Introduction
No one enjoys having an upset stomach. Whether it’s motion sickness or the aftermath of a bean-heavy dinner, it’s safe to say you know how uncomfortable it can be. But did you know that dogs can experience upset stomachs just like we do? Yup—poor pups.
In today’s article, we’re diving into all things related to canine tummy troubles, including the commonly asked question of “What can I give my dog for an upset stomach?”
What Is an Upset Stomach in Dogs
In veterinary terms, an “upset stomach” typically refers to gastroenteritis—inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This inflammation can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Although many people think of gastroenteritis as a disease, it’s actually a symptom of an underlying issue rather than a condition on its own. It can be triggered by infections, dietary indiscretions, stress, or other health problems.
Signs of Upset Stomach in Dogs
The signs of an upset stomach in dogs can vary from one pup to another, but they generally fall into two categories: behavioral and physical.
Behavioral signs:
Pacing or restlessness
Lethargy or low energy
Excessive drooling
Lip licking
Eating grass
Whining or appearing uncomfortable
Physical signs:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Abdominal discomfort or pain
Bloating
Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
These symptoms can be messy and distressing—for both dogs and their humans. Fortunately, according to PetMD, most cases of an upset stomach in dogs resolve within a day or two.
Common Causes of Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea
An upset stomach in dogs can stem from a wide range of factors—from harmless dietary indiscretions to serious health conditions requiring veterinary care. Here are the most frequent culprits:
1. Dietary Indiscretion
Garbage raids: Dogs will often scavenge through trash cans, ingesting spoiled food, bag fragments, or bones that can irritate or obstruct their digestive tract.
Toxic foods: Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and certain nuts are poisonous to dogs and frequently trigger vomiting and diarrhea.
2. Infections & Parasites
Bacterial or viral infections: Pathogens such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, or canine parvovirus can inflame the gut lining.
Intestinal parasites: Roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms can cause chronic gastrointestinal upset, especially in puppies.
3. Food Intolerances & Sudden Diet Changes
Food intolerances or allergies: Sensitivities to proteins (e.g., beef, chicken), grains, or dairy may manifest as diarrhea or vomiting.
Abrupt diet transitions: Switching dog food brands or recipes too quickly can disrupt the balance of gut flora.
4. Chronic Digestive Disorders
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A long-term inflammation of the digestive tract that leads to recurrent vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas—often triggered by high-fat meals—causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
5. Life Stage & Immune Status
Puppies: More vulnerable to infections like parvovirus and to parasites, due to their still-developing immune systems.
Senior dogs: Age-related conditions (e.g., IBD, organ dysfunction) become more common, and a weakened immune system can exacerbate gastrointestinal problems.
Key takeaway: While many episodes of vomiting and diarrhea resolve within 24–48 hours, persistent or severe symptoms always warrant a veterinary evaluation.
When to Monitor vs. Act Quickly
Just because Charlie vomited on the kitchen carpet after dinner doesn’t automatically mean he needs an emergency trip to the vet. A single, isolated episode of mild vomiting or diarrhea is often not a cause for concern and usually isn’t indicative of a serious issue.
Symptom | Severity | Possible Indication | Recommended Action |
Mild vomiting (once) | Low | Dietary indiscretion, minor upset stomach | Offer bland food, monitor for 24 hours |
Mild diarrhea (1-2 times) | Low | Stress, minor digestive issue | Bland food, monitor hydration |
Grass eating | Low | Nausea, instinctive behavior | Monitor; not always a concern |
Loss of appetite (under 24hr) | Low-Medium | Upset stomach, stress | Briefly withhold food, introduce diet slowly |
Excessive drooling | Medium | Nausea, dental issue, toxin ingestion | Monitor; visit veterinarian if persistent |
Repeated vomiting (2-3 times) | Medium-High | Pancreatitis, infection, obstruction | See vet within 24 hours |
Diarrhea lasting 24+ hours | Medium-High | Food intolerance, parasites, infection | Vet exam if no improvement |
Vomiting with blood | High | Internal bleeding, poisoning, GI ulcer | Emergency vet visit |
Bloated, hard abdomen | High | Bloating, serious digestive issue | Emergency vet visit |
Lethargy and vomiting | High | System illness, dehydration | Vet visit asap |
Dry gums, skin tenting | High | Dehydration | IV fluids; a vet visit required |
While occasional vomiting or diarrhea may not be a big concern, there are situations where a dogs’ upset stomach should be taken seriously.
Seek veterinary care if:
There is any blood in your dog’s vomit or stool
Vomiting or diarrhea is persistent or worsening
Your dog shows signs of weight loss along with gastrointestinal symptoms
Watch for Dehydration
Dehydration is a serious issue that requires prompt veterinary attention. If your dog hasn’t been drinking water for more than 12–24 hours, or appears dehydrated, schedule a vet visit as soon as possible.
Signs of dehydration include:
Dry or sticky gums
Little to no urine output
Skin that stays "tented" after being gently lifted
How to perform the skin tent test:
Gently pinch and lift the skin at the back of your dog’s neck (the scruff). Then let go. If the skin snaps back into place immediately, your dog is likely well-hydrated. If it stays tented or returns slowly, that’s a sign of dehydration.
What Can I Give My Dog for an Upset Stomach?
As much as you want to take away your dog’s discomfort immediately, there’s often no instant cure for an upset stomach. That said, if your dog is recovering or experiencing mild symptoms, there are several gentle, effective ways to help them feel better from the comfort of home.
Most home care focuses on keeping your pup comfortable, calm, and well-supported while their digestive system recovers.
Here are a few ways to help:
Create a quiet, cozy space: Make a soft, accessible bed for your dog and wash any soiled bedding promptly.
Offer comfort: Spend time petting or gently scratching your dog in their favorite spot—whether that’s behind the ears, on the belly, or along the back.
Minimize stimulation: Keep visitors away and avoid unnecessary excitement to encourage rest and recovery.
Avoid giving medications without veterinary approval: Never give your dog over-the-counter or human medications unless instructed by a vet—some can make the issue worse or be toxic to dogs.
Safe Foods for Dogs with Upset Stomachs
So if you can’t offer any helpful human medications, you might be wondering “What can I give my dog for an upset stomach?”.
Even if your dog isn’t very hungry, offering small amounts of gentle, easily digestible food can help support their recovery. Here are a few vet-approved options:
Boiled white rice
Plain, skinless chicken (unseasoned)
Unsweetened applesauce
Plain canned pumpkin (make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
These “bland diet” foods are easy on the stomach and can be fed in small portions over the course of 3–5 days, depending on your dog’s symptoms and recovery.
Natural Remedies for Upset Stomach in Dogs
Nature’s medicine can be incredibly effective for soothing an upset stomach—both in humans and dogs. In fact, many remedies recommended by holistic veterinarians overlap with what a naturopath might suggest for people.
Some veterinarian-approved natural options include:
Low-sodium bone broth: Gentle on the stomach and hydrating, it can help replenish fluids lost through vomiting or diarrhea.
Ginger: Known for its anti-nausea properties, ginger may help settle a dog’s stomach in small, safe amounts.
Slippery elm: A natural herb that can coat the digestive tract and reduce inflammation, aiding in relief from gastrointestinal discomfort.
Important: While these natural remedies are generally safe, always consult your veterinarian before introducing anything new. DIY recipes or advice found online can sometimes be harmful if not tailored to your dog’s specific condition.
What Can You Give Dogs for Nausea?
As tempting as it may be, don’t ever give your dog human anti-nausea medication without your veterinarian’s guidance. This includes things like Gravol and Pepto-Bismol.
If you’re not sure if your dog is feeling nauseous or not because they haven’t vomited, keep in mind that nausea doesn’t always result in vomiting. A nauseous dog might also drool, lick their lips, or swallow excessively.
When to See a Vet for a Dog Upset Stomach
Certain symptoms suggest that your dog’s upset stomach could be more serious and require immediate veterinary attention. If your dog is vomiting repeatedly, has lost its appetite for more than 24 hours, shows blood in vomit or diarrhea, appears extremely lethargic, or has a swollen or bloated abdomen, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. These signs may indicate serious issues such as gastrointestinal blockages, infections, or organ problems that need prompt treatment.
Before visiting the vet, it’s helpful to keep track of your dog’s symptoms. Although a veterinarian can diagnose your dog without notes, having detailed information about the frequency and amount of vomiting or diarrhea, any behavior changes like lethargy or restlessness, and changes in eating or drinking habits can make diagnosis and treatment more accurate and efficient. If your dog’s routine or environment has changed recently, including this information can also be valuable to the veterinarian.
Dog Vomiting Treatment
When your dog is taken to the vet for vomiting or other digestive problems, the treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause identified by the veterinarian. If your dog is dehydrated due to vomiting or diarrhea, they will likely receive intravenous fluids to help restore hydration. Anti-nausea medications may also be prescribed to reduce vomiting and improve your dog’s comfort and appetite. Additionally, the vet may order diagnostic tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or bloodwork to investigate possible infections, inflammation, or blockages.
For certain diagnoses, like pancreatitis, treatment typically focuses on supportive care. This may include fluid therapy to maintain hydration, medications to manage nausea and pain, and dietary adjustments, sometimes involving fasting under supervision. Throughout the treatment period, careful monitoring and supportive care are essential to help your dog recover.
It’s important to avoid attempting to treat persistent vomiting or serious digestive issues at home without veterinary guidance, as the underlying cause may require specialized medical intervention.
Conclusion
A dog with upset stomach symptoms is usually a very unhappy dog. Fortunately, most cases of upset stomach are mild and resolve within a short period without serious complications. However, it’s important to carefully monitor your dog’s symptoms in case they worsen or fail to improve. If you notice concerning signs such as blood in vomit or stool, or signs of dehydration, it’s crucial to seek professional veterinary care promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to give a dog for an upset stomach and vomiting?
If the upset stomach and vomiting is mild, give gut-healthy, plain foods like white rice and boiled chicken.
What is the best remedy for a dog with an upset stomach?
Your veterinarian will determine what the best remedy for your dog’s upset stomach is, should your pet need to see a professional. If you are treating a mild form of the issue at home, the best remedy is keeping your pet comfortable and hydrated.
