Your Dog’s Tummy Aches Should Not be Taken Lightly
Antacids aren’t a cure-all for your pet’s stomach problems. Watch for clues that indicate a more serious problem than simple upset stomach.
Antacids might settle your dog’s upset stomach, but it’s a short-term remedy.
When treating a dog’s stomach disorder, it’s important to first rule out parasites. A veterinarian should run several fecal tests, check for Giardia infection, and do a fecal culture to look for abnormal bacteria like Salmonella.
If the fecal tests are negative, the pet should be dewormed for whipworms. This type of worm is very difficult to diagnose, and sometimes treating the pet for a suspected infection is the only way to treat and diagnose the problem.
Homeopathic treatments such as nux vomica can be tried without the risk of serious side effects. Supplements such as probiotics, digestive enzymes, glutamine, and aloe can also be helpful for pets with mild disease.
If the problem persists, an endoscopic biopsy should be performed to look for inflammatory bowel disease.
The original version of this column, “The Natural Vet” by Shawn Messonnier, DVM, was published in AKC Family Dog.