Dogs can have stomach pain for a variety of reasons, from food sensitivities to changes in the bacteria in their gut microbiome. In some cases, vets might recommend bland foods or bone broth to ease tummy troubles.

If your pup is in pain, they may stretch low on their front legs while putting their back legs in the air, known as the praying position. This position is often an indication of a painful belly.

Signs of an Upset Stomach

Dogs can get stomach aches for many reasons, from eating something they shouldn’t have to catching a disease. They can range in severity from mild to life-threatening.

Symptoms of an upset stomach include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and loss of appetite. If your dog is gulping excessively, especially if they are a deep-chested breed, it could be an indicator of bloat.

A painful abdomen can also cause a dog to display behavioral changes. If a normally friendly dog becomes aggressive or hides away, they may be feeling unwell. If they show signs of dehydration, a veterinarian can use a skin turgor test to determine their level of fluids. They may also ask for a stool sample and blood work to determine what is causing their stomach problem. learn more

Vomiting

Dogs with upset stomachs may not want to eat and often skip meals. They might also eat less than normal, opting for treats or people food over their regular meal. This decrease in appetite can also be a sign of a bigger issue such as a stomach ulcer, parvovirus or even cancer.

When your dog vomits it can be a good indication that they have a gastric issue. However, if the vomiting lasts more than 24 hours or is bloody it may be time to take them to the vet for a diagnostic test such as an endoscopy. It is also important to note that when dogs vomit they can lose a lot of water and nutrients which could cause dehydration. This is why it is so important to feed them a high-quality dog food like Native Pet that supports a healthy gut microbiome.

Diarrhea

If your pup is vomiting or has diarrhea, it could be a sign that something serious is going on in the gut. Infections like parvovirus and gastrointestinal parasites are common causes of upset stomach in dogs. In addition, long term dog diarrhea is often due to food allergies or intolerances (like grains, dairy, chicken) and can be resolved through an elimination diet with your vet or by re-introducing foods slowly.

Diarrhea can also be a sign of a medical emergency such as bloat, or pancreatic issues like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This condition can cause your pet to become dehydrated. If you have a dog with swollen abdomen or hunched over posture, blood in the stool or stools that look black and tarry, call your veterinarian immediately.

Lethargy

Lethargy is a sign that your dog isn’t feeling well. It can also be a sign of a neurological problem or soft tissue injury.

If your dog is extremely lethargic, they may need to be seen by the emergency vet. However, if your dog is mildly lethargic and can still get up when you try to rouse them or respond to their favorite treat, they might be able to wait for their regular veterinarian.

Be sure to have all your dogs recent health information with you when visiting your vet. They will be asking for details on any dietary changes your pet has recently made and other pertinent information. This will help them determine if the stomach ache is something minor or severe. They will then be able to provide your dog with the best treatment for their upset stomach.

Pacing

If your dog is pacing or seem restless they may be feeling pain in their belly. This is because a painful belly can make it difficult to lie down and get comfortable. This restlessness can also be a sign of stress or anxiety.

If you are noticing this symptom and your dog hasn’t eaten much recently, it is important to feed them Pedialyte or another mixture that can prevent dehydration. This is done with a syringe without a needle and usually requires your dogs help to swallow it.

If your dog has been eating the same food for a while try switching foods slowly over the course of a few days. This will help prevent stomach issues caused by diet change. Find a local pet store near you to see if they offer a healthy gut diet that can help your dog avoid stomach pain!