Many people believe that dogs have iron stomachs. After all, they seem to effortlessly consume and process some of the toughest and most unsanitary materials around, including clumps of grass, wood, raw meat and bones. However, despite the apparent hardiness of their digestive tracts, canines are just as susceptible to gas buildup, vomiting and stomach discomfort as any other mammal.
As an owner, it can be very distressing when your dog has an upset stomach, especially if they’re vomiting frequently or suffering from diarrhea as well. What’s causing their distress? Should you arrange a visit with your veterinarian or simply wait for it to pass? Are there any home remedies you can use to make them feel better, or will these concoctions just exacerbate their condition? Here at Wapiti Labs, our top priority is protecting the health and happiness of your canine companions. So today, we’ll be discussing three effective ways to help your dog’s upset stomach.
1. Take Away Your Dog’s Food and Water Dishes
According to Kathy Backus, DVM at Holistic Veterinary Services in Kaysville, Utah, it can be helpful to stop feeding your dog when his or her stomach is in the process of expelling harmful substances. “If the GI system is having a tough time, you don’t want it to digest things,” she says. She recommends making your dog fast for around 12 to 24 hours to allow their GI tract to rest and recover. Your dog won’t experience any adverse effects from holding off on food for this amount of time, so don’t worry about them going hungry or starving.
Dr. Backus also states that giving your dog access to too much water could make their stomach even more upset, so she recommends taking their water dish away and giving them a few ice chips every couple of hours. This will prevent your dog from becoming dehydrated without overwhelming their system with water. If your canine can’t keep that liquid down, then it’s time to take them to the veterinarian for a checkup.
2. Create a Bland Diet for Your Dog
A bland diet is essentially a series of meals that are soft and easily digestible. They’re designed to provide your dog with all of the nutritional support they need while allowing their gastric system to rest. Bear in mind that you should only feed your dog one of these meals if they’ve managed to keep their ice chips down and haven’t vomited since their fast began.
Bland diets are usually comprised of a carbohydrate source (like boiled rice) and a lean protein source (like chicken or beef). Here’s an example of a bland diet recipe from Adrienne Farricelli, a former veterinarian assistant. You’ll want to start off with very small portions and work your way up if your dog can keep them down. We recommend consulting with your veterinarian to establish which ingredients will work best for your dog. Remember, it’s always a good idea to keep your favorite animal doctor in the loop when it comes to your dog’s diet.
3. Pick up GI Tract Herbal Supplements for Your Dog
Pet supplements are a fantastic way to protect your dog from a wide variety of adverse health conditions, including stomach issues. For example, Wapiti Labs offers an natural herbal remedy that’s specifically designed to soothe and harmonize canine stomachs. Our GI Tract Herbal Supplement Formula is based on time-tested, traditional Eastern Medicine. By utilizing a unique blend of coix seeds, citrus peels, mentha herbs and other natural ingredients, this product reduces stomach discomfort due to the buildup of gas in the stomach while soothing and protecting the GI tract. It also reduces the passing of gas and helps to resolve food stagnation in the stomach.
Note: If your dog is still experiencing pain or discomfort after you’ve tried these solutions, then you should arrange a visit with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Order All-Natural Pet Supplement From Wapiti Labs Today
Be sure to check out our Products page if you’re interested in purchasing or learning more about our high-quality dog supplements and formulas. And, as always, feel free to call or message us if you have any questions about Wapiti Labs or want more advice on how to keep your pup safe and healthy for years and years to come.
