Are you a Shih Tzu owner?
Have you ever worried about your furry friend’s upset stomach?
In this guide, we’ll explore the signs, causes, and at-home treatments for upset stomach in Shih Tzus.
From vomiting to stomach ulcers, we’ll cover it all.
Discover how to alleviate your pup’s discomfort with simple steps like withholding food and offering a bland diet.
If you’re looking for expert advice on navigating upset stomachs, keep reading.
Signs and Symptoms of Upset Stomach in Shih Tzu
If your Shih Tzu starts exhibiting signs of an upset stomach, such as vomiting or excessive gas, it’s important to monitor their symptoms and seek veterinary care if necessary. Common causes of upset stomach in Shih Tzu include ingesting a food that disagrees with their stomach, chewing on grass, and getting into the trash and consuming toxic foods.
To prevent upset stomach in Shih Tzu, it’s crucial to avoid switching their food too quickly and ensure they eat at a slower pace to prevent swallowing air. Additionally, it’s important to keep toxic foods out of their reach, such as onions, chocolate, grapes, and raisins.
Inducing Vomiting and Dealing With Toxic Foods
To deal with toxic foods, consult your veterinarian for guidance on inducing vomiting in your Shih Tzu. Inducing vomiting safely is crucial when your furry friend ingests something harmful. Identifying toxic foods is the first step in preventing potential poisoning. Some common foods that are toxic to Shih Tzu include onions, chocolate, caffeine products, fruit seeds, raw bread dough, avocado, grapes, raisins, Macadamia nuts, and sugar-free gum containing Xylitol.
If your Shih Tzu consumes any of these substances, it’s important to act quickly. Under veterinary guidance, hydrogen peroxide can be used to induce vomiting. You can also reach out to the Pet Poison Hotline for assistance.
Stomach Virus and Serious Health Conditions in Shih Tzu
Monitor your Shih Tzu for worsening symptoms and seek veterinary evaluation if necessary in case of a stomach virus or serious health conditions.
Shih Tzus, like humans, can develop passing stomach ailments such as a stomach virus. However, it’s important to note that there are also serious health conditions that can present with upset stomach as a symptom. Stomach ulcers and pancreatitis are examples of such conditions.
If your Shih Tzu shows signs of excessive bloating, inability to rest, blood in vomit or stool, or fever, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care. Other signs that warrant a vet visit include vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 8 hours, dry gums indicating dehydration, and no improvement after 24 hours.
At-Home Treatment for Upset Stomach in Shih Tzu
You can offer a mixture of water and un-flavored Pedialyte to replenish electrolytes, and gradually reintroduce bland food after the stomach has calmed down. This at-home treatment can help alleviate the symptoms of an upset stomach in your Shih Tzu.
It’s important to monitor your dog’s progress and seek veterinary care if the symptoms worsen. Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the upset stomach, but typically, with proper treatment and care, your Shih Tzu should start feeling better within a few days.
In addition to the traditional treatment methods, there are alternative remedies that you can consider. Some pet owners have found success with natural remedies like ginger or chamomile tea. However, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before trying any alternative treatments to ensure they’re safe for your Shih Tzu.
Bland Diet, Snacks, and Medication for Upset Stomach
Offer your Shih Tzu small portions of warm sweet potatoes and white rice as part of the bland diet for their upset stomach.
When it comes to treating an upset stomach in Shih Tzus, it’s important to consider diet restrictions and alternative remedies.
During an episode of upset stomach, it’s recommended to withhold food for 10 to 16 hours, while ensuring the Shih Tzu stays hydrated with a mixture of water and un-flavored Pedialyte.
Once the stomach has calmed down, reintroduce a bland diet consisting of foods that are easy on the digestive system, such as sweet potatoes and white rice.
Additionally, plain white yogurt can provide healthy probiotics, and plain canned pumpkin can help firm stools. However, it’s crucial to avoid using pumpkin pie mix.
If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to seek veterinary care. Remember to always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication, such as Pepto Bismol, and closely monitor your Shih Tzu for signs that may require a vet visit, including excessive bloating, blood in vomit or stool, or no improvement after 24 hours.
Signs That Require a Vet Visit for Upset Stomach in Shih Tzu
If your Shih Tzu experiences excessive bloating or vomits for more than 8 hours, it may be necessary to schedule a vet visit for their upset stomach. When it comes to your pet’s health, it’s important to know when to seek veterinary care.
Certain symptoms indicate a severe upset stomach that requires immediate attention. These serious symptoms include:
- Excessive bloated stomach
- Inability to rest
- Excessive drooling
- Inability to hold down water for more than 5 hours
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Fever
- Vomiting for more than 8 hours
- Diarrhea for more than 24 hours
- Vomiting and diarrhea at the same time
- Dry gums indicating dehydration
- Listlessness or no improvement after 24 hours
If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to seek veterinary evaluation to ensure the well-being of your Shih Tzu. Remember, early intervention can prevent further complications and promote a speedy recovery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as a Shih Tzu owner, it’s important to be aware of the signs and causes of upset stomach in your furry friend.
While there are steps you can take at home to alleviate their discomfort, such as withholding food and reintroducing a bland diet, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care if the symptoms persist or worsen.
By being proactive and informed, you can help ensure the health and well-being of your beloved Shih Tzu.
