Quick answer: Most mild upset stomachs in dogs come from eating something new, rich or out of the trash, and many settle in a day or two. For an adult dog who is bright and still drinking, you can offer small amounts of water often, and your vet may suggest a short break from food followed by small, bland meals such as plain cooked chicken and white rice. Call your vet right away if your dog vomits repeatedly, cannot keep water down, has blood in vomit or stool, has a swollen belly, seems in pain or very tired, may have eaten something toxic or a toy, or is a puppy, senior or has health problems.

What causes an upset stomach in dogs?

Eating something they should not. The most common cause is dietary indiscretion, a vet term for eating something unusual. Table scraps, fatty foods, bones, garbage, spoiled food, grass, compost or poop from other animals can all upset a dog's stomach. The holidays are a peak time, with rich food everywhere and busy hosts not watching closely.

Sudden food changes. Switching dog food too quickly, a new treat or a big chew can cause soft stool or vomiting. Dogs' digestive systems often need a week or more to adjust to a new food. Our guide on how to choose the right dog food explains how to switch gradually.

Stress and excitement. Travel, boarding, guests, fireworks and changes to routine can upset some dogs' stomachs, often causing diarrhea. Our guide on holiday stress in dogs covers the signs and how to help.

More serious causes. Infections, parasites, pancreatitis, foreign objects stuck in the gut, toxins, kidney or liver disease and other illnesses can also cause vomiting and diarrhea. That is why it is important to watch your dog closely and call your vet if things do not settle or other signs appear.

When is vomiting or diarrhea an emergency?

Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away if your dog: vomits several times in a row or cannot keep water down, tries to vomit but nothing comes up, has a swollen or hard belly, has blood in their vomit or stool, or has black, tarry stool. These signs can point to serious problems that need fast treatment.

Also call right away if your dog is very tired, weak, collapses, has pale gums, seems in pain, is hunched or restless, is breathing fast, or has a fever. Unproductive retching with a swollen belly, especially in large, deep chested dogs, can be a sign of bloat, which is a life threatening emergency.

If your dog may have eaten something toxic, such as chocolate, grapes or raisins, xylitol, onions, medications or antifreeze, call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even if they seem fine. Our guides on chocolate and winter toxins list the most common dangers.

If your dog may have swallowed a toy, sock, bone, corn cob or other object, call your vet. Repeated vomiting after eating an object can mean a blockage. Our guide on what to do if your dog ate a sock explains the signs and what to expect.

Which dogs need a vet sooner?

Puppies. Young puppies can become dehydrated quickly. Vomiting and diarrhea in puppies can also be signs of parvovirus or parasites, especially if they are not fully vaccinated. Call your vet early if your puppy has an upset stomach, even if it seems mild.

Seniors and small dogs. Older dogs and toy breeds have less reserve and can also dehydrate faster. Seniors are more likely to have other health problems that can cause or complicate stomach upsets. Our guide on caring for a senior dog has more on their needs.

Dogs with health conditions. If your dog has diabetes, kidney disease, Addison's disease, heart disease or any other ongoing condition, or takes regular medication, call your vet at the first sign of vomiting or diarrhea. These dogs often need care sooner.

Dogs who just are not right. Trust your instincts. If your dog seems very different from normal, or you are worried, it is always fine to call your vet for advice. Most vets would rather hear from you early than see a very sick dog later.

How do I care for a dog with a mild upset stomach at home?

Only for mild cases. Home care is for adult dogs who have vomited once or twice or have mild diarrhea, but are otherwise bright, alert, drinking and acting fairly normal. If your dog has any emergency sign or is in a higher risk group, call your vet first.

Offer water in small amounts. Dehydration is one of the biggest risks. Offer small amounts of fresh water often, rather than letting your dog gulp a whole bowl, which can trigger more vomiting. Ice cubes can help some dogs drink slowly. If your dog cannot keep water down, call your vet.

Ask your vet about resting the stomach. For an adult dog who has vomited, some vets suggest holding food for a short time, often around 12 hours, to let the stomach settle, while still offering water. Do not withhold food from puppies, small breeds or dogs with health conditions without your vet's advice.

Keep things calm and watch closely. Let your dog rest in a quiet, comfy spot with easy access to the yard. Note how many times they vomit or have diarrhea, what it looks like and whether they drink and pee. These notes help your vet if you need to call.

What is a bland diet for dogs?

A simple, easy to digest meal. A bland diet is a short term way to feed a dog with a mild upset stomach. The most common home version is plain, boiled, skinless chicken breast or lean ground turkey with the fat drained, mixed with plain cooked white rice. No butter, oil, salt, onions, garlic or seasoning of any kind.

A common ratio. Many vets suggest about one part lean protein to two or three parts rice. Some use plain canned pumpkin, not pie filling, in small amounts for diarrhea. Your vet may prefer a prescription gastrointestinal diet, which is complete and balanced and easier for many dogs.

Feed small, frequent meals. Start with a few tablespoons for small dogs or about a quarter to half a cup for large dogs, then wait a couple of hours. If your dog keeps it down, offer small meals every three to four hours. Gradually increase the amount over a day or two.

Return to normal food slowly. Once stools are firming up and there is no vomiting, usually after two to three days, start mixing in their regular food. Over three to five days, increase the regular food and decrease the bland food until they are back to normal. A bland diet is not balanced for long term feeding.

What should I not give my dog for an upset stomach?

Avoid human medications unless your vet says so. Many over the counter medicines for people, including some anti diarrhea medicines, pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and some stomach remedies can be dangerous for dogs. Some contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Always ask your vet first.

Do not make your dog vomit at home. Unless a vet or a pet poison hotline tells you to and explains how, do not try to make your dog vomit. Some methods are unsafe and vomiting can make some poisonings worse.

Skip rich or fatty foods. Do not try to tempt your dog with leftovers, gravy, cheese or fatty meat. These can make things worse and may trigger pancreatitis. Keep holiday foods away until your dog has fully recovered. Our guide on holiday foods dogs can and can't eat explains what is safe.

Do not ignore ongoing signs. If your dog seems better but the diarrhea keeps coming back, or vomiting happens on and off over days or weeks, see your vet. Chronic problems need a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Could it be pancreatitis?

What it is. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that helps digest food. It is often linked to eating a large, fatty meal, which is why it is common after holidays. It can be mild or very serious and sometimes life threatening.

Signs to watch for. Dogs with pancreatitis may vomit repeatedly, refuse food, have diarrhea, seem very tired, have a painful belly or stand in a prayer position, with front legs down and back end up. Some have a fever. If you see these signs, especially after your dog ate fatty food, call your vet right away.

Who is at higher risk. Overweight dogs, older dogs and some breeds, including Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers and Cocker Spaniels, may be more prone. Dogs who have had pancreatitis before are also more likely to have it again. Our guide on holiday weight gain in dogs covers keeping your dog lean.

How it is treated. Your vet may run blood tests and imaging and treat with fluids, anti nausea medication, pain relief and a low fat diet. Some dogs need to stay in the hospital. Never wait it out at home if you suspect pancreatitis.

What does my dog's poop tell me?

Normal stool. Healthy dog poop is usually brown, firm but not hard and easy to pick up. The color and texture can vary a little with diet. Big changes in color, smell, consistency or frequency are worth watching.

Signs to note. Watery diarrhea, mucus, a jelly like coating, very frequent small poops with straining, or stool that is gray, yellow or greasy can point to different problems. Note what you see and tell your vet, or take a photo to show them.

Blood in the stool. Small streaks of bright red blood can happen with straining from diarrhea, but always mention it to your vet. Lots of blood, raspberry jam looking stool or black, tarry stool can be serious and need a vet visit right away.

Bring a sample. If you visit the vet, bring a fresh stool sample in a clean bag or container. This lets them check for parasites and other causes. Fresh is best, ideally from within the last few hours.

What will the vet do?

A full exam and history. Your vet will ask what your dog may have eaten, when the signs started, how often they are vomiting or having diarrhea and whether they are drinking and peeing normally. Bring your notes and any packaging if your dog ate something unusual.

Tests if needed. Depending on how sick your dog is, your vet may suggest a stool test, blood tests, X-rays or an ultrasound. These help find parasites, infections, pancreatitis, blockages, organ problems and other causes.

Treatment. Many dogs with mild upsets are sent home with anti nausea medication, a prescription bland diet and sometimes probiotics. Dehydrated dogs may need fluids under the skin or through an IV. Dogs with blockages or serious illness may need hospital care or surgery.

Plan for cost. Emergency visits can be expensive, especially over holidays and weekends. Pet insurance or an emergency fund can help. Our guide on pet insurance for dogs explains how plans work.

How do I prevent upset stomachs in my dog?

Keep human food out of reach. Clear plates quickly, keep trash cans covered or behind a closed door and ask guests not to feed your dog. Put leftovers away right after meals. Our guide on holiday guests and your dog has a simple plan for busy gatherings.

Change food slowly. Switch to a new food over at least seven to ten days, mixing a little more of the new food each day. Introduce new treats and chews one at a time and in small amounts.

Watch what they pick up. On walks, teach a solid leave it cue and keep an eye on what your dog sniffs and eats. Our 30 day training plan includes leave it practice. Pick up toys and socks that could be swallowed.

Keep up with parasite prevention and vaccines. Regular deworming, fecal tests and vaccines protect against some causes of vomiting and diarrhea. Your vet can tell you what your dog needs. Our year end dog health checklist is a good reminder.

How do I clean up after vomiting and diarrhea?

Clean quickly and thoroughly. Pick up as much as possible with paper towels, then use an enzyme cleaner made for pet messes. This breaks down the smell so your dog is less likely to go in the same place again. Avoid ammonia based cleaners.

Wash bedding and blankets. Wash your dog's bed covers and blankets in hot water with a pet safe detergent. Having a spare washable blanket ready makes it easy to swap them out when your dog is unwell.

Keep hands clean. Wear gloves if you can and wash your hands well after cleaning. Some causes of diarrhea, such as certain parasites and bacteria, can spread to people or other pets.

Keep other pets separate if needed. If you have more than one dog and one has diarrhea, ask your vet whether you should keep them apart, especially if parasites or infections are possible. Pick up poop in the yard right away.

• Most upsets are mild and come from something your dog ate.
• Small sips of water help prevent dehydration.
• A bland diet can help, with your vet's advice.
• Some signs are emergencies, so know them before you need them.
• Puppies and seniors need a vet sooner.

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What can I give my dog for an upset stomach?

For a mild case in an adult dog, offer small sips of water and, with your vet's advice, small bland meals such as plain boiled chicken and white rice. Do not give human medicines unless your vet says so.

When should I worry about my dog vomiting?

Call your vet right away if your dog vomits repeatedly, cannot keep water down, has blood in vomit, has a swollen belly, seems in pain or very tired, or may have eaten something toxic or an object.

How long does a dog upset stomach last?

Many mild cases settle within 24 to 48 hours. If signs last longer, get worse or keep coming back, see your vet.

Is rice good for dogs with diarrhea?

Plain cooked white rice mixed with lean, plain cooked chicken or turkey is a common short term bland diet. It is not balanced for long term feeding.

Is canned pumpkin good for dogs with diarrhea?

Small amounts of plain canned pumpkin can help some dogs. Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling, which may contain sugar and spices.

Should I stop feeding my dog if they vomit?

For some adult dogs, vets suggest a short break from food, often around 12 hours, while still offering water. Do not withhold food from puppies or small or sick dogs without vet advice.

Can table scraps cause pancreatitis in dogs?

Yes. Fatty foods such as turkey skin, ham, gravy and butter can trigger pancreatitis, which can be serious. Call your vet if your dog has repeated vomiting and a painful belly.

What does blood in my dog's poop mean?

Small streaks of red blood can happen with diarrhea, but always tell your vet. Lots of blood or black, tarry stool needs a vet visit right away.

Why is my dog throwing up yellow foam?

Yellow foam is often bile, and can happen when the stomach is empty. If it happens often or with other signs, see your vet.

Can stress give my dog diarrhea?

Yes. Travel, boarding, guests and changes in routine can cause stress diarrhea in some dogs. It usually settles quickly, but call your vet if it lasts or your dog seems unwell.