Upset Stomach: What To Do Today

Hours 0-4: Rest the Stomach

• Withhold food completely for 4-6 hours (12 hours for adult dogs)
• Provide small amounts of water every hour (a few licks to a few tablespoons)
• If vomiting continues with water, wait 2 hours before offering again
• Allow rest in a quiet, comfortable space

Hours 4-12: Introduce Bland Diet

If no vomiting during the fast, start with small, frequent meals:

• Boiled chicken breast (no skin) with white rice (1:3 ratio)
• OR boiled lean ground beef (drained) with white rice
• OR plain boiled sweet potato for dogs with chicken allergies
• Feed 1-2 tablespoons every 2-3 hours
• Gradually increase portion size if no vomiting occurs

Days 2-3: Gradual Transition

• Continue bland diet in larger, less frequent meals
• Begin mixing in regular food: 75% bland, 25% regular
• Monitor stool consistency (should firm up gradually)
• If symptoms return, go back to bland diet and call your vet

Days 4-5: Return to Normal Diet

• Day 4: 50% bland, 50% regular
• Day 5: 25% bland, 75% regular
• Day 6: Resume normal feeding

The Role of Probiotics

After digestive upset, the beneficial bacteria in your dog's gut are often depleted. High-quality probiotics can help restore the gut microbiome and reduce recovery time. They're especially helpful after antibiotic treatment.

Prevention Tips

• Stick to consistent feeding times and food brands
• Make diet changes gradually over 5-7 days
• Avoid table scraps and fatty foods
• Keep garbage and compost secured
• Monitor what your dog picks up on walks
• Consider a daily probiotic for dogs with sensitive stomachs