How to Help Your Pet with a Stomach Ache
Treating an upset stomach in humans typically involves bland food, ginger ale, and medicine to settle things down—but do you know what to do if your dog or cat has an upset stomach? Here are the signs and symptoms of a stomach ache in your pet, as well as treatment options and helpful tips such as installing a dog or cat door.
What Causes a Pet Stomach Ache?
In pets, there are all sorts of factors that can cause a stomach ache. More likely than not, your pet ate something that he shouldn’t have. Dogs are notorious for eating anything they can put in their mouth. Other times a dog may have tummy issues because of a sensitive stomach, stress, or a sudden change in food. On the other hand, a cat stomach ache may be caused by eating too fast, hairballs, or intestinal worms.
Signs and Symptoms
Dogs and cats typically have the same signs and symptoms when it comes to a stomach ache. Common signs include:
- Retching or trying to vomit
- Difficulty pooping or diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Distended belly
- Dehydration
A stomach ache can also cause loss of appetite and fatigue. Dogs may lick the air or eat grass in order to soothe their tummy. If your pet shows any of these symptoms, you’ll want to take quick action to provide symptom-relieving treatment. The good news is that there are many ways to treat cat and dog stomach ache.
Treatment Options
One of the best ways to help soothe your pet’s upset stomach is to withhold food for 12 hours. This allows your pet to empty his stomach. Continuing to feed your pet while he has a stomach ache will only prolong discomfort and can cause symptoms to stick around for much longer. During the fasting period, be sure your pet has access to fresh water.
After, feed a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice. Feed small portions throughout the day and stick to the bland diet for at least five days. Then you can slowly reintroduce your pet’s normal food. Additional ways to get your pet’s tummy back to normal include:
- Using a probiotic
- Feeding a tablespoon of plain yogurt each meal
- Adding sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or oatmeal to settle the stomach
- Giving him over-the-counter-medication like Pepto-Bismol
Other Tips
Routine potty breaks when your pet has an upset stomach are a must. Dog doors and cat doors are safe ways to let your pet go in and out as necessary. Since nature calls more often when your pet has an upset stomach, you want your pet to be able to make it outside in the event of a bout of vomiting or diarrhea. This is much less stressful for you and your pet!
High-Quality Pet Doors
At Australia Pet Doors, we offer a variety of pet door options, including dog and cat doors for all sizes. We also sell cat flaps to keep your feline friend safe. Give yourself and your pet peace of mind with easy access to come in and out. Call us today at 0414 922 751 to learn more about our products.