Upset Stomach in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & What to Do

An Upset stomach in dogs is a common concern for pet owners and can have many different causes, from eating something they shouldn't to sudden dietary changes, stress or underlying illness. While some digestive problems may be short-lived, others can require veterinary attention.

Understanding what can cause an upset stomach in dogs can help you recognise the signs, support your dog's digestive health and know when it is time to seek professional advice.

What exactly Is an Upset Stomach in Dogs?

An upset stomach describes a change or disruption to your dog's normal digestive function. It can affect dogs of all ages and may happen occasionally or become a recurring problem.

Common signs can include:

Loose stools or diarrhoea

Vomiting

Excessive gas

Noisy or gurgling stomach

Reduced appetite

Changes in stool consistency

Abdominal discomfort

Lethargy

The symptoms and severity of an upset stomach in dogs can vary depending on the underlying cause. A mild digestive upset may settle quickly, while persistent or severe symptoms should be discussed with your vet.

What are the causes of an Upset Stomach in Dogs?

There are many potential causes of digestive upset. Some are relatively simple, while others may require veterinary investigation.

1. Eating Something They Shouldn't

Dogs are naturally curious and can be quick to eat things they find while exploring. This might include food dropped on the floor, leftovers, rubbish or something they discover during a walk.

Eating unfamiliar, rich or fatty foods can cause digestive discomfort and may lead to loose stools or vomiting.

2. Sudden Changes to Their Diet

A sudden change in food can be a common cause of an upset stomach in dogs. Your dog's digestive system needs time to adapt to changes in their diet.

When introducing a new food, it is generally recommended to make the transition gradually over several days. This allows your dog's digestive system time to adjust.

3. Stress and Anxiety

Stress doesn't just affect behaviour, it can also affect your dog's digestive system.

Changes to your dog's environment or routine, travelling, moving house, boarding, fireworks, visits to the vet or being left alone can all be stressful for some dogs.

This stress can contribute to digestive changes, including loose stools.

4. Eating Too Quickly

Some dogs are enthusiastic eaters and may consume their food very quickly.

Eating too fast can cause a dog to swallow excess air, which may contribute to gas and digestive discomfort. It can also result in regurgitation or vomiting shortly after eating.

5. Food Intolerance or Sensitivity

Some dogs can be sensitive to certain ingredients in their diet. This may result in recurring digestive symptoms such as loose stools, vomiting or excessive gas.

If you notice that digestive problems repeatedly occur after your dog eats a particular food, speak to your vet. They can help investigate whether a dietary sensitivity or another underlying issue may be responsible.

6. Parasites and Infections

Parasites, including intestinal worms, can affect your dog's digestive health. Certain bacterial and viral infections can also result in gastrointestinal symptoms.

Depending on the cause, you may notice diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss or lethargy.

Puppies, older dogs and dogs with existing health conditions may be more vulnerable to complications from digestive illness.

If you are concerned about your dog's symptoms, contact your vet for advice.

7. Medication and Antibiotics

Certain medications can affect the digestive system and may cause symptoms such as diarrhoea or changes in appetite.

Antibiotics can also influence the microorganisms that naturally live within the gastrointestinal tract. While antibiotics can be an important treatment when prescribed by a vet, some dogs may experience digestive changes during or after treatment.

How Can You Support Your Dog's Digestive Health?

There are several simple steps you can take to help maintain healthy digestion and potentially reduce the risk of an upset stomach in dogs.

Feed a Balanced Diet

Providing a complete and balanced diet appropriate for your dog's age, size and lifestyle is an important part of maintaining good health.

Try to keep their diet consistent and introduce any changes gradually.

Be Mindful of Treats

Treats can be a useful part of training and bonding, but too many treats or sudden introductions of rich foods can contribute to digestive problems.

Keep treats appropriate for your dog and consider their overall daily diet.

Provide Fresh Water

Make sure your dog always has access to clean, fresh drinking water.

Maintaining adequate hydration is particularly important when a dog is experiencing digestive problems.

Maintain a Consistent Routine

Dogs can benefit from predictable feeding, exercise and rest routines. Keeping things consistent may also help minimise stress, which can influence digestive health.

Prevent Scavenging

Dogs can be surprisingly resourceful when it comes to finding things to eat.

Keep potentially harmful foods and household items out of reach and keep an eye on your dog when they are exploring outdoors.

Canigest for Digestive Support

When your dog’s digestive system needs a little extra support, our Canigest can form part of a wider approach to maintaining healthy digestive function.

Our Canigest digestive support supplement is a paste and combines a probiotic with prebiotics, kaolin and pectin, providing a multi-action approach to digestive support. The probiotic helps support the natural balance of beneficial bacteria within the gut, while prebiotics provide nutritional support for these beneficial microorganisms. Kaolin and pectin work together to provide additional support for normal digestive function and healthy stool consistency.

Canigest can be incorporated into your dog’s digestive health routine when additional nutritional support is appropriate, helping to support the gastrointestinal system during times when it may be under extra pressure.

Maintaining good digestive health is about more than simply responding when problems occur. Providing a balanced diet, keeping your dog hydrated and supporting normal digestive function can all play an important role in your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.

However, supplements are not a substitute for veterinary care. If your dog has persistent or severe digestive symptoms, it is important to speak to your vet so that the underlying cause can be identified.

When Should You Contact Your Vet?

While some digestive problems can be mild and short-lived, certain symptoms should always be taken seriously.

Contact your vet if your dog:

Has persistent or severe diarrhoea

Is repeatedly vomiting

Has blood in their vomit or stools

Appears weak, very tired or unwell

Shows signs of abdominal pain

Has a swollen or distended abdomen

Cannot keep water down

Stops eating or drinking

Shows signs of dehydration

Is a young puppy or elderly dog and develops digestive symptoms

Has an existing health condition

May have eaten something toxic or dangerous

If you are unsure whether your dog's symptoms require veterinary attention, it is always best to contact your vet for advice.

The Bottom Line

An upset stomach in dogs can have many different causes, from eating something unusual and sudden dietary changes to stress, medication, parasites or illness.

Taking a proactive approach to digestive health can help support your dog's overall wellbeing. Feeding a consistent, balanced diet, introducing changes gradually, providing fresh water and maintaining a regular routine can all contribute to healthy digestion.

For dogs that may benefit from additional nutritional support, our Canigestcan form part of a digestive health routine.

Most importantly, pay attention to changes in your dog's normal behaviour, appetite and stools. If symptoms are severe, persistent or unusual for your dog, always seek advice from your veterinary professional.