Dog Upset Stomach: Safe Home Remedies That Actually Work

Dog upset stomachs are extremely common — most dogs experience them at some point, usually after eating something they shouldn't have or during a dietary change. The good news is that many mild cases resolve on their own with a little support.

Step 1: A Short Fast (2–6 Hours)

The first thing to do when your dog has an upset stomach is give their digestive system a short rest. Withhold food for 2–6 hours (not longer for puppies or small dogs — they can become hypoglycaemic). Keep fresh water available at all times — dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea is the main risk you're managing.

After the fasting period, if your dog hasn't vomited again and seems calmer, you can start offering small amounts of bland food.

Step 2: The Bland Diet

The bland diet is the gold standard home remedy for dog stomach upsets — and it's exactly what most vets recommend. It gives the gut a chance to settle while still providing nutrition.

🍗 Boiled Chicken and Plain White Rice

This is the classic. Use boneless, skinless chicken breast boiled in plain water — no salt, no oil, no seasoning. Mix with well-cooked white rice in a ratio of roughly 1 part chicken to 3 parts rice. The high starch content in white rice is easier to digest than normal food and helps bind loose stools.

Offer small portions every 3–4 hours rather than a full meal at once. For a 15 kg dog, a portion of about 100–150g every few hours is appropriate.

🎃 Plain Boiled Pumpkin

Plain cooked pumpkin (not pie filling — check the tin!) is one of the most effective natural remedies for both diarrhoea and constipation in dogs. The soluble fibre absorbs excess water in the gut and helps regulate bowel movements. Add 1–2 tablespoons to the bland diet for a medium-sized dog. It also tastes good, which helps encourage a reluctant eater.

🍠 Plain Boiled Sweet Potato

Another gentle, easily digested carbohydrate. Sweet potato provides vitamins and fibre without stressing the gut. Boil until soft and mash lightly — no butter, no seasoning.

Step 3: Probiotic Support

A stomach upset — especially one caused by diarrhoea or a course of antibiotics — disrupts the gut microbiome. Adding a probiotic helps restore the balance of beneficial bacteria.

• Plain, unsweetened yogurt — a tablespoon contains live cultures that support gut health. Only use if your dog is not lactose-intolerant (if they've had dairy before without issues, they're usually fine)
• Plain kefir — even better than yogurt as it contains more diverse probiotic strains. Add a tablespoon to each bland meal
• Veterinary probiotic powder — your vet may stock these, or they're available at pet stores. Safe and effective

Keeping Them Hydrated

Dehydration is the biggest risk during a stomach upset. Always keep fresh water available. If your dog is refusing to drink or has had significant diarrhoea, you can offer:

• Small amounts of low-sodium chicken broth — make sure it contains no onion or garlic, which are toxic. Homemade plain broth is best. This encourages drinking and replaces electrolytes.
• Ice cubes to lick — some dogs prefer this to drinking from a bowl when nauseous
• Electrolyte solution — your vet can recommend a dog-safe option; do not use human sports drinks like Gatorade

What NOT to Give Your Dog

• Pepto-Bismol or other human antacids — some contain salicylates which are toxic to dogs at certain doses. Never give human medications without vet approval.
• Ibuprofen or paracetamol — both are toxic to dogs. Never give these.
• Rich or fatty foods — butter, cream, meat fat — these worsen the situation and can trigger pancreatitis
• Milk — many dogs are lactose-intolerant and milk worsens diarrhoea
• Human electrolyte drinks — the artificial sweeteners and flavourings can be harmful

Transitioning Back to Normal Food

Once your dog has been on the bland diet for 24–48 hours without vomiting or diarrhoea, gradually reintroduce their normal food. Mix 75% bland food with 25% normal food for a day, then 50/50, then 25% bland with 75% normal, then fully back to normal over 3–4 days. A sudden return to their regular diet can restart the upset.