Just like humans, dogs can experience a stomach ache at any time. It can be caused by eating something they shouldn't, catching a disease or illness, or stress.
If your dog shows signs of gastrointestinal upset, make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible. They'll be able to determine the cause and prescribe a treatment.
Ice Cubes
During hot weather, a bowl of water with ice cubes in it can be very soothing to your dog. You can even try giving your dog small ice chips to chew on, which will help keep them hydrated when they are experiencing an upset stomach.
But do you really want to give your pup ice cubes every time they're thirsty? There's a worrying rumor floating around that says ice can harm your dog.
It is based on a cautionary tale that popped up online back in 2010. That story claims that if your dog drinks ice water on a hot day, it can lead to bloat.
Bloat is a serious condition that causes the stomach to expand and twist, which can be dangerous for dogs. It can be prevented by keeping your dog hydrated, feeding them small meals throughout the day and not letting them drink a lot of water at one time.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin can be a great natural stomach soother for dogs, and can even help with diarrhea. It contains soluble fiber that can absorb excess water in the dog’s digestive tract. This can help relieve diarrhea, making stool softer and easier to pass.
But be sure to only give your dog plain canned pumpkin without added sugars, ingredients, or fillers like pie fillings. And don’t use pumpkin pie mix – it can contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs.
You can also try adding a teaspoon of pureed pumpkin to your pet’s daily food. It is high in a compound called cucurbitacin, which is toxic to many common parasites such as tapeworms.
Soothing Foods
When your dog has an upset stomach, they may drool, lick their lips, swallow excessively, pace, or contract their stomach muscles. If they do this frequently, it could be a sign of something more serious like intestinal blockage or a severe allergic reaction.
The best way to soothe an upset stomach is with a bland diet that sits well with your dog’s digestive system. Many vets recommend boiled chicken breast and white rice.
These two mild foods are easy to prepare and will sit nicely on an upset stomach. Avoid adding spices and oils to your dog’s food, as these may irritate the stomach even more.
Yogurt is another simple, soothing food that helps your dog with diarrhea and other digestive problems. This food is packed with probiotics, which will help repopulate your dog’s gut with good bacteria.
Probiotics
As humans, dogs suffer from a variety of short-term and chronic digestive issues that may be alleviated by introducing probiotics into their diet. These gut-dwelling "good bacteria" help maintain a healthy balance of digestive bacteria, facilitate the production of vitamins and minerals from food, and promote the creation of lactic acid.
Probiotics can be found in many different forms, including yogurt and kefir. Look for a product that contains high-quality live cultures and no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Choosing a good quality product will ensure that it contains strains of beneficial bacteria that will be helpful for your dog. Ideally, the label will tell you what specific types of bacteria are included in the product.
Several vets are recommending supplemental probiotics for both chronic and acute gastrointestinal problems. These supplements are thought to boost the immune system, help fight off bacterial infections and abate unpleasant symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, gas and bloating.
