Dog Upset Stomach Signs: A Vet’s Guide to Soothing Solutions

• Food intolerance: Common ingredients like beef, wheat, or dairy may not agree with your dog.
• Allergies: Unlike intolerances, allergies involve the immune system and often show as skin or stomach issues.
• Leaky Gut Syndrome: A weakened intestinal lining lets bacteria or toxins enter the bloodstream.
• Over processed foods: Heavily processed ingredients and additives irritate the gut.
• Dietary indiscretion: Dogs who scavenge or raid bins are more prone to acute episodes.
• Stress: Travel, vet visits, or changes at home can lead to gut upset.
• Environmental triggers: Pesticides, cleaning agents, or sudden changes in environment can also irritate the digestive system in sensitive dogs.

Why a Healthy Gut Matters

A healthy gut in your dog means more than just good digestion. In my experience, it's central to overall vitality and well-being. When your pup’s gut health is in check, you’ll often see:

• A healthy, shiny coat 
• Steady energy throughout the day
• Solid, healthy stools
• A strong immune system

If your dog shows signs of digestive discomfort, make sure to address these early to keep minor issues from turning into serious health problems.

Understanding the common signs of gastrointestinal issues in dogs can help you take early action and ensure your pet stays healthy and comfortable. Here are the most frequent symptoms to watch for:

When a dog shows signs of gastrointestinal problems, accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Veterinarians use a combination of clinical signs and diagnostic tests to identify the underlying causes of digestive issues.

• Clinical Signs: The first step often involves a thorough examination based on the symptoms your dog is exhibiting. Common signs like vomiting, dog diarrhoea, weight loss, and lethargy provide important clues about what might be wrong.
• Diet Trials: One of the initial diagnostic approaches is a diet trial. This involves switching your dog to a sensitivity food, hydrolysed food, or hypoallergenic food to see if the gastrointestinal issues improve. Sometimes, dietary adjustments can resolve the problem without the need for further testing.
• Diagnostic Tests: If a diet trial doesn't solve the issue, veterinarians may proceed with more specific diagnostic tests, like blood tests, stool analysis, and even endoscopies and biopsies.

Allergies and intolerances are both adverse food reactions, but they impact the body in different ways.

• Allergies are immune responses to specific proteins. They often result in itching, ear infections, skin redness, or digestive upset, and can develop over time.
• Intolerances, by contrast, are digestive issues that occur when a dog’s system can’t properly break down a specific ingredient. These reactions may appear immediately and often result in bloating, cat diarrhoea, or gas.

Accurate diagnosis is key. What looks like an allergy may be an intolerance, and vice versa. Work with your vet to trial an elimination diet or run diagnostic tests

Sensitive Stomach Diets

If your dog is prone to digestive upsets, like bloating, gas, or loose stools, a sensitive stomach diet may help settle things down. These formulas are designed for gentle digestion, often featuring easily digestible proteins and minimal ingredient lists.

They’re typically free from fillers, artificial additives, and common allergens which can contribute to gut irritation in sensitive pets. These diets are a great first step if your vet hasn’t pinpointed a specific food allergy but your dog regularly experiences mild tummy troubles.

Hydrolysed Protein Diets

If your dog vomits after mealtime, or has been diagnosed with a food allergy, it may be time to try a hydrolysed protein diet. These diets contain proteins that have been broken down into smaller molecules: so small that the immune system doesn't recognise them as threats.

This makes them ideal for dogs with confirmed food allergies, especially those who haven't responded to traditional sensitive stomach diets. Think of them as the gold standard for immune-triggered digestive issues.

Hypoallergenic Diets

When you and your vet suspect a food allergy but aren’t sure which ingredient is the culprit, a hypoallergenic diet is often the next step. These diets are designed for elimination trials: a process where novel or uncommon protein sources (like kangaroo or duck) are introduced to identify the trigger.

If your dog has ongoing digestive issues paired with itching or skin flare-ups, a hypoallergenic diet may uncover whether food is the underlying cause. They're best used under veterinary guidance to get accurate results from the trial.

Choosing the right food for your dog depends on their specific symptoms and history. Always read ingredient labels carefully and consider working with your vet to identify intolerances or allergies. 

Opt for diets that use high-quality ingredients, free from artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers. A diet rich in natural ingredients supports better overall health and can be easier for dogs to digest.

With any change in diet, transition slowly over 2–3 weeks and monitor closely for the best results.

If your dog’s digestive symptoms have only lasted a day or two and they’re still eating, drinking, and behaving normally, home care may be appropriate.

If you suspect it’s a mild, one-off case, we’d suggest starting with this simple approach: a short-term homemade diet like boiled chicken with plain pumpkin or sweet potato. These gentle foods help soothe the gut and are easy to digest. Once symptoms improve, gradually transition your dog back to their regular balanced diet.

Supplements can be introduced alongside your dog’s food to support gut recovery or provide ongoing digestive balance. 

The best results occur when supplements are introduced slowly and paired with diet changes. Make sure you’re watching closely for any changes in stool quality or appetite. 

Always consult your vet before adding a new supplement to ensure it's suitable for your dog’s health status.

Here are three supplements I often recommend in my clinic for digestive support:

Pro-Kolin + Probiotic Paste for Dogs and Cats is particularly effective for managing diarrhoea. This supplement contains probiotics and prebiotics, along with kaolin and pectin, which help to firm up stools and soothe the gut lining. It's a great option for addressing acute bouts of diarrhoea and promoting a quick recovery.

Synbiotic D-C Probiotic & Prebiotic Capsules For Dogs & Cats combines the benefits of both prebiotics and probiotics, and is an excellent choice for managing ongoing gastrointestinal issues. The prebiotics in Synbiotic D-C serve as food for the probiotics, ensuring they thrive and maintain a healthy gut environment. This dual-action approach can significantly improve digestive health and is recommended for any dog experiencing chronic GI problems.

Cobalazorb for Dogs & Cats supports pets with vitamin B12 deficiency, often seen in chronic gut conditions like IBD or EPI. By restoring B12 levels, it helps improve appetite, energy, and nutrient absorption. It’s a valuable add-on for dogs with malabsorption-related diarrhoea or ongoing digestive issues.

There are a few red flags you should never ignore. Seek immediate veterinary advice if your dog:

• Vomits multiple times in 24 hrs
• Has bloody or black stool
• Persistent diarrhoea that does not improve with a bland diet within 1-2 days
• Is extremely lethargic or collapses
• Has a bloated abdomen
• Shows signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes)

Recognising these warning signs early and consulting with a veterinarian can make a significant difference in your dog's recovery and overall health. Prompt action can prevent minor issues from escalating into more severe conditions, ensuring your dog remains healthy and comfortable.

Ensuring your dog's digestive system stays healthy involves a combination of dietary management and preventive care. Here are our top tips for maintaining optimal gastrointestinal health in your canine companion:

1. Regular Parasite control & Deworming

Regular deworming is essential to prevent parasites, which can cause significant gastrointestinal distress. Make sure your dog is on a consistent deworming schedule as recommended by your veterinarian to keep their gut free from harmful parasites.

2. Introduce a Sensitive Stomach Diet

If your dog shows signs of gastrointestinal issues, switching to a sensitive stomach diet can be beneficial. These diets are formulated to be gentle on the digestive system and can help alleviate symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting. Remember, not all diets work for every dog, so it may take some trial and error to find the right one.

3. Provide Plenty of Fresh Water

Hydration is crucial for digestive health. Ensure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. Proper hydration helps in the digestion and absorption of nutrients and prevents constipation in your dog.

4. Limit Treats

While treats are a nice way to reward your dog, overindulgence can upset their stomach. Keep treats to a minimum and choose healthy options to avoid disrupting their digestive system.

5. Add a Probiotic!

Incorporating a probiotic into your dog's diet can help maintain a healthy gut flora balance, improving their overall digestive health. Probiotics support digestion and nutrient absorption, helping to prevent and manage gastrointestinal issues.

By following these tips, you can help ensure your dog's gastrointestinal system remains healthy, reducing the risk of digestive issues and promoting overall well-being.

With the right care and a bit of patience, even the most sensitive stomachs can be managed. Paying attention to early signs, making thoughtful dietary choices, and incorporating preventive habits can make a big difference in a dog’s comfort, health, and happiness.

This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe