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How to Soothe Your Dog’s Upset Stomach Using Natural Remedies

Introduction

Seeing your dog suffer from an upset stomach can be worrying. Whether it’s vomiting, diarrhea, or just a loss of appetite, a stomach issue can make your pup uncomfortable. While serious cases require veterinary care, mild stomach problems can often be managed at home using natural remedies.

In this guide, we’ll cover common causes, symptoms, and safe natural remedies to soothe your dog’s digestive system.


Signs of an Upset Stomach in Dogs

Not sure if your dog has an upset stomach? Look for these signs:

Vomiting or retching
Diarrhea or soft stool
Loss of appetite
Excessive gas or bloating
Lethargy and weakness
Lip licking and drooling (nausea signs)
Grass eating (to induce vomiting or ease discomfort)

🚨 Warning: If your dog is vomiting persistently, has bloody diarrhea, or appears extremely weak, visit a vet immediately.


Home Remedies to Soothe Your Dog’s Stomach

🍚 1. Fasting (Short-Term) to Rest the Stomach

A 12-24 hour fast can help your dog’s digestive system recover by giving it a break.

✔Offer only water during this period.
No food or treats—this allows the gut to heal.
For puppies or senior dogs, consult a vet before fasting.

🚨 Warning: Do not fast small dog breeds (like Chihuahuas or Yorkies) for long—low blood sugar can be dangerous.


🥣 2. Bland Diet (Boiled Chicken and Rice)

Once fasting is over, introduce a bland diet to ease digestion.

✔Boil skinless, boneless chicken and white rice (50/50 ratio).
✔Serve small portions every few hours.
✔Avoid seasonings, oils, and butter—they can worsen stomach issues.

🚨 Tip: You can also use boiled turkey or plain pumpkin for variety.


🎃 3. Plain Pumpkin for Digestion Support

Pumpkin is a fiber-rich superfood that helps with both diarrhea and constipation.

✔Use plain canned pumpkin (no spices or sugar).
✔Small dogs: 1 teaspoon per meal
✔Medium dogs: 1 tablespoon per meal
✔Large dogs: 2 tablespoons per meal

🚨 Warning: Do not use pumpkin pie filling—it contains sugar and spices that are harmful to dogs.


🥔 4. Mashed Sweet Potatoes for Stomach Soothing

Sweet potatoes are easy to digest and packed with vitamins.

✔Boil or bake plain sweet potatoes and mash them.
✔Serve small amounts (1-2 tablespoons per meal).
✔Great for dogs recovering from diarrhea or stomach upset.


🍎 5. Unsweetened Applesauce for Gentle Digestion

Apples contain pectin, which helps firm up stools.

✔Offer a spoonful of plain, unsweetened applesauce.
✔It’s easy on the stomach and packed with natural fiber.
✔Can be mixed with pumpkin or rice for added benefits.


🍵 6. Bone Broth for Hydration and Nutrients

If your dog refuses to eat, bone broth provides hydration and nutrients without stressing digestion.

✔Simmer beef, chicken, or turkey bones in water for 12-24 hours.
Strain the liquid and discard bones (never give cooked bones to dogs).
✔Serve warm in small amounts.

🚨 Tip: Freeze small portions in ice cube trays for future use.


🌿 7. Ginger for Nausea Relief

Ginger has anti-nausea properties that calm the stomach.

✔Grate a small amount of fresh ginger into your dog’s water.
Or make ginger tea (boil fresh ginger in water, let it cool, then serve a few spoonfuls).
✔Helps with motion sickness and upset stomachs.

🚨 Warning: Avoid ginger if your dog has bleeding disorders or is on medication—check with a vet first.


🥛 8. Plain Yogurt for Healthy Gut Bacteria

If your dog has had mild diarrhea, plain yogurt helps restore good bacteria.

✔Choose unsweetened, unflavored yogurt with live probiotics.
✔Small dogs: 1 teaspoon
✔Large dogs: 1 tablespoon
✔Helps with gas, bloating, and digestion.

🚨 Warning: Not all dogs tolerate dairy—start with a small amount to test for sensitivity.


🌿 9. Chamomile or Peppermint Tea for Soothing Stomach Cramps

Chamomile and peppermint relax the digestive tract and reduce gas.

✔Brew chamomile or peppermint tea and let it cool.
✔Offer a few spoonfuls or soak it into food.
✔Helps calm mild nausea, cramps, and bloating.

🚨 Warning: Never use caffeinated tea, as caffeine is toxic to dogs.


When to See a Vet

Home remedies work well for mild stomach issues, but some cases require medical attention.

🚨 Call your vet if your dog:
✔Vomits multiple times in a short period.
✔Has bloody diarrhea or black stools.
✔Refuses food and water for more than 24 hours.
✔Shows signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums, lethargy).
✔Appears in severe pain (whining, arching back, unable to settle).

🚨 Emergency Signs:
If your dog has bloated abdomen, excessive drooling, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate veterinary help—it could be bloat or poisoning.


How to Prevent Future Stomach Issues

Introduce new foods gradually—sudden diet changes can upset digestion.
Avoid feeding table scraps—many human foods (onions, garlic, chocolate) are toxic to dogs.
Ensure your dog stays hydrated—dehydration worsens stomach problems.
Use probiotics (plain yogurt or vet-recommended supplements) to support gut health.
Keep trash out of reach—dogs often get sick from eating spoiled or fatty foods.


Conclusion

An upset stomach in dogs can often be treated at home with natural remedies like boiled chicken and rice, pumpkin, bone broth, and ginger. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, consult a veterinarian immediately.

By maintaining a healthy diet, hydration, and proper food choices, you can help prevent future digestive problems and keep your pup happy and healthy! 🐶💚

 

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