Is your dog’s stomach sensitive? For many, it can be difficult to tell. Dogs aren’t like us: They don’t complain about an upset tummy or reach for the Tums. Instead, they politely wait to eat grass until their humans are occupied. But, if you’re one of the lucky ones with a pet who lets you know when something’s not quite right with his digestive system, there are plenty of things you can do to help him out.
So let’s take a look at why a dog might have a sensitive stomach and what steps you can take to relieve his discomfort — because no matter how much your dog loves the taste of grass and dirt, we both know that he wants nothing more than some good ol’ kibble in his belly!
Feed Your Dog Food Made for Sensitive Stomachs
You can also feed your dog food made for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Most store-bought dog foods will have various options, including one or two that will be labeled as “sensitive stomachs,” like Purina Pro Plan Focus. If you’re unsure which option to choose and would like to talk it over with your veterinarian, ask them about the ingredients in these products.
Most brands will list the precise percentage and specific parts of each ingredient used within their food products. So if you see something like “chicken” listed twice on the same label next to each other, it may be best to avoid buying that particular brand due to concern for potential allergies or sensitivities. Both ingredient names are present at once, leading some dogs to react negatively towards eating either one or both types separately.
Stop Treats & Table Scraps
Treats and table scraps are not good for dogs, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Your dog can get sick from eating too many treats, so it’s best to stay away. Treats like bread and crackers can cause allergies in dogs and digestive problems. They also damage your pet’s teeth over time!
There are some things that you can give your dog as a treat from time to time, though:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables are great for a snack or reward because they contain nutrients that will help keep their bodies healthy! In addition, they don’t eat too many at once since they’re less filling than most store-bought treats (and won’t fill up the tummy like some other foods might).
- Rawhides also fall under this category because they’re natural substances made of animal hide. Still, we wouldn’t recommend giving these often since they aren’t very nutritious (and tend not to taste very good).
Watch Out for Food Allergies
A dog’s digestive system is quite sensitive, and it can be a challenge to figure out what might be causing your dog’s symptoms. Food allergies are one example of a condition that can cause digestive issues in dogs. If you have a dog with food allergies, his or her stomach may be upset after eating certain foods such as corn or soybeans.
For many dogs, the problem is not that they’re allergic to specific ingredients but rather something else about their diet or environment that doesn’t agree with them. It could be anything from the type of grass your yard is growing (or if you live in an urban area) to the chemicals used on crops during harvest season. There’s no way to predict exactly where these sensitivities will occur; they just happen randomly over time as the body builds immunity against different things over its lifetime.
Give Them Lots of Love and Attention
Your dog’s tummy issues may be caused by emotional stress, so it’s important to make sure they know that you love them. There are a few ways you can do this:
- Let your dog know that they are loved by giving them lots of attention. You can do this through cuddles, kisses, and belly rubs.
- Give them plenty of ear rubs! The sensitive skin around the earlobes is great for calming down dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- If your dog enjoys being petted on their back legs while sitting up, go ahead! It feels good for us too!
If Problem Persist, Consult a Vet
If the problem persists, consult a vet. Your dog’s symptoms and physical condition will help the vet determine what’s causing his upset stomach and what treatment is necessary for him to get better. For example, the vet may recommend changing your dog’s diet or having you try some new remedies at home, like adding ginger root to his food or giving him a dose of lactulose syrup to help with gas buildup.
The doctor will also advise you on how best to care for your pup so that he doesn’t experience this type of issue again in the future. In addition, vets often have tips about how often you should brush your dog’s teeth (daily!), when it’s okay for them not to go outside during hot weather (never), etc., so be sure to write everything down!
Ensure Enough Care and Proper Food for Your Dog.
Your dog’s sensitive stomach will require you to be careful about the food that you feed them and the amount of time it takes for them to digest it. The most important thing to remember is that your dog needs a balanced diet with no additives and preservatives. If you’re not sure what your dog can eat, consult a veterinarian or animal advocate before switching their diet.
Always be sure to care for your dog and give them the food they need!
If nothing works, be sure to take it to the vet, and always be sure to feed your dog food made for sensitive stomachs!
