Dog Upset Stomach: What to Give and When to See a Vet

Signs of an Upset Stomach in Dogs

• Drooling or lip licking, which are signs of nausea^16,1
• Vomiting, or loose stool or diarrhea^1,2
• Gas and a loud, gurgling belly¹
• Eating more grass than usual, though most dogs that eat grass aren't ill^8,17
• Eating less or refusing food^18,1
• Signs of belly pain, such as stretching with the front legs on the floor and the back end up^18,1

The "Prayer Position": A Sign of Belly Pain

Some dogs with a painful belly stand with their front legs and chest low to the ground and their rear end up, as if bowing. Vets call this the prayer (or praying) position. It looks like a play bow or a morning stretch, but a dog in pain holds it or keeps returning to it, and may also seem restless, quiet or off their food.^32,33,34 It's a known sign of pancreatitis and can also appear with bloat.^32,33,34

If your dog keeps taking this position, call your vet today. Go to an emergency vet now if it comes with retching that brings nothing up, a swollen belly, pale gums, repeated vomiting or collapse.³⁴ See is my dog's stomach pain an emergency? and pancreatitis in dogs.

What Causes an Upset Stomach in Dogs?

• Eating something they shouldn't, such as garbage, table scraps, spoiled food or plants, which is one of the most common causes.^11,19,20
• A sudden change of food or new treats.^20,3
• Infections and parasites, including parvovirus in puppies.^2,21
• Medicines, including some anti-inflammatories and antibiotics.^19,2
• Stress.¹
• Pancreatitis, sometimes after eating rich, fatty scraps or garbage. See pancreatitis in dogs.¹⁸
• Longer-term problems such as inflammatory bowel disease, food sensitivities, kidney or liver disease, and Addison's disease.^11,22 See IBD in dogs.

What Can I Give My Dog for an Upset Stomach?

If your dog is bright and alert and has only mild signs, these steps are usually safe. Check with your vet first for puppies, older dogs, and dogs with other health problems.

• Water: offer small amounts often. Ice cubes can help a dog who gulps water and then vomits.^8,10 Never give sugar-free drinks or products, which may contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.⁴ Ask your vet before giving any electrolyte drink.
• A short break from food: a few hours at most for an adult dog after vomiting. Long fasts are not proven to help. Puppies, especially toy breeds, need frequent meals, so don't hold food back from a puppy unless your vet advises it.^8,23,24
• A bland, low-fat diet: small, frequent meals of plain boiled chicken or white fish with white rice, or a vet-recommended digestive diet, for a few days.^10,1,15 Then mix the usual food back in over a few days.^10,19 Some vets prefer to keep a dog on his usual food if the upset is mild, because a sudden change can make things worse.³
• Pumpkin: plain canned pumpkin is popular, but it contains very little fiber. If your dog needs more fiber, ask your vet about a proper fiber supplement or diet. Never use pumpkin pie filling.²⁵
• Probiotics: unlikely to hurt, but the benefit is small.^14,26
• Rest: skip long walks and rough play until he's better.¹⁰

For more on diarrhea, see home care for dog diarrhea and dog vomiting and diarrhea.

Human Stomach Medicines to Avoid

Don't give your dog human stomach or diarrhea medicines unless your vet has told you to.

• Pink bismuth stomach remedies contain a salicylate, a relative of aspirin. They can cause salicylate poisoning, vomiting and diarrhea, shouldn't be used in dogs with stomach ulcers, and are risky for dogs with kidney, liver or bleeding problems. They turn stool black, which can hide signs of bleeding, and they can interfere with X-rays. Dogs taking anti-inflammatory pain relievers should never be given them.^4,27
• Human anti-diarrhea medicines that slow the gut can cause serious nervous-system poisoning in dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation, which is common in collies, sheepdogs and related breeds. They are also unsafe when diarrhea is caused by an infection or toxin.^5,28
• Human pain relievers can cause stomach ulcers and kidney damage in dogs.²⁹
• Antacids and acid reducers should only be given if your vet prescribes them, at a dose set for your dog.^1,30
• Leftover antibiotics aren't needed for most upset stomachs and can do more harm than good.^14,15

When to Take Your Dog to the Vet

Call your vet if your dog keeps vomiting for more than a day, if other mild signs haven't improved within about 48 hours, or sooner if any of the signs in the box at the top of this page appear.^1,2,11,10 Vomiting and diarrhea together can dehydrate a dog quickly, especially if they last more than 24 hours.² Check for dehydration by looking for sticky gums and sunken eyes, and by gently lifting the skin at the back of the neck. If it is slow to fall back, your dog may be dehydrated.^12,10 Dehydrated dogs often need fluids from a vet.^2,31

If there is blood in the vomit, see dog vomiting blood. For bloody diarrhea, see bloody diarrhea in dogs.

When an Upset Stomach Keeps Coming Back

A dog whose stomach upsets keep returning, or who is losing weight, needs a full workup. Vomiting that comes and goes for more than 1 to 2 weeks is considered chronic.¹⁹ Vets look for causes such as food sensitivities, inflammatory bowel disease, parasites, pancreatitis, Addison's disease, and kidney or liver disease. Tests can include blood and urine tests, stool tests, X-rays, ultrasound and endoscopy with biopsies.^11,22,19 A diet trial, in which the dog eats only a special novel-protein or hydrolyzed diet, is often part of the plan.¹⁹ See why is my dog throwing up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I give my dog for an upset stomach and vomiting?

Small amounts of water often, a short break from food, then small bland meals. Ask your vet before giving any medicine.

Can I give my dog human stomach medicine?

Not without your vet's advice. Some can cause bleeding or poisoning, or hide signs your vet needs to see.

How long does an upset stomach last in dogs?

Mild cases usually improve within a day or two. See your vet if vomiting lasts more than a day, other signs last more than 48 hours, or things get worse.

Why is my dog's stomach making noises?

Gurgling is often gas or hunger. Loud gurgling with vomiting, diarrhea or not eating is worth a vet call.

Is chicken and rice good for a dog with an upset stomach?

Plain boiled chicken and white rice is a common short-term bland diet. Don't feed it long-term, because it isn't balanced.

Does pumpkin help a dog's upset stomach?

It is popular but contains little fiber. Ask your vet about a proper fiber supplement if needed.