Why Is My Puppy’s Stomach Upset?
Is your little furry friend just not seeming quite like himself lately? Puppies commonly get tummy aches which can cause them to feel poorly and not want to eat their food as a result. However, in many cases, a puppy’s upset stomach is an avoidable malady. Here are 4 reasons why your puppy might have an upset stomach.
Your Puppy Swallowed Something They Shouldn’t
Everyone knows that puppies love to chew on random objects. Everything from toys to sticks, to shoes, to leaves to furniture is all fair game to a puppy. Logically, little pieces from these items can break off and accidentally get swallowed. Some items are more worrisome than others.
Remember that bored puppies discover their own ways to entertain themselves. Try your best to monitor what it is that they are chewing on. Pieces of objects can become lodged in their stomach or intestines. If you think this has happened with your puppy, watch for symptoms such as low energy, vomiting, bloody stool, and inability to poop. Should any of these symptoms appear, take your puppy to the vet to make sure there is no blockage present.
Your Puppy Ate Something Toxic
Perhaps you are like many doggie parents and enjoy giving your puppy scraps from the food table. While there are many human foods that dogs can safely eat, there are a few that are completely off-limits. Chocolate, onions, grapes, or xylitol are a few of these.
What to do next depends largely on how much of the toxic food was consumed. As you might suspect, a call to your veterinarian is the best way to allay any fears that you might have. If you are uncertain about the safety of a food you have given your puppy, do not hesitate to call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Helpline at 888-426-4435.
Your Puppy Has Become Ill
As your puppy’s immune system is still developing, you should avoid exposing him or her to the company of other possible unvaccinated canines until they have had all of their vaccines and boosters. This means you should avoid public places like dog parks, pet stores, and other places where infections can easily spread.
You can still safely socialize your dog with people and his outdoor environment. Taking your puppy outdoors and letting him become familiar with the sights and sounds will help him to become a more well-adjusted canine.
If your puppy has come into contact with intestinal parasites, this can also give him an upset stomach. Parasites can be contracted at birth, found in the dirt or standing water, or gotten from other animals. To prevent your puppy from getting them, visit your vet for regular deworming and fecal exams.
Eating Too Fast
Puppies have a tendency to get overly excited about pretty much anything, but the food is at the top of the list. Pay attention to any unwanted symptoms that your puppy may experience after eating. If your dog gets gassy or vomits, that is a good indication that he is eating too fast.
There are several things you can try to remedy this situation. The first is to give your puppy several small portions throughout the day, as opposed to one generous heap. If your puppy is still scarfing down his kibble, a puzzle feeder may be helpful to try.
Your puppy might just have a delicate stomach that may require a sensitive formulation, designed to digest in a gentler manner. Again, don’t hesitate to have a conversation with your veterinarian to get to the heart of the matter.