Upset Stomach in Dogs
Dog Health Guides · Digestive symptoms
Dog Upset Stomach: Causes, What To Give, and When To Worry
If you are reading about dog upset stomach, your veterinarian is the best first step. This guide explains what owners commonly see and what to do next. It does not diagnose or prescribe.
A dog upset stomach usually shows up as vomiting, diarrhea, a gurgling belly, gas, grass eating, lip licking, or a dog that skips a meal. Most mild upsets come from eating something new, rich or found on a walk, and settle within a day or two.
This guide covers the common causes, what you can give a dog for an upset stomach (plain water, rest and a bland diet when your vet agrees), and the signs that mean a stomach upset is something more serious, such as a blockage, pancreatitis, parvo or bloat.
Important: A swollen, tight belly with retching that brings nothing up is bloat (GDV) and is an emergency, especially in large, deep-chested dogs. Also go now for blood in vomit or stool, repeated vomiting, a puppy with vomiting and diarrhea, or a dog that seems weak or in pain.
What a Dog Upset Stomach Is
Gastroenteritis
Vets often call a short-term tummy upset gastroenteritis: irritation of the stomach and intestines that causes vomiting, diarrhea or both. Mild cases usually improve within 24 to 72 hours.
A Symptom, Not a Diagnosis
An upset stomach is a sign that something has irritated the gut. The cause can be as simple as a food change or as serious as a swallowed toy or a toxin.
Acute vs Ongoing
A one-off upset that settles quickly is common. Upsets that keep returning, or a dog that loses weight, can point to food allergies, parasites, or longer-term gut disease, and need a vet workup.
Dog Upset Stomach Symptoms
Vomiting or Retching
Bringing up food, foam or yellow bile. See dog vomiting.
Diarrhea or Soft Stool
Loose, frequent or urgent poop, sometimes with mucus. See dog diarrhea.
Belly Noises and Gas
Loud gurgling, passing gas, a tense belly, or stretching in a “prayer” position with the front legs down.
Appetite and Behavior
Skipping meals, eating grass, licking lips or the floor, drooling, restlessness, or hiding.
Common Causes of an Upset Stomach in Dogs
Dietary Indiscretion
Garbage, table scraps, fatty foods, bones, dead things, or a new treat. This is the most common cause.
Sudden Food Changes
Switching foods overnight instead of mixing old and new over about a week.
Parasites and Infections
Worms, giardia, and viruses such as parvo in unvaccinated puppies. See worms in dogs and giardia in dogs.
Toxins and Swallowed Objects
Chocolate, grapes, xylitol, human medicines, plants, socks, toys and corn cobs can all cause vomiting. A blockage is an emergency.
Pancreatitis and Other Illness
Painful pancreatitis often follows a fatty meal. Kidney, liver and hormone problems can also cause tummy upsets.
Stress
Travel, boarding, fireworks or a new home can upset the gut. See dog car sickness and dog anxiety.
What To Give a Dog for an Upset Stomach
Water First
Offer small amounts of fresh water often. A dog that cannot keep water down needs a vet. See dog dehydration.
A Short Rest for the Stomach
For a healthy adult dog with a mild upset, many vets suggest resting the stomach for a few hours, then offering small bland meals. Do not withhold food from puppies, toy breeds, or dogs with diabetes; call your vet instead.
Bland Food
Plain boiled chicken or lean turkey with plain white rice, no skin, bones, butter or seasoning, in small portions. Return to the normal food gradually over a few days.
Plain Pumpkin and Probiotics
Some vets suggest a spoon of plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) or a dog probiotic for soft stool. Ask your vet what suits your dog.
What Not To Give
Do not give human stomach medicines, anti-diarrhea pills, or leftover pet medicines unless your vet says so. Some contain ingredients that are unsafe for dogs, and some are risky for herding breeds.
What To Do Tonight
Usually OK to watch
One or two episodes, a bright dog who drinks and wants to play: rest, water, bland food, and call your vet if it is not better within 24 hours.
Call the vet now
Bloated belly, retching with nothing coming up, blood, repeated vomiting, a puppy or senior, suspected toxin or swallowed object, or a weak, painful dog.
Related products
HomeoPet drops listed for minor tummy upsets. Repeated vomiting, blood, belly pain or a quiet, weak dog needs a vet, not drops.
View product →Free shipping on orders $75+. Prices and stock update automatically. Products are listed for education; medicines are used only when a veterinarian directs care. This page does not diagnose or prescribe.
Related Dog Health Guides
Back to Dog Health Guides →Upset Stomach in Dogs FAQ
What can I give my dog for an upset stomach?
Water in small amounts, a short rest for the stomach if your vet agrees, then small bland meals of plain boiled chicken and white rice. Do not give human medicines without your vet’s advice.
What should I give a dog for an upset stomach and vomiting?
After vomiting stops for a few hours, offer small sips of water, then small bland meals. If vomiting continues, there is blood, or your dog is weak, call your vet.
What can I give a dog for upset stomach and diarrhea?
Water, bland food, and plain canned pumpkin are common vet suggestions. Diarrhea lasting more than a day or two, or with blood, needs a vet.
How long does dog gastroenteritis recovery take?
Mild cases usually improve in one to three days. If your dog is not getting better, or gets worse at any point, see your vet.
Why does my dog eat grass when his stomach is upset?
Many dogs eat grass when their stomach feels off, and some then vomit. Occasional grass eating is common; frequent grass eating with vomiting is worth a vet check.
Is this upset stomach in dogs guide a substitute for a vet visit?
No. It is educational only. Your veterinarian should examine your dog and guide any diagnosis and treatment.
Can I work out a medicine dose from this page?
No. Never work out doses from product strengths, other pets’ medicines or internet pages. The right medicine and dose depend on your dog’s weight, age, breed, health and other medicines, so they must come from your veterinarian.