Natural Ways to Solve Stomach Issues in Dogs

Dogs are known for their ability to make almost anything edible. Although it doesn’t always end up well for their digestive system. So it’s not uncommon for a dog to suffer from stomach-related problems.

Indigestion in dogs can be related to severe health issues. However, its more often caused by simple food poisoning, food intolerance or allergy, or ingesting something they shouldn’t have. Help your pooch overcome the unpleasant symptoms, and fight stomach issues before or during the vet treatment.

How to Naturally Treat a Dog’s Upset Stomach

As with any health issues in your pet, always visit your trusted veterinarian to get suitable treatment and care. That said, when it comes to indigestion, even vets recommend restricted diets, proper hydration, and sometimes natural remedies before, during and after the medication therapy.

Exposure to House Hold Hazards

As they are exposed to hazards around the house, such as cleaning products, chemicals, and small objects. All of which dogs can easily ingest and will upset their stomach. Food and chemical poisoning are entirely treatable. And in time, with proper care, the digestive system can fight the issue and heal.

Canine Stomach Issues from Overeating

Overeating is another common reason why dogs experience stomach problems. Some dogs are prone to ravenous attacks on the food bowl. And their seemingly unquenchable appetite causes them to eat everything in sight. It's clear how this extreme overeating can affect canine digestion.

If you notice your dog feeling fatigued, bloated, constipated or incontinent after eating, try feeding it in smaller meal portions and look for dog food for sensitive stomachs.

Belly Issues Caused by Anxiety

Dogs dealing with chronic stress may also have an upset stomach. Canine stress may be caused by separation anxiety, as well as cognitive disorders like dementia, can all cause stomach pain in dogs. Rescued dogs who suffered abuse and maltreatment can develop problems with incontinence or constipation due to PTSD.

Dietary Changes

Finally, any abrupt change in the feeding regimen can affect your dog’s stomach. This includes switching from one diet to another ( like from store-bought food to homemade dog food), dry to canned, or changing the food brand. Try to make gradual changes and slowly introduce new ingredients. Watch your dog’s health and see if there’s a need for professional consulting with a vet.

Telltale Signs of Stomach Problems in Dogs

Apart from the apparent symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and bloating, you may also notice changes in your dog’s usual behavior. Symptoms of sickness can include gulping for air, gagging, licking objects and paws, and even extreme lethargy and excessive sleeping. Dogs will sometimes eat grass to fight the reflux and prevent vomiting. Loss of appetite and dry mouth can also indicate that something’s wrong with your pooch’s digestion.

Natural Remedies and Useful Suggestions

Even though homemade remedies can come in handy, always ask your vet about the appropriate natural approach. Do some research about holistic medicine before opting for any herbal teas, tinctures, and solutions for treating animals. Herbs and tips listed below are suitable for treating mild initial symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, but they can also be applicable for treating chronic upset stomach induced by stress, anxiety, etc.

Healing Herbs

Herbal treatment can be very effective in helping dogs diminish symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and sickness. Chronic stomach pain as a consequence of anxiety is also reducible with regular use of herbal teas or dry flowers mixed with food.

Herbs and plants like goldenseal, calendula flowers, and milk thistle are incredibly beneficial for soothing gut problems and irregular bowel movement. Spices such as basil, ginger and rosemary are also useful in balancing out the gut bacteria as they act as a natural antibiotic. Plus, they are tasty and you can easily slip them in your dog’s regular food, or make a hydrating tea.

Chamomile also proved as a powerful herb for healing stomach pain as it not only has anti-inflammatory properties but is also good for relaxing and sleep improvement.

If your dog doesn’t find the herbal remedies appealing, it’s a good idea to mix them with plain yogurt. Dairy, particularly yogurt, is rich in probiotics and good bacteria that improve absorbance and maintain a healthy and regular bowel movement.

The Importance of Proper Hydration

Incontinence and vomiting can easily lead to severe dehydration, which is the most common danger to your dog’s health. Keeping your nauseated dog hydrated can be challenging. Dogs tend toy lose all interest for food and water due to sickness. Another possible scenario is your dog charging at the water bowl, but drinking too much water fast can only worsen the symptoms.

You can help your furry friend by giving him ice chips or cubes every hour or so. This way, the dog won’t be able to gulp the water but will stay hydrated and refreshed.

Helpful Food

Diet changes and restrictions can be essential in controlling indigestion symptoms. Vets usually recommend low-fat, filling ingredients like cooked rice, chicken, and unspiced starchy vegetables like pumpkin and potato puree. Bananas are also safe for an upset stomach but in small amounts.

Bone soup or broth is rich in beneficial nutrients, minerals, and vitamins, and is very hydrating as well. Simmer some bones (with meat) in apple cider vinegar for a couple of hours until you notice the meat falling off the bones. Bone marrow is full of protein and necessary minerals. These will give the dog needed strength and quicken the healing process.

Finally, Sometimes It’s Best Not to Do Anything

In cases of food poisoning or ingesting something questionable, the best solution is to let the stomach be for a while. The digestive system has its defense mechanisms and can cleanse from toxins and bacteria on its own. For the first 12 to 24 hours, fasting may be the simple solution for your dog’s issues. Adding any food or herbs to the already upset stomach may interrupt the healing process, so before applying any remedies and treatment, your vet may advise you just to wait until the symptoms reduce.