Friday, November 25, 2011

Treat A Dog'S Sensitive Stomach







Dogs instinctively eat grass to induce vomiting when their stomach is upset.


Sensitive stomachs in dogs are common and can be treated at home in most cases. There are various reasons dogs get upset stomachs, including eating the wrong kinds of foods, eating rotten foods or that the breed is naturally prone to sensitive stomachs. A mild upset stomach can be treated with simple changes to your dog's diet. The dog will be back to normal within a day or two.


Instructions








1. Remove all foods and treats immediately when your dog has an upset stomach. Put an adult dog on a 12- to 24-hour fast, no more than 12 hours for puppies. If the dog is vomiting, omit water and replace with ice chips until the dog is feeling better.


2. Feed your dog a bland diet after fasting. Offer small amounts of boiled, unseasoned rice, and baked or boiled skinless chicken three to four times a day.


3. Give your dog a small amount of plain yogurt or canned pumpkin. Good bacteria, called acidophilus, found in yogurt helps heal inflamed intestines and replaces good bacteria lost during illness. Feeding your dog a small amount of yogurt each day will ensure a healthy intestinal tract. Give 1 to 2 tsp. of canned pumpkin as needed. Pumpkin contains fiber that absorbs water and can aid in alleviating diarrhea within a few hours.


4. Replace electrolytes if your dog has diarrhea, to avoid dehydration. Veterinarians suggest mixing Gatorade or Pedialyte in the dog's water. If ingesting water is causing frequent vomiting, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately to determine if IV fluids are necessary.


5. Give your dog Pepto Bismal every 3 to 4 hours. Pepto Bismal works the same for dogs as it does for humans. Check with a veterinarian for dosage by weight.


6. Avoid feeding your dog table food. If your dog constantly has an upset stomach, it may be a reaction to human food or spices. Consider preparing your dog's food specific to its needs. Select healthier products and avoid preservatives and additives that can cause upset stomachs.


7. Feed your dog three to four small meals throughout the day instead of one to two bigger meals. Smaller portions allow easier digestion. Your dog may be eating too much at one time, leading to vomiting.

Tags: upset stomach, canned pumpkin, Feed your, Give your, Pepto Bismal