Upset tummies can be a common problem in dogs and puppies. In puppies this can be as a result of their immature immune and digestive systems making them sensitive to stress, dietary changes, parasites (such as worms or giardia) and infections. Antibiotics, vaccinations, dewormers, illness, excess play, dietary indiscretion (puppies often explore with their mouths swallowing plants and things that they shouldn't!) can knock your dog's gut out of balance causing loose stools or constipation, sickness, gas & bloating, lethary and loss of appetite. Some breeds of dogs can be more prone to tummy problems.
Most upset stomachs will typically clear up after a day or so. You want to make sure that your puppy doesn't become dehydrated, so here are some simple ways to help at home. However there may also be more serious health issues at play, so it may be necessary to see a vet, which will be touched upon at end.
Adjust the Diet
When a puppy has diarrhea, switching to a bland, easy-to-digest diet can help. Soft foods like plain boiled chicken which has been mashed to a soft consistency give the digestive system a chance to rest while still providing nutrients. Although short fasting periods can sometimes help adult dogs, you should always consult a veterinarian before withholding food from a puppy.
Slowly transition back to your regular diet: As your puppy starts to improve, slowly reintroduce solid food to prevent upsetting their recovery.
Feed Fibre
Increasing fibre in your puppy’s diet can help firm up stools by absorbing excess water in the intestines. Small amounts of plain fresh, canned (must not be sweetened) or powdered pumpkin can be especially helpful when introduced slowly.
We also sell a range of pumpkin powders, which can be found HERE.
Keep Your Puppy Hydrated
Keeping your puppy well hydrated is essential when managing diarrhea. Along with plenty of fresh water, offering nutrient-rich bone broth can provide extra support and help replace lost electrolytes during recovery.
Consider a product like Diet'Dogs Rehydration & Energy which can quickly but gently replenishes electrolytes, nutrients and water lost where dehydration has occurred or is at risk, restoring energy, maintaining stamina and promoting recovery. The clever combination of rich mineral salts (sodium, magnesium and potassium), glucose, L-carnitine, spirulina and plant extracts help prevent dehydration in dogs due to exposure to heat, inclement weather, prolonged exercise, vomiting or diarrhea. It also gives a nutrient boost to help reverse dehydration and promote recovery from weakness and debility.
Check out this factsheet on DEHYDRATION
Probiotics
Probiotics can support the balance of healthy gut bacteria and help calm inflammation in the digestive tract. Most probiotics are only suitable for dogs that are 6 months and older. Our full range of probiotics can be found HERE, however below are listed some suggestions of products that can be used when an issue arises, if your puppy is younger than 6 months old. Alternatively natural options like fermented vegetables may be suitable for puppies already accustomed to them, but in most cases, a probiotic supplement is the safer and more reliable choice.
Adored Beast Love Bugs
Adored Beast Love Bugs is a pre and probiotic - a 14-strain probiotic with 30 billion allergen-free CFU (colony forming units) together with the prebiotic Larch Arabinogalactin as the prebiotic.
Suitability: Suitable for puppies from 12 weeks
Find out more HERE
Find out more information HERE
Nusentia Probiotic Miracle
Nusentia Probiotic Miracle is a premium concentrated pre and probiotic powder enriched with billions of lives cultures for pets, this supplement can support digestive health when dealing with diarrhea, loose stool, bad breath, and more. Easy to add to food, 1 billion CFU per tiny scoop. Filler free so ideal for fussy pets who can't tolerate large quantities of powdered supplements in their food.
Suitability: Puppies can basically start probiotics during weaning (5/ 6 weeks). They can take earlier if they have diarrhea.
Find out more information HERE
Proflax Tummy Tastic
Tummy Tastic is a power-packed powder formula consisting of Slippery Elm, Fennel, Chamomile & Dandelion combined together with active prebiotics from chicory root extract & yeasts and probiotics Enterococcus faecium & Bacillus subtilis.
Suitability: Suitable for puppies from 8 weeks.
Find out more information HERE
Natural Dog Company Probiotic Chews
Natural Dog Company Chews featuring 1 billion CFUs of K9-specific probiotic strains, plus prebiotics and digestive enzymes to ensure maximum bioavailability for your dog's gut health. The proprietary probiotic blend, featuring four canine-specific strains, helps maintain proper digestive function and promotes healthy bowel movements, aiding both diarrhea and constipation.
Suitability: suitable for puppies as long as they are old enough to be on solid food.
Find out more HERE
Karnlea Goat Milk Plus
Karnlea Goat Milk Plus with four beneficial strains of probiotics added to Goat Milk Powder. Can be used as a boost for the microbiome, to help settle stomachs, and to provide extra hydration. The carefully chosen mix of pro and postbiotics, can also boost gut health, immunity, skin and coat health. It also naturally is prebiotic, meaning all aspects are covered for optimal gut health.
Suitability: 12 weeks + for puppies.
Find out more HERE
Recognising these warning signs and responding quickly can have a big impact on your puppy’s wellbeing. While gentle, natural approaches can help in mild cases, ongoing or severe diarrhoea should always be assessed by your vet.
When to see a Vet
Stomach upsets can be a normal response to various changes, however there are a number of "red flags" that signal it is time to take action:
- Lasts more than a day or two and is worsening: Ongoing diarrhea may indicate a more serious issue and can cause dehydration and nutrient loss.
- Blood in stool: Suggests irritation or injury in the digestive tract and could signal conditions like parvovirus, so seek veterinary help. Dark, tarry stools can also indicate internal bleeding
- Vomiting: Combined with diarrhea, this greatly increases the risk of rapid dehydration.
- Low energy: Lethargy or unusual weakness means your puppy isn’t coping well.
- Changes in behaviour : any changes in behaviour are worthy of further investigation
- Reduced appetite: Eating less or refusing food is a warning sign.
- Dehydration signs: Dry gums, sunken eyes, changes in urination (reduced or absent) or skin that doesn’t quickly return when pinched indicate dehydration.
- Pain: any obvious discomfort or a reluctance to move should be investigated
- Possible ingestation of hamful substances: If there’s any possibility your puppy has eaten something harmful or difficult to digest, it’s important to seek veterinary attention right away.
