How to help a small dog with an upset stomach?

Watching a small dog that is usually lively and energetic suddenly curl up in the corner, listless, and even frequently showing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, every owner's heart will be tightly gripped. The stomach and intestines of small dogs are inherently more fragile and sensitive than those of large dogs. When they suffer from stomach discomfort, how to provide scientific and loving help has become an urgent problem we need to solve. This not only concerns their physical health but also serves as our response as owners to their dependence and trust.

The reasons for the stomach discomfort of small dogs are complex. Having an in-depth understanding of these causes is the first step in helping them regain their health. From the perspective of diet, an unreasonable diet structure is a common cause of gastrointestinal problems. Small dogs have a relatively small appetite and weaker digestive ability. If they are fed too much high-fat, high-salt, and difficult-to-digest food, such as human leftovers, the seasonings and complex components in them will exceed the tolerance of their stomachs and intestines, leading to indigestion. Suddenly changing the brand or type of dog food will also disrupt the balance of the intestinal flora. Since different brands of dog food vary in ingredients and nutritional ratios, the stomach and intestines of small dogs need a certain amount of time to adapt to the new food, and they are likely to experience symptoms of stomach discomfort during the adaptation process. In addition, accidental ingestion of foreign objects, such as small toy fragments and hair balls, can block the intestines after these foreign objects enter the intestines, causing problems such as abdominal pain and vomiting.

In addition to dietary factors, diseases are also an important cause of stomach discomfort in small dogs. Parasitic infections are relatively common in small dogs. Intestinal parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms will parasitize in the intestines. They not only compete for the nutrients ingested by small dogs but also damage the intestinal mucosa, disrupt the normal function of the intestines, and cause symptoms such as diarrhea and bloody stools. Bacterial and viral infections should not be underestimated either. For example, infections with Salmonella and Escherichia coli can cause gastroenteritis, and viruses such as the canine distemper virus and parvovirus can cause severe damage to the stomach and intestines of small dogs, accompanied by systemic symptoms such as high fever and listlessness. In addition, some systemic diseases, such as abnormal liver and pancreas functions, can also affect the digestion and absorption functions of the stomach and intestines, leading to stomach discomfort.

When a small dog experiences stomach discomfort, we can initially judge the severity of the condition by observing its symptoms. If the small dog only vomits once or twice occasionally, the vomit is undigested food, the number of diarrhea episodes is not high, the feces are slightly soft, and it still maintains a certain level of mental state, responds to the owner's call, and is willing to eat a small amount of food, the situation is relatively mild. However, if the small dog vomits frequently, and even the vomit contains blood streaks or mucus, the diarrhea is watery and frequent, it is listless, lies on the ground and is reluctant to move, refuses to eat and drink, and shows symptoms of dehydration, such as poor skin elasticity and sunken eyes, it means that the situation is more serious and immediate measures need to be taken.

For small dogs with mild symptoms, we can first try to care for them at home. First, let the small dog fast for 12 to 24 hours to allow the stomach and intestines to rest fully. During the fasting period, ensure that they can always drink clean warm water to prevent dehydration. You can use a small spoon or syringe to feed the small dog a small amount of water at regular intervals to avoid causing repeated vomiting due to drinking a large amount of water at one time. After 12 to 24 hours, you can feed the small dog some easily digestible food, such as rice porridge. Rice porridge is rich in carbohydrates, easy to be absorbed by the stomach and intestines, and can also form a protective film on the surface of the intestines to reduce the burden on the stomach and intestines. You can also choose pumpkin puree. Pumpkin is rich in dietary fiber, which helps to promote intestinal peristalsis and can also adsorb harmful substances in the intestines. When feeding, follow the principle of small meals and frequent feeding. Divide the daily food intake into 4 to 5 feedings, and the amount of each feeding should not be too much. In addition, you can supplement some probiotics for the small dog. Probiotics can regulate the balance of the intestinal flora, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote the reproduction of beneficial bacteria, and help restore the normal function of the stomach and intestines. There are specialized pet probiotics on the market, and you can give them to the small dog according to the dosage in the instructions.

If the symptoms of the small dog do not improve or show signs of worsening, it must be taken to a pet hospital immediately. In the hospital, the veterinarian will accurately determine the cause and severity of the condition through detailed inquiries, physical examinations, and professional examination methods such as blood routine, fecal examination, and biochemical testing. For stomach discomfort caused by parasitic infections, the veterinarian will prescribe corresponding deworming drugs according to the type of parasite and deworm the small dog strictly according to the dosage and treatment course. If it is a bacterial or viral infection, antibiotic treatment or antiviral treatment may be required. At the same time, water, electrolytes, and nutrients will be replenished through intravenous infusion to correct the conditions of dehydration and acid-base balance disorders. During the treatment process, as owners, we should give the small dog more companionship and love. We can stay by their side, gently stroke their bodies, and comfort them with gentle words, so that they can feel that even in the face of illness, there is the firm protection of their owners.

During the recovery period of a small dog's stomach discomfort, we also need to pay attention to daily care. The diet should continue to be light and easily digestible, and gradually transition to normal dog food, but avoid suddenly changing the dog food again. You can choose prescription food specially designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs. This kind of dog food is easier to digest and absorb in terms of ingredients and can reduce the burden on the stomach and intestines. At the same time, pay attention to the temperature of the food and avoid feeding food that is too cold or too hot to prevent irritating the stomach and intestines. Also, let the small dog get enough rest, create a quiet, warm, and comfortable resting environment for them, and avoid excessive exercise and external stimulation. Regularly take the small dog for physical examinations, detect potential health problems in a timely manner, and do a good job in prevention.

Every small dog is a little angel in the owner's life, and they give us endless warmth and joy with their small bodies. When they suffer from the pain of stomach discomfort, we should use professional knowledge and full love to help them get through the difficult times. In this process, we are not only their caregivers but also their strongest support. May every small dog with stomach discomfort recover healthily as soon as possible under the careful care of the owner and happily run and play in the sun again.