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Nothing is more irritating than a tummy ache, and not just for humans, but for dogs as well. While smaller troubles tend to go unseen or untreated, when it becomes more acute it can raise concerns. These problems can source from many different causes– from eating the wrong thing to consuming too many rawhide bones. Causes are numerous, and in order to treat these problems, it can be beneficial to be aware of the causes in order to avoid them in the future. What causes stomach problems? Perhaps the biggest cause is often unseen, especially because we aren’t aware that it can even become a problem. When dogs eat grass, it is usually because they are searching for nutrients that their present diet doesn’t completely provide for them. But, while grass is actually good for a dog, there are several other plants in the yard that can be harmful or upsetting to a dog’s belly. One of these harmful plants tends to sprout up and spread during spring time- the common weed. Common weeds, such as dandelions, aren’t necessarily poisonous, but can be upsetting when consumed in large quantities. You may notice your dog vomiting or coughing excessively after having been outside in the fresh spring yard. Another common problem is the stomach blockage. Dogs love to eat, and often seem to be a bottomless pit when it comes to food and household items. Aside from objects they shouldn’t eat (like shoes, clothes, and toys) are their rawhide bones. While good for keeping them interested and maintaining their teeth, these dog treats can also cause blockages in their intestines, leading to constipation and stomach upset. Be sure you refrain from giving them excessive amounts of rawhide bones, and maybe even consider some of the more “stomach friendly” treats such as dental bones that are organic. The worst problems often come from the things we know that dogs shouldn’t eat. These can range from the notorious chocolate bar to the plants in the garden. In small doses, these can cause diarrhea and stomach pains. Be sure that you are completely aware of what foods your dogs can eat, and never let them have access to them. Dealing with belly trouble When dealing with stomach upset, treatment often depends on what they’ve consumed. For smaller upsets, such as reduced eating and stomach sensitivity (they don’t want you to touch their belly), cooked rice is one of the easiest and best for a dog. Most dog foods contain rice as a filler, and this simple household food will definitely help absorb most troubles. While a dog will definitely enjoy the treat, you may also consider adding in some kale or seaweed, which are both high in antioxidants and nutrients that will help your dog quickly recover and remain healthy. While most household medications should never be given to a dog, Bismuth Subsalicylate, better known as Pepto Bismol, is safe for dogs and can relieve their stomach aches. Despite a dog’s inherent desire to eat anything and everything, this happens to be one of the few items they don’t care much for. So this is something you would definitely want to administer in the outdoors or an easy-to-clean environment. Another product, referred to as activated charcoal, is a universal absorption item. Because most troubles stem from something they’ve recently eaten, activated charcoal can absorb any potentially harmful or dangerous chemicals in their stomach before they have a chance to be absorbed by the rest of the body. This would be an excellent addition to a first-aid kit in case of poisoning. The last thing you can do is to simply wait. Dogs are inherently intuitive about what their body needs. Sometimes a little rest while they wait for their body to get rid of the problem is all they need. It can take up to 24 hours to flush their system out, so you can choose to give them some time to let their body settle things on its own. But because constipation is often a problem, make sure you walk your dog regularly. Take them out for some exercise to get them moving and to help flush out any trouble within. An upset dog belly is not something to be overlooked. Because poisoning can be a cause, if you suspect your dog isn’t feeling well, it is up to you to make sure they get the proper attention. These remedies can help settle a dog’s belly, but may not solve the problem. Be aware of what your dog is eating, and make sure that nothing toxic gets anywhere near their mouths. Take good care of them and make sure they eat only what is good for their belly and body.
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