When you see the first signs of your dog's upset stomach, the best initial move is often the simplest: give their digestive system a break. For a healthy adult dog, holding back on food for 12-24 hours can work wonders. This short fast gives their gut a chance to settle down and recover.
Just make sure they have plenty of fresh water available and keep a close eye on how they're doing. This brief pause is one of the most effective first-aid remedies for a dog's upset stomach, helping to calm inflammation before you slowly reintroduce food.
Your Immediate Action Plan for a Dog's Upset Stomach
It’s a sight no dog owner wants to see—the sad eyes, the listlessness, or that unmistakable gurgle from their belly. It’s natural to feel worried when your best mate is under the weather, but how you react in these first crucial hours can make a real difference. The trick is to stay calm and figure out if it's a minor tummy bug you can handle at home or if it's time to call the vet.
I've been there myself. My own dog, a master of hoovering up questionable things on walks, once paid the price for his scavenging. My first instinct was to panic, but experience has taught me that a clear, step-by-step approach is far more helpful. Knowing the signs and what to do first will give you the confidence to act.
Assessing Your Dog’s Symptoms
Before you do anything else, just watch them for a bit. Was it a one-off bout of sickness, or is it happening repeatedly? A mild digestive upset often sorts itself out, but if the symptoms persist, it could be a sign of something more serious.
Here’s what to look out for:
- Vomiting and Diarrhoea: Pay attention to how often it’s happening, and what it looks like. A small amount of yellow bile might not be a huge concern, but constant vomiting or any sign of blood in their diarrhoea is a definite red flag.
- Lethargy: Is your dog just a bit quieter than usual, or are they completely wiped out and not responding to you? A major dip in energy is a clear sign they’re not feeling well.
- Loss of Appetite: It’s a classic sign of nausea when a dog turns their nose up at their food. If they won’t even consider their favourite treat, you know their stomach is giving them grief.
- Behavioural Changes: Look for signs of pain. Are they hunching their back, pacing restlessly, or do they seem sensitive when you touch their tummy?
These symptoms are, unfortunately, all too common. Research from the Royal Veterinary College in 2019 revealed that acute diarrhoea affects over 8% of dogs in the UK each year. The culprits are often things like scavenging, a sudden diet change, or an underlying bug. Understanding the common causes of these digestive problems in dogs can be a big help in preventing them from happening again.
To help you get started, here's a quick summary of the initial steps.
Quick Reference for Your Dog's Upset Stomach
| Action | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Observe Symptoms | Determine if it's a mild issue or requires vet attention. | Ongoing |
| Withhold Food | Allow the digestive system to rest and recover. | 12-24 hours |
| Provide Fresh Water | Prevent dehydration, which is a risk with vomiting/diarrhoea. | Constant |
| Monitor Behaviour | Watch for signs of worsening pain, lethargy, or distress. | Ongoing |
This table provides a simple framework, but always trust your instincts. If something feels seriously wrong, don't hesitate to seek professional advice.
The First Step: A Digestive Rest
Once you’re confident the symptoms are on the milder side, the most important thing you can do is give their digestive system a rest.
Withholding food for a period of 12-24 hours gives the gastrointestinal tract a chance to rest and recover from whatever irritated it. This simple "gut rest" is a cornerstone of managing mild stomach upsets at home.
It’s crucial to remember that this fasting period is only for healthy adult dogs. Do not fast puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with underlying health conditions like diabetes, as this could be harmful. Throughout this time, make sure a bowl of fresh, clean water is always within reach to keep them hydrated. After the fast, you can start reintroducing food very slowly with a bland diet, which we'll get into next.
Preparing a Bland Diet to Soothe Their Stomach
After you've given your dog's tummy a rest, the next move is to reintroduce food gently. This is where a bland diet comes in. It’s the go-to remedy for a reason: it’s designed to be incredibly easy to digest, giving their gut the nutrients it needs without asking it to work too hard.
The classic recipe every vet and seasoned dog owner recommends is simple boiled chicken (skinless and boneless, of course) with plain white rice. The secret is to keep it basic. That means no oils, no fats, and definitely no seasonings. Anything extra could easily stir up trouble all over again.
Getting the Portions and Preparation Right
How you cook this simple meal is just as important as what’s in it. Boiling the chicken is non-negotiable, as it keeps the meat lean. Frying or even baking can introduce fats that a sensitive stomach just can't handle. And while brown rice is usually the healthier choice, plain white rice is better here because it’s lower in fibre and much easier for a recovering digestive system to process.
A good rule of thumb is a ratio of about one part chicken to two parts rice. Start small. Offer just a spoonful or two, about a quarter of what they’d normally eat. If that stays down and they seem comfortable after a couple of hours, you can offer a little more.
A pro tip: always let the food cool to room temperature. Food that’s too hot or cold can be a shock. And remember, small, frequent meals are the way to go during recovery, not one or two big ones.
Smart Alternatives for Dogs with Allergies
What if your dog can't have chicken? No problem. The principle of a bland diet is a lean protein plus a simple carb, so you have options.
- Lean Minced Beef: Make sure you get the extra-lean stuff (95% lean or more). Boil it, then give it a good rinse with hot water to wash away any remaining fat.
- White Fish: Something like cod or coley works perfectly. Just steam or poach it until it flakes apart.
- Boiled Sweet Potato: A great, digestible substitute for rice if you need one. Just mash it up.
- Scrambled Egg: A single plain scrambled egg, cooked without any butter or oil, can also be a gentle source of protein.
Transitioning Back to Their Normal Food
Remember, a bland diet is just a temporary fix, usually for only 2-3 days. Once your dog is producing firm stools and acting like their old self again, it’s time to start thinking about their regular food.
Don’t just switch back overnight, though. That’s a common mistake that can land you right back where you started. A slow and steady transition is key.
Here’s a simple schedule that works well over a week:
- Days 1-2: Start with a mix of 75% bland diet and 25% regular food.
- Days 3-4: Move to a 50/50 split.
- Days 5-6: Shift to 25% bland diet and 75% regular food.
- Day 7: If everything is still looking good, you can go back to 100% of their normal diet.
This gradual approach gives their digestive system time to readjust, which is the best way to ensure a smooth and lasting recovery.
Keeping Your Dog Hydrated During Recovery
When your dog is dealing with vomiting or diarrhoea, the immediate worry is often the mess, but the real danger is dehydration. Losing fluids so quickly can turn a minor tummy bug into a serious health problem, which is why keeping your dog hydrated is priority number one.
Think about it – water is essential for everything their body does, from digestion to keeping their temperature stable. When they’re losing more than they're taking in, their organs start to struggle. Making sure they have enough fluids is the foundation of helping them get better.
Creative Ways to Encourage Drinking
Of course, a sick dog often has zero interest in their water bowl. If you've ever tried to coax a poorly pup to drink, you know how frustrating it can be. This is where you have to get a little creative.
Over the years, I've found a few tricks that nearly always work:
- Offer Ice Cubes: For some reason, many dogs find licking an ice cube far more interesting than drinking from a bowl. It’s a great way to get fluids in them slowly, without them gulping it down and making their stomach feel worse.
- Add a Splash of Broth: A tiny bit of low-sodium chicken or bone broth can make water seem like a gourmet treat. Just double-check the label to ensure it has no onion, garlic, or other nasties.
- Try Different Bowls: It sounds a bit odd, but sometimes a change of scenery helps. A cool ceramic bowl in a quiet corner of the room might be more appealing than their usual one.
Staying on top of hydration is non-negotiable. Even mild dehydration can make your dog feel much worse and seriously slow down their recovery. Always have fresh water available, even if they’re only taking small sips.
Spotting the Signs of Dehydration
Every dog owner should know how to spot dehydration. Catching it early means you can step in before it becomes an emergency.
The easiest check is the skin elasticity test. Gently pinch a bit of skin between your dog’s shoulder blades. In a hydrated dog, it will snap right back. If it goes back slowly or, worse, stays tented up, that’s a red flag. You need to call your vet immediately.
Other tell-tale signs to watch out for include:
- Dry, tacky gums (they should feel slick and wet)
- Thick, stringy drool
- Eyes that look sunken or dull
- A general lack of energy and refusal to eat
If your attempts to get them drinking at home aren't working, or if you spot any of these signs, don't wait. Your vet can give them fluids directly, either under the skin or via an IV drip, to rehydrate them far more effectively than you can at home.
Using Probiotics to Bolster Gut Health
Once you've navigated the immediate crisis of an upset stomach, your focus should shift to long-term gut health. Think of it this way: the bland diet was the emergency repair crew, but probiotics are the team you bring in to rebuild and strengthen the foundations for the future.
Your dog’s gut is a complex ecosystem, home to billions of bacteria—some helpful, some not. When they suffer from a bout of vomiting or diarrhoea, this delicate balance is completely thrown out of whack. Probiotics introduce the ‘good guys’ back into the system, helping to restore order, aid digestion, and even support their immune system.
By repopulating the gut with beneficial bacteria, you're not just fixing a temporary issue. You're building a more resilient digestive system that’s better equipped to handle dietary indiscretions or stress down the road.
Choosing the Right Digestive Support
Not all supplements are created equal, and it's vital to choose one specifically formulated for dogs. Your own probiotics just won't cut it, as they contain different bacterial strains designed for the human gut.
When you're looking at labels, keep an eye out for well-researched canine strains like Enterococcus faecium or Lactobacillus acidophilus. You'll find them in a few different forms, so you can pick what works best for your dog:
- Powders: Incredibly easy to just sprinkle over their food.
- Chews: Usually flavoured and treated like a daily treat. A great option for fussy dogs.
- Capsules: These can be hidden in a piece of cheese or opened up and mixed into their meal.
Always stick to the dosage instructions on the package, as it's typically based on your dog's weight. Investing in a quality supplement is a simple step towards their long-term wellbeing. For a deeper look at their benefits, you can explore our detailed guide on prebiotics and probiotics for dogs.
Here’s a quick rundown of some common digestive aids to help you decide what might suit your dog best.
Comparing Common Digestive Supplements for Dogs
| Supplement | Primary Benefit | Best For | Form (Powder, Chew, etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Probiotics | Restores good gut bacteria balance | Recovery after diarrhoea, antibiotics, general maintenance | Powder, Chews, Capsules |
| Prebiotics | Feeds the good bacteria | Paired with probiotics for enhanced effect, daily gut health | Often in probiotic powders/chews |
| Pumpkin Purée | Adds soluble fibre to firm up stools | Mild diarrhoea or constipation | Canned Purée |
| Ginger | Soothes nausea | Dogs prone to car sickness or general queasiness | Powder, Fresh (in tiny amounts) |
Choosing the right combination often depends on your dog’s specific needs, but this gives you a good starting point for a conversation with your vet.
The Role of Prebiotics and Natural Soothers
While probiotics add good bacteria, prebiotics feed the good bacteria that are already there. Think of them as fertiliser for the gut's garden. They’re essentially special plant fibres that help the beneficial microbes thrive, which is why you'll often see them included alongside probiotics in a good quality supplement.
Beyond dedicated supplements, a couple of pantry staples can also offer fantastic support:
- Pumpkin Purée: This is a dog owner's secret weapon. It's an amazing source of soluble fibre that helps firm up loose stools. Just be sure to use 100% plain pumpkin purée, not the sweetened pie filling. A teaspoon or two for a smaller dog is a great place to start.
- Ginger: Well-known for its anti-nausea properties in humans, it works for dogs too. A tiny pinch of powdered ginger mixed into their food can help settle a queasy tummy.
Building resilience is the name of the game here. By supporting your dog's gut microbiome with these aids, you're not just treating a symptom—you're proactively working to prevent future digestive distress.
This focus on gut health is becoming more widespread. In fact, the UK pet dietary supplement market is projected to hit USD 224.8 million in 2025, with probiotics alone making up 29% of that share. It's clear that more and more owners are realising the power of supplements in keeping their dogs happy and healthy from the inside out.
Preventing Future Tummy Troubles
Once you’ve nursed your dog back to health after a nasty bout of stomach trouble, the last thing you want is a repeat performance. While you can't wrap them in cotton wool and prevent every single tummy ache, you can absolutely build up their digestive resilience with some smart, proactive habits.
It all starts with what’s in their bowl. A dog's digestive system loves routine, so a consistent, high-quality diet is your best friend. Chopping and changing their food suddenly is one of the most common triggers for an upset tum. If you do need to switch brands, take your time. A slow transition over 7-10 days gives their gut bacteria a chance to adapt without a major shock to the system.
This isn’t just anecdotal, either. It's a huge focus in the pet food industry right now. Over 70% of UK pet owners say they'd switch food brands if their dog had digestive issues. As a result, companies are paying attention. In fact, over 51% of new pet foods launched in 2025 highlighted digestive health benefits, often packing their formulas with prebiotics and fibre. You can read more about these trends in pet supplements from Best Pet UK.
Creating a Safe Environment
Let's be honest, many tummy troubles begin with our dogs' incredible ability to eat things they absolutely shouldn't. Scavenging is a natural instinct, but it's a leading cause of upset stomachs. Dog-proofing your home and garden isn't about being over-the-top; it's a practical, preventative step.
Try to see the world from their level for a minute. What's within sniffing or snatching distance?
- Secure Your Bins: Last night's takeaway scraps, especially fatty leftovers, are irresistible. Make sure your indoor and outdoor bins have secure, dog-proof lids.
- Clear Garden Hazards: Get to know which common garden plants are toxic to dogs. Keep an eye on compost heaps and other tempting but dangerous novelties.
- Manage Kitchen Counters: A moment's distraction is all it takes for a clever dog to help themselves to something off the counter. What’s a harmless snack for us can be a recipe for digestive disaster for them.
By simply managing their environment, you drastically cut down the odds of them swallowing something that will land you both back at square one.
The best remedy is always prevention. A stable diet, a secure environment, and a low-stress lifestyle are the cornerstones of your dog's long-term digestive health.
The Link Between Lifestyle and Gut Health
A dog's gut health is directly tied to their overall wellbeing. Just like with us, stress can wreak havoc on their digestive system. Big changes in routine, fireworks, or separation anxiety can easily show up as physical symptoms like diarrhoea.
Regular exercise is another piece of the puzzle. Getting out for a good run or walk doesn't just burn off energy; it helps promote regular bowel movements and is a brilliant stress-buster. A tired, well-exercised dog is almost always a happier, healthier one with a more balanced gut.
You can also give their system an extra boost with the right supplements. For example, learning how digestive enzymes for dogs can aid nutrient absorption can be a game-changer for some pups. When you combine all these elements—diet, safety, and a calm lifestyle—you create a powerful, holistic approach to keeping tummy troubles at bay.
Your Top Questions Answered About Dog Stomach Upsets
When your dog's tummy is in knots, your mind probably is too. It’s completely normal to have a rush of questions and worries. Getting clear answers helps you feel more in control and take the right steps for your best mate. Here are the most common things owners ask when their dog's digestion goes sideways.
How Long Should a Dog's Upset Stomach Last?
For a straightforward case of tummy trouble – maybe they’ve sampled something new or just overindulged a little – you should see things settle down within 24 to 48 hours. If you’ve given their system a rest and introduced a bland diet, you’ll usually notice a big improvement in that window.
But if the vomiting or diarrhoea drags on for more than a couple of days, or if things seem to be getting worse instead of better, that's your cue. It’s time to pause the home care and get on the phone with your vet.
Is It Safe to Give My Dog Human Medicine?
This is a big one, and the answer is a firm no. Never give your dog human medications for an upset stomach unless your vet has specifically told you to. So many of the things we reach for, like ibuprofen or certain anti-diarrhoea tablets, are actually toxic to dogs.
The risk is huge. The wrong drug or even just the wrong dose can lead to devastating problems, from kidney failure to internal bleeding. It's just not worth the gamble.
Your vet is the only person qualified to prescribe medication for your dog. Playing chemist with human drugs is a dangerous game.
What Are the Red Flags I Should Watch For?
Most stomach upsets are minor blips, but some signs are flashing red lights that mean you need to get to a vet right away. Don’t hesitate if you spot any of these:
- Blood: Any trace of blood in their vomit (it can sometimes look like coffee grounds) or in their poo is an emergency.
- Serious Lethargy: If your dog is floppy, weak, unresponsive, or collapses, seek help immediately.
- A Swollen Tummy: A hard, bloated, or painful abdomen could be a sign of bloat, which is a life-threatening emergency.
- Can't Keep Water Down: If your dog vomits up even small sips of water, they're on a fast track to dangerous dehydration.
- They've Eaten Something Toxic: If you know or suspect they’ve ingested a poison—like chocolate, xylitol, or certain household plants—don't wait for symptoms to show up. Go straight to the vet.
Can Stress Cause an Upset Stomach in My Dog?
Absolutely. It’s easy to forget that just like us, our dogs’ minds and bodies are connected. Stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on their digestive system. Think about big life changes like moving house, the arrival of a new baby or pet, or even sudden loud noises from fireworks or a storm. These can all trigger a bout of diarrhoea or vomiting.
If you start to see a link between stressful situations and tummy trouble, managing their anxiety could be the real key. This is where creating a calm home, sticking to a predictable routine, and making time for plenty of exercise can make all the difference.
Here at Tipaw, we're big believers in getting ahead of the curve to support your dog's digestive wellness for the long haul. Our vet-approved supplements are packed with 100% natural ingredients to help foster a healthy gut and build up resilience against future tummy troubles. Take a look at our digestive health solutions at https://www.store-tipaw.com.
