It’s common for dogs to have sensitive tummies, and this might be caused by canine domestication and how you feed your pets. Common signs of a sensitive stomach in dogs include vomiting, flatulence, constipation, and diarrhea. This condition makes it hard to feed a pet and may cause malnutrition and chronic pain in dogs. Knowing how to care for a dog with a sensitive tummy is key to alleviating these symptoms. Here are some tips to help your dog with a sensitive stomach.
Feed your dog the right food
Feeding your proper dog food is an essential part of caring for a sensitive stomach. Most vets will recommend easy-to-digest food for between three to 10 days. You can feed your pet therapeutic food, or your vet might recommend a homemade recipe.
The best dog food for sensitive stomach will have low-fat content and is highly digestible. Ingestible dog foods are easy to digest and offer more nutrients for the food volume. Low fat is essential since it’s one of the hardest things for a dog to digest, and consuming too much can lead to pancreatitis.
Keep your dog hydrated
Ensure your dog stays hydrated throughout the day by giving it clean, fresh drinking water at different times, especially before the meal, for detoxification. An upset stomach can cause diarrhea, leading to dehydration and loss of essential nutrients. It’s important to ensure your furry friend replenishes what they have lost.
Watch your dog’s water intake and ensure they don’t drink too much after the meal since this may lead to severe diarrhea. To avoid this, give your pup a few ice cubes or teaspoons of water instead of a full bowl.
Stick to natural treats
Giving you dog food leftovers can seem like a fun and natural treat, but even small portions of unusual foods can lead to a sensitive stomach. A consistent diet can help in soothing an upset stomach in dogs. Avoid giving your pup meat and vegetables cooked with spices and herbs since these foods are not easy for a dog to digest. Dog treats are good, but they shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Ensure the treats are natural and appropriate for the dog’s digestive system to prevent side effects.
Try gentle foods
Canned pumpkin is another perfect natural remedy for dogs with sensitive stomachs. A pumpkin is rich in soluble fiber, which can help soothe an irritated bowel movement, helping fight indigestion in dogs. In addition, the fiber causes the delay of the GI transit time, relieving the digestive system to avoid diarrhea. However, ensure the pumpkin you serve is pure, without any species.
Pumpkins are also good sources of potassium, an essential nutrient your dog may lose from diarrhea. Potassium deficiency may lead to weakness, fatigue, abnormal heart rate, and hypokalemia. A half teaspoon of pumpkin daily is enough for a small puppy, while adult dogs typically need one teaspoon.
Endnote
Managing a dog’s sensitive stomach can be difficult, especially when you try to isolate the ingredients causing the reaction. Luckily, for dogs with upset stomachs, plenty of options are available to help your pet feel better fast. With your vet’s assistance, you can help your furry friend get over a sensitive stomach and get back to ball chasing and tail wagging.
I do not think that it is common for dogs to have sensitive stomachs. However, these are good clues for taking care of a dog’s stomach.