My dog Lola is a total beach babe. She loves to run along the shore, splash in the water and play with the other four-legged beach bums. I love that she gets extra exercise and social time with other dogs, but it’s not all fun and games. Occasionally, she will drink too much salt water and experience diarrhea, vomiting or constipation for a day or two after our beach trips. Neither of us enjoy that part!
Just like us, dogs can suffer from occasional upset stomachs. Pet owners can easily tell when their canine companions aren’t feeling quite right. Diarrhea, eating grass, passing more gas than normal or vomiting are all signs that something’s wrong. A dog’s tummy troubles can be caused by anything from food allergies to aging to stress. Sometimes, they just eat something that doesn’t sit well with them (like massive amounts of ocean water). If your fur-baby is experiencing minor or occasional digestive woes, follow these tips to help get her system back on track.
Keep in Mind…
- If your pup’s symptoms persist or if you’re not sure what caused them, contact your veterinarian.
- Oatmeal, pumpkin, plain yogurt, sweet potatoes and bananas can help soothe an upset tummy.
- Daily digestive enzymes and probiotics can support her overall digestive health.
Soothing Your Dog's Stomach
STEP 1: Restrict all food for 12-24 hours to help calm and settle her stomach. Forcing your dog to fast for a day might seem unfair, but it’s for her own good! She needs to empty her stomach. Continuing to feed her normally can further exacerbate the issue.
STEP 2: When you begin to reintroduce food, feed small amounts of simple, bland food every 6-8 hours. Start with high-quality white rice and add a little chicken broth if your pup needs flavor.
STEP 3: Gradually add boiled, skinless chicken. Remember not to give your dog cooked bones! They are brittle and can splinter when chewed on.
STEP 4: Once your dog’s symptoms have cleared, slowly incorporate his regular food and return to your normal feeding schedule.
