An upset stomach is one of the most common concerns among dog owners — and one of the most worrying. Whether it's loose stools after a dietary change, occasional vomiting, or a dog that simply seems uncomfortable after eating, digestive changes are something almost every dog owner encounters at some point.
The good news is that many mild digestive upsets are short-lived and manageable at home. Understanding what's behind them — and having the right support to hand — makes a significant difference to how quickly your dog returns to their normal self.
Why Do Dogs Get Digestive Upsets?
Dogs have sensitive digestive systems that can be disrupted by a surprising range of everyday factors. Some of the most common causes include:
Dietary Changes One of the most frequent triggers. Dogs' digestive systems are designed for consistency — switching foods too quickly, even to a higher-quality diet, can cause loose stools, gas and general discomfort. Any change in diet should ideally be made gradually over seven to ten days, mixing increasing proportions of the new food with the old.
Scavenging and Dietary Indiscretion Dogs are opportunistic eaters. Raiding the bin, eating something on a walk, being given rich table scraps or over-indulging at Christmas are classic triggers for acute digestive upset. This type of upset is usually short-lived but can be quite dramatic in the immediate aftermath.
Stress and Anxiety The gut-brain connection is well established in dogs as well as humans. Travel, kennelling, changes in routine, new pets or family members, or any situation that causes anxiety can manifest as loose stools or stomach upset. Stress-related digestive changes often resolve once the trigger is removed.
Infections and Parasites Bacterial infections, viral gastroenteritis and intestinal parasites are all common causes of digestive upset in dogs — particularly in puppies or dogs with regular contact with other animals. These typically require veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
Food Sensitivities and Intolerances Some dogs have ongoing sensitivities to specific ingredients — commonly certain proteins, dairy, wheat or artificial additives. Unlike acute upsets, food sensitivities tend to cause recurring digestive changes that only resolve when the trigger ingredient is identified and removed from the diet.
Eating Too Fast Dogs that eat quickly swallow excess air alongside their food, leading to bloating, discomfort and sometimes vomiting shortly after meals. Slow-feeder bowls can help significantly for dogs prone to this.
Age-Related Changes Older dogs often have less efficient digestive systems. Changes in gut motility, reduced enzyme production and age-related sensitivities can all contribute to more frequent digestive changes in senior dogs.
Signs Your Dog May Need Extra Care
Digestive upsets in dogs can present in a number of ways:
- Loose stools — the most common sign; consistency and frequency matter when assessing severity
- Vomiting — occasional vomiting after eating is common; repeated vomiting is more concerning
- Flatulence — increased gas production, often accompanied by audible gut sounds
- Bloating or a distended abdomen — particularly important to monitor, as severe bloating can indicate a serious condition
- Loss of appetite — a dog going off their food for a day or two during a mild upset is common
- Lethargy — general low energy often accompanies digestive discomfort
- Grass eating — often a self-soothing behaviour when dogs feel nauseous or uncomfortable
When to See a Vet
Most mild digestive upsets resolve within 24–48 hours with rest, a bland diet and appropriate support. However, some situations require prompt veterinary attention:
- Vomiting or loose stools lasting more than 48 hours
- Blood in vomit or stools
- Signs of significant pain, distress or a distended abdomen
- Lethargy combined with loss of appetite and digestive symptoms
- Suspected ingestion of a toxic substance or foreign body
- Puppies, senior dogs or immunocompromised dogs showing digestive symptoms — these groups can deteriorate more quickly
When in doubt, always consult your vet. Digestive symptoms can occasionally be the first indication of a more serious underlying condition.
How to Manage Mild Digestive Upsets at Home
For mild, short-term digestive upsets without any of the red flag signs above, home management is usually appropriate.
Rest the Digestive System For a dog that has vomited or has loose stools, withholding food for 12–24 hours (while ensuring access to fresh water) gives the digestive tract a chance to settle. This isn't appropriate for puppies or very small dogs — consult your vet first if you're unsure.
Introduce a Bland Diet After a rest period, reintroduce food gradually with something easy to digest — plain boiled chicken and white rice is the classic recommendation. Keep portions small and feed little and often for the first day or two before returning to normal food.
Keep Them Hydrated Loose stools and vomiting can lead to dehydration, particularly in smaller dogs. Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh water and encourage drinking. If they seem reluctant to drink or show signs of dehydration (dry gums, lethargy, skin that doesn't spring back when gently pinched), seek veterinary advice.
Gentle Herbal Support
Traditional herbal remedies have been used for centuries in animal care, and a well-formulated herbal supplement can be a gentle addition to home management during mild digestive upsets.
Our Herbal Support Drops — Digestive Health (100ml) is a liquid tincture developed with input from a holistic veterinary advisor, blending traditional herbs with long-established use in herbal preparations.
The formula contains:
- Wild Yam Root — a botanical with a long history of traditional use
- Marshmallow Root — traditionally featured in herbal preparations
- Cranesbill — a traditional astringent herb
- Agrimony — traditionally valued in herbal preparations
- Meadowsweet — one of the most widely used traditional herbs in herbal medicine
- Bayberry Root — a traditional botanical with established use in herbal preparations
Alcohol-extracted to preserve full botanical integrity, the drops can be added directly to food or given by mouth — making administration straightforward even for dogs who resist supplements. Shake well before use and clean the pipette after each dose.
These drops are complementary food supplements — not veterinary medicines and not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any condition. Use as needed as part of your dog's routine, and always consult your vet if symptoms persist or worsen.
£22.95 for 100ml — Shop Herbal Support Drops: Digestive Health →
Longer-Term Digestive Care: Building Good Habits
For dogs that experience recurring digestive changes, a few ongoing habits make a meaningful difference:
- Stick to a consistent diet — avoid frequent food changes and resist the temptation to supplement meals with table scraps or rich treats.
- Feed at regular times — dogs thrive on routine, and regular mealtimes support consistent digestive patterns.
- Transition foods slowly — any dietary change should happen over a minimum of seven days.
- Manage stress — if anxiety is a known trigger, addressing it with appropriate training, environmental adjustments or veterinary support will also benefit your dog's general comfort.
- Keep up with parasite control — regular worming and veterinary-recommended parasite prevention is an important baseline for digestive health.
- Monitor weight — both obesity and being underweight can affect digestive function. Regular weigh-ins and appropriate portion control help maintain overall condition.
Final Thoughts
Digestive upsets are an almost inevitable part of dog ownership — but they don't have to derail your dog's wellbeing or your peace of mind. Understanding what's behind them, knowing when to act quickly, and having the right support to hand means you're equipped to manage the majority of mild episodes confidently at home.
For gentle herbal support during periods of digestive change, our Digestive Health Drops offer a naturally formulated, easy-to-use option developed with holistic veterinary input.