There are many different things that can lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea in dogs. One of the top causes of an upset stomach in dogs is ingesting something outside of their ordinary diet. Did your pet have a new type of treat? Did someone give them table food? Maybe they found their way into inappropriate items, such as garbage or something outside? It is helpful to think about what the root cause of your pet’s stomach issues may be so that you can determine how concerned to be and how to appropriately treat their symptoms.

If you know what may have led to the symptoms, call your veterinarian and ask them for advice. Based on the cause, your vet can recommend the safest and most effective course of treatment.

Just like in humans, short-term mild stomach issues typically will not require a trip to the emergency room unless accompanied by other symptoms. We recommend calling your local primary care vet to discuss your pet’s stomach issues; depending on the severity and likely cause of symptoms, your vet may recommend booking a check-up visit or suggest at-home care, watching for any changes.

Giving your pet the wrong thing to help combat upset stomach/diarrhea can potentially make the problem worse and in some cases be very dangerous. Always contact your veterinarian to ensure at-home care is appropriate given your dog’s stomach symptoms.

Hydration is very important for pets with GI symptoms, especially diarrhea and/or vomiting. Make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water. If they seem reluctant to drink, you can also offer ice cubes, low-sodium broth, or Pedialyte.

If your dog is vomiting, it is usually best to withhold food for a few hours. If your dog has diarrhea only, feeding a bland and easily digestible diet in small amounts may aid in their recovery. Boiled chicken and rice (with no seasonings) is a good option for short-term stomach upset.

For more chronic stomach issues, your vet can recommend a special prescription or even over-the-counter diets that are made specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Human food can be more difficult for dogs to digest and lead to worsening vomiting and/or diarrhea symptoms. Treats may also cause irritation of the stomach due to the different flavors and ingredients. Stick to bland, unseasoned food until your pet’s stomach symptoms have subsided.

When suffering from any type of sickness or injury, it is important that dogs have ample opportunity to rest and recover. With diarrhea and vomiting symptoms, it may be helpful to keep your pet confined to a space where any messes can be easily cleaned. Keep any other household pets separated in case something contagious is the cause of your dog’s upset stomach.

Do NOT give over-the-counter human anti-diarrheal drugs or home remedies without being directed to do so by your veterinarian. Some of these medications may have drastically different dosages than their veterinary-use counterparts and some are very toxic to dogs.

Your veterinarian may be able to recommend a fiber supplement and/or probiotic, which can help return the gut to normal health.

Canned pumpkin has been commonly recommended as an at-home remedy for dogs with stomach issues, however, it does not have sufficient fiber to be effective in most cases (the volume of canned pumpkin that would be necessary for even a small dog or cat is excessive!).

It’s important to know what to expect as far as the resolution of upset stomach symptoms in dogs. If your dog is vomiting or not eating, do not go more than 24 hours without seeking care from your veterinarian. Diarrhea usually takes longer to resolve: 3-5 days is typical and should be improving over that time.

If your pet’s stomach is still upset or symptoms worsen over these timelines, please call your veterinarian, visit your local urgent care, or find your nearest pet emergency hospital.