Pet Kharab Ho Gaya! (Stomach’s Gone Bad!): Understanding Your Dog’s Upset Tummy 🤢

 

If your dog is refusing their favourite roti, throwing up, or has loose motions (dheeli tatti), their stomach is upset—a feeling we all know too well! Just like us, a dog’s digestive system is sensitive. A sudden diet change, a tiny infection, or even stress (tension) can throw the whole system into chaos.

Most cases are simple to treat at home with some bland food (saada khana). But the most important thing for any pet parent is knowing when a small tummy ache becomes a big, immediate problem.

 

What Makes a Dog’s Stomach Go Bad? 🤔

 

Dogs are curious creatures! Most tummy upsets start with something they ate.

1. The Forbidden Feast: Did they raid the dustbin (kachra), snack on something spoilt, or eat too many rich, fatty treats? This is the most common culprit.
2. Sudden Change: Did you suddenly switch their kibble? Their stomach needs days, sometimes weeks, to adjust to new food.
3. Hidden Invaders: Infections (viral or bacterial) from contaminated street water, spoilt food, or contact with sick dogs. Worms and parasites (like Giardia) are also a huge issue, especially with puppies.
4. Stress (Tension): Dogs are very sensitive. A move to a new house, loud festival noise, or even severe separation anxiety can directly cause vomiting or diarrhoea.
5. Serious Issues: Ongoing problems could point to serious conditions like kidney disease or an intestinal blockage. This needs immediate vet intervention!

 

Treatment: The Home Plan (Ghar Ka Ilaaj) 🍚

 

For mild, one-time vomiting or diarrhoea, your vet might suggest this plan over the phone:

1. Rest the Stomach: Stop feeding solid food for 12 to 24 hours. This gives their gut a chance to rest and recover. ALWAYS keep fresh water available.
2. The Bland Diet (Saada Khana): Once symptoms ease, reintroduce food very gradually. Start with a tiny portion of:
   • Boiled Chicken (no skin, no bones, no oil, no salt)
   • Plain Boiled White Rice
   • Or Plain Boiled Potato
3. Small Portions: Feed this bland diet in small, frequent amounts (like 4-5 times a day) for a couple of days before slowly mixing in their regular food.

 

When to RUSH to the Vet! 🚨 (Trust Your Dil)

 

Never hesitate if you see these emergency warning signs:

• Bloating: Their tummy feels hard and swollen, or they look distressed and try to vomit but can’t. (This is an emergency!)
• Vomiting Blood: Or diarrhoea that is completely liquid, black, or bloody.
• Weakness: The dog is lethargic, weak, or collapses.
• Dehydration: Gums are dry or sticky, or skin stays tented when you pinch it.
• Prolonged Symptoms: Vomiting or severe diarrhoea that lasts more than 24-48 hours despite bland feeding.

At the clinic, the vet will check for foreign objects (like a swallowed toy), check for parasites (via stool sample), and manage dehydration with IV fluids.

 

Prevention is Better Than Cure (Bachav Mein Hi Bhalaayi Hai) 🌱

 

You can reduce the risks by being disciplined:

• No Human Food: Stick to a consistent, balanced pet diet. Absolutely no fatty, spicy, or sugary table scraps.
• Secure the Trash: Keep all trash bins and dangerous chemicals locked away.
• Deworming: Keep them up-to-date on deworming medication as recommended by your vet.
• Slow Changes: When buying a new food, mix the old food and the new food over 7–10 days to help their stomach adjust slowly.

By staying vigilant about what goes into your dog’s mouth, you can keep their little tummy happy and healthy!