Have you ever found yourself wondering if your dog may have a ‘sore belly’ or an ‘upset tummy’? Read on to learn about signs to look out for which may indicate something is not quite right, possible causes and potential remedies.
When using the colloquial terms ‘belly’ and ‘tummy’ it is generally the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as a whole that is being referred to. This encompasses the route by which food passes through the body from the animal’s mouth all the way to their anus (for those with scientifically inclined minds, it includes the oesophagus, stomach, small intestines (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) and large intestines (colon and rectum)).
Spot the signs
When we think of tummy troubles the first symptoms that come to mind are likely to be vomiting and diarrhoea, however, there are other signs to look out for beyond these two. Depending on the severity and where the issue lies, the symptoms can be fairly variable.
The following box gives an overview of signs to look out for that indicate there may be something up. Even if your dog just shows a couple of these signs, it’s best to get them checked over by a vet.
- Nausea
Lip-licking
Drooling
Gulping
Turning away from food
Inappetence
Regurgitation (food bought up without being digested, no stomach contractions)
Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
Flinching when belly touched *
Unable to settle or get comfortable
Adopting a prayer-like stance (front legs extended and chest on the ground while their bottom is up in the air) *
Bloating (abdominal distension/ enlargement) *
Increased tummy gurgling sounds (borborygmi)
Flatulence
Loose stools
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Excessive mucus in stools
Blood in stools *
Weight loss
If any signs marked with * in the above list are seen then veterinary attention should be sought immediately.
Sometimes symptoms are just seen at one end, for example they may get diarrhoea in the absence of vomiting; in other cases, the two may go hand in hand.
Possible causes for an ‘upset tum’
There are myriad causes for tummy upset in dogs, some related to what they have been doing or eating, others to their body itself not working properly.
Stress
In people it is well-recognised that stress can cause tummy troubles from mild inappetence through to severe nausea or bowel disturbances; our canine companions are no different and can be similarly affected by stress. Common stressors include travel, going to kennels, fireworks and for some, even a trip to the vets.
Whilst some individuals are certainly worse than others, many dogs have an innate desire to scavenge food and will happily munch a rotten sandwich which has fallen out of the bin. Similarly, most dogs won’t bat an eyelid about drinking out of a dirty puddle or stagnant pond.
Diet
Dietary indiscretion is a very common cause of vomiting and/ or diarrhoea. Often this will self-resolve within a couple of days, though can be more severe and require supportive treatment if toxins, foods poisonous to dogs or excessively fatty items are ingested.
Of course, even if symptoms remain mild, should they persevere beyond a day or so then it is worth getting them checked out by a vet.
Sudden diet change can also cause tummy upset, so it is always worth transitioning onto a new diet gradually over one to two weeks.
Medications
Certain medications can cause GI disturbances, in particular antibiotics (as they disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria present within the gut) and a class of pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
It is always sensible to contact your vet if your pet develops any unusual signs whilst taking a medication. Dogs can suffer from tummy bugs too: just like us they may pick up an infection whilst out and about in the park.
Infections
Infectious causes include viruses, parasites (worms) and less commonly, bacterial infections. If you have more than one dog and both are affected, an infectious cause could be more likely.
Systemic illnesses and diseases
Finally, some systemic illnesses and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract itself will present with gut disturbance. More detailed discussion of these conditions is beyond the scope of this article. Please seek veterinary attention if you have any concerns.
What to do if your dog is showing signs of tummy troubles?
If your dog remains bright in themselves, is interested in food and water, and the signs are not severe then it may be reasonable to manage them at home, as many cases of simple vomiting and diarrhoea will resolve within a day or two. However, it is not always easy to know the severity of the condition just from the signs, so it is best to take a cautious approach and get them checked by a vet if you are at all worried.
An urgent visit to the vets should be arranged if any of the following are noticed:
Vomiting or diarrhoea in young puppies or older animals, or if they have a known underlying health condition
Symptoms progress or worsen
The vomiting or diarrhoea is severe or persists beyond 24 hours
They are unable to keep down water
Blood is seen in the vomit or stools
They become quiet or lethargic
They go off their food
They feel very hot to touch
They develop abdominal pain or distension
Other symptoms are noticed
You feel worried about their condition
If any signs marked with * in the above list are seen then veterinary attention should be sought immediately.
Tips for homecare
Here are a few tips to try if your canine companion is a suitable candidate for homecare:
Ensure water is freely available
Feed them bland food little and often (this can be bought from the vets or something like boiled chicken or fish and rice. NB this is for short-term use only as it is not a complete diet)
For uncomplicated acute diarrhoea, you could try a probiotic clay-based paste.
Probiotics can help to normalise any imbalances in the gut microbiome (bacteria and other microorganisms living within the GI tract).
Should you need to visit your vet, additional medications may be given at their discretion.
Key Takeaways
Symptoms of tummy upset can be variable, but if you are at all worried it is best to get your dog checked by a vet.
Have a look at the list above for more specific guidance as to when veterinary attention should be sought promptly.
There are many possible causes for digestive disturbance, having a good think about what’s been going on for your pet in the past day or so can give some clues, and will also help to inform your vet should you need their assistance.
Simple uncomplicated vomiting and/or diarrhoea can be managed at home so long as your pet remains bright in themselves and interested in food.
