with your pet’s food. Don’t forget to include the juice, too.

Make sure you integrate it as thoroughly as you can since ginger has a pronounced spicy kick when eaten straight. Furthermore, keep in mind not to let any of the juice get into his eyes or snout since it can cause irritation.

 

Basil has an inherent gastroprotective effect.

As reported by the NCBI, basil contains organic compounds such as beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein, that do not just help keep stomach inflammation at bay, but also have antioxidant and anti-anxiety benefits as well.

A study even highlighted the fact that extracts derived from basil have been observed to “protect against aspirin-induced gastric ulcers, a common problem resulting from the use of aspirin."

To use basil to support your dog during an upset stomach, finely slice two or three leaves and mix them with your dog’s regular meals. Both raw and cooked basil can be used for this application.

 

Rosemary helps create a protective layer in the gastrointestinal tract.

Another study in the NCBI highlights that rosemary contains a phenolic compound called carnosic acid (CA), which has been observed to have a gastroprotective effect when ingested. The said study even pointed out that carnosic acid was quite effective in preventing gastric lesions.

To use rosemary to support your dog during an upset stomach, finely dice a sprig of this herb and add it to your canine family member’s food. Just keep in mind to make the pieces as small and uniform as possible. Alternatively, you can also mix it with your pet’s water.

 

Calendula helps boost the gastrointestinal tract’s resilience against spasms.

MedCrave shares that calendula, also known as pot marigold or English marigold, contains various amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, and terpenoids that have been seen to have beneficial effects against GI tract spasms.

Additionally, these natural chemicals have also been observed to keep ulcers and inflammations at bay by helping the mucous membrane in the gastrointestinal tract stay in the pink.

To use calendula to support your dog during an upset stomach, steep a few dried flowers of calendula in warm water for at least 10 minutes or until the liquid takes on an amber color. You can serve this to your pet as a water substitute.

 

Goldenseal promotes an improved digestive process.

According to the NCBI, goldenseal is abundant in not just alkaloid compounds, but also canadine, hydrastine, and berberine that have been observed to stimulate better digestion as well as regular bowel movement.

Goldenseal’s potency as regards digestive function has already been acknowledged in various medical platforms. In fact, it is even one of the most widely used ingredients in the manufacture of digestive aids and laxatives.

To use goldenseal to support your dog during an upset stomach, boil the roots and leaves of this plant until the color of the mixture becomes deep brown. Strain and let the whole thing cool down completely. You can give this to your canine family member as a water substitute.

 

Chamomile relaxes the gastrointestinal tract.

The Harvard Medical School points out that chamomile tea has primary bioactive components such as levomenol, which has a soothing effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Besides helping resolve issues like heartburn and bloating, chamomile brew also has beneficial effects on dyspepsia and excessive flatulence.

To use chamomile to support your dog during an upset stomach, steep some of its flowers in a bowl of water for at least ten (10) minutes. It’s much better to use the dried variety since you only need to use a few of them.

As an alternative, you can simply grab a chamomile tea bag for this application. You can serve this to your dog as a water substitute.

 

Milk thistle helps boost the digestive tract’s resilience.

A study published in Taylor & Francis Online stresses that milk thistle has been seen to help improve the overall immunity of the digestive tract in laboratory tests. This is postulated to be from its silymarin content, which possesses anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.

To use milk thistle to support your dog during an upset stomach, steep the dried leaves and seeds in hot water for at least fifteen (10) minutes or until the color of the liquid becomes dark brown in color.

Strain the mixture and let it totally cool down. You can serve this to your dog as a water substitute. It is important to remember, though, that it is not recommended to use milk thistle supplements intended for humans for this application.

And while we’re on the subject of natural ways to support your dog during stomach upsets, here is a high-quality product you should consider including in your home pet care kit…

 

High-Quality Natural Product for Dog Stomach Problems To Look Out For

Zumalka’s PROBIOPET is basically designed to help maintain a healthy gut flora. Apart from strengthening immunity and promoting ideal digestive function, this premium natural product also supports your canine family member’s optimal immune health.

The healthier your dog’s gut flora is, the more stabilized and smoother his digestive system will become. And given PROBIOPET’s combination of high-quality ingredients and a gentle holistic approach, your dog won’t be in for any adverse side effects sooner or later.

 

Why Reaching Out to a Pet Specialist is a Must

Unlike what a lot of people mistakenly believe, maximizing the benefits of natural products to keep your pet happy and healthy is not that complicated at all. All you have to do is contact us so you can get in touch with a pet homeopathy expert in no time.

Besides giving you the rundown on the premium natural options you can go for; our pet specialists will also get you in on useful and practical tips to help you give your dog the quality of life you’ve always wanted.

 


About the author

Suzie Cyrenne
Suzie Cyrenne

HOMEOPATH & CO-FOUNDER OF ZUMALKA

Suzie Cyrenne has dedicated more than 20 years of her life in making and improving natural animal health solutions in the global setting.

Being the co-founder of Zumalka, Suzie is a forerunner in enhancing the lives of pets through natural and homeopathic options using the knowledge she has gained from the Classical Homeopathy School in Quebec.

Through the guidance of her mother-in-law and fellow natural health expert, Denyse Lessard, Suzie constantly devotes herself to create premium pet products that are aimed at dealing with the root causes of wellness problems and not just their symptoms.

Besides immersing herself in books, personal development and visiting new places, Suzie also enjoys keeping herself in tiptop shape by snowboarding and taking daily hikes with her husband and Zumalka co-founder, Matt Lessard, and their Golden-Doodle, Westin.

Find out more about Suzie when you click HERE.


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