If your dog is experiencing an upset stomach and vomiting, it’s important to carefully examine the vomit before cleaning it up (yes, it’s not the most pleasant task, but it’s necessary). However, it’s crucial to know when to reach for a home remedy and when to call the veterinarian. If there’s blood, pieces of a mushroom or medication, diarrhea accompanying the vomiting, or if your dog has ingested something dangerous like a sock or rock, it’s best to seek professional help. For most other vomiting cases, you can try a home remedy for 24 hours to combat an upset stomach. The best home remedy for vomiting dogs is surprisingly simple but hard to resist – a 24-hour fast. During this time, it’s important to keep your dog hydrated and consider using ginger or chamomile tea to alleviate nausea. Additionally, there are over-the-counter remedies like Pepto Bismol and Pedialyte, but these should be used with caution and in consultation with a veterinarian. Lastly, after 24 hours of no vomiting, you can slowly reintroduce bland food to your dog’s diet. By following these guidelines and providing some tender loving care, you can help your furry friend recover from an upset stomach.
The Best Home Remedy for Vomiting Dogs
If your dog is experiencing vomiting, it’s important to first assess the situation before reaching for a home remedy. There are certain instances where it’s best to call your veterinarian, such as if there is blood in the vomit, if your dog has ingested something dangerous, or if the vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea. However, for most cases of vomiting or an upset stomach, you can try a home remedy for 24 hours to see if it helps.
One of the simplest and safest remedies for vomiting dogs is a 24-hour fast. This may be difficult to resist, especially when your dog looks at you with those big, beautiful eyes begging for food, but giving their gastrointestinal tract a rest can often be all that is needed. It’s important to note that this method should not be used for puppies or diabetic dogs.
After about six hours of fasting, you can start adding in water to prevent dehydration. However, it’s important to control your dog’s water intake a bit to avoid overwhelming their stomach. Offer small amounts of fresh water intermittently throughout the day, or you can even try putting ice chips in their bowl instead of water. Another option is to offer bouillon, which can help restore electrolytes.
Ginger can be a helpful remedy for upset stomachs, both for humans and dogs. Just like your mother may have given you ginger ale when you had a stomachache, ginger can also provide relief for your dog. You can make ginger or chamomile tea for your dog, adding a touch of honey to entice them to drink it. However, it’s important to note that you should not give your dog straight ginger root to chew on.
OTC Vomiting Remedies for Dogs
If your dog’s vomiting persists or becomes more severe, there are over-the-counter remedies that can help alleviate their symptoms. One commonly used remedy is Pepto Bismol, which contains bismuth subsalicylate. Pepto Bismol can help reduce signs of nausea, heartburn, gurgling, and uncomfortable stomachs. The generally accepted safe dose of regular-strength Pepto Bismol for dogs is 0.25 to 2 ml per kg of their body weight, for a maximum of three to four times a day. However, be aware that the use of Pepto Bismol may change the color of your dog’s stool to a gray or greenish-black.
Another option is Pedialyte, which is commonly used to rehydrate both humans and dogs. However, it’s important to use caution when giving Pedialyte to dogs with heart or kidney diseases, as it has a high salt content. Sodium restriction is often part of managing these conditions, so consult with your veterinarian before using Pedialyte. Additionally, the level of sugar in Pedialyte may not be appropriate for dogs.
Add in TLC
In addition to remedies, providing your dog with tender loving care (TLC) can greatly assist in their recovery from vomiting. It’s important to keep your dog cool and comfortable during this time. You can wipe their mouth after each episode of vomiting, if possible, to help keep them clean and refreshed.
Monitoring your dog for signs of dehydration is crucial. Check their gums for pinkness and moisture, as well as their neck skin for elasticity. If their gums appear pale or dry, or if their skin tents up when lifted, it may indicate dehydration. In such cases, it’s best to take your dog to the veterinarian for fluids.
After 24 hours without any vomiting, you can gradually reintroduce small amounts of bland food into your dog’s diet. Boiled chicken and plain white rice are good options to start with. These foods are gentle on the stomach and provide easily digestible nutrients for your dog.
Remember, while home remedies and over-the-counter remedies can provide temporary relief for vomiting dogs, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian if the symptoms persist or worsen. Your veterinarian will be able to determine the underlying cause of the vomiting and provide appropriate treatment.
