Shih Tzus are prone to vomiting due to their sensitive stomachs, but there are some natural remedies that can provide relief. Ginger has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in dogs, and can be given to your Shih Tzu in the form of fresh ginger or ginger powder.
Some common causes of vomiting in Shih Tzus include eating too quickly, eating spoiled food, and swallowing foreign objects. To prevent vomiting, it's essential to feed your Shih Tzu small, frequent meals and to keep an eye on their food and surroundings.
If your Shih Tzu is vomiting, it's crucial to stay calm and to provide plenty of fresh water to help replace lost fluids. You can also try giving your Shih Tzu a small amount of chicken broth to help settle their stomach.
In some cases, vomiting can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as gastrointestinal foreign bodies or pancreatitis. If your Shih Tzu's vomiting persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy, it's best to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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What Causes Stomach Issues in Dogs?
Stomach issues in dogs are more common than you think, and it's essential to know the causes to prevent and treat them effectively.
Abrupt changes in appetite, overeating, or not eating enough can irritate a dog's stomach and cause illness.
Some common causes of stomach upset in dogs include eating grass to alleviate discomfort, excessive gas, and behavioral changes such as depression and disinterest in surroundings.
Dogs can experience a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, including vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and dehydration.
Here are some common symptoms of stomach issues in dogs:
- Excessive gas, even more so than normal.
- Audible gurgling that you can hear coming from the dog’s belly.
- Behavioral changes such as depression and disinterest in his surroundings.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Eating grass to alleviate discomfort.
- Breath smells foul.
- Burping and excessive thirst.
- Dehydration.
In severe cases, dogs may experience intense symptoms that indicate an underlying health condition, such as severe vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, abdominal pain, and lethargy.
Remedies and Treatments
If your Shih Tzu is vomiting, it's essential to get them hydrated as soon as possible. Keep your dog hydrated by offering plenty of fresh water.
Fasting your dog for a short period can help settle their stomach. However, always consult with a veterinarian before attempting to fast your dog.
A bland diet can also help soothe your dog's upset stomach. Feed them a commercial sensitivity diet or try cooked chicken, white fish, and boiled rice.
Electrolyte rehydration sachets can help prevent dehydration in dogs. Introduce electrolytes to your dog's diet to help them recover from vomiting.
Here are some home remedies you can try to help your Shih Tzu recover from vomiting:
Remember to always consult with a veterinarian before trying any home remedies for your dog's vomiting.
Diet and Nutrition
If your Shih Tzu is vomiting, it's essential to introduce a bland diet to soothe their digestive tract.
Feed small, frequent meals of soft foods like boiled and shredded chicken with plain, white rice. This will give your dog's digestive system a chance to rest.
Wait 12 to 24 hours before feeding your Shih Tzu anything after they throw up, but don't fast for more than 12 hours if they're a puppy. Fasting will help give their digestive system a chance to rest.
Once your dog can hold down water, it's time to gradually introduce a bland diet. Start by offering 1 to 2 tablespoons of food every 2 to 3 hours, and gradually increase the amount and frequency as needed.
Consider feeding your Shih Tzu small meals little and often, around four times a day, with an easily digestible protein source to help their stomach settle.
You can also try feeding early in the morning and late at night to reduce vomiting. This can help the stomach to settle and reduce the chances of vomiting.
Some prescription foods like the Royal Canin gastrointestinal diet or Hills i/d diet can be fed to help soothe sore tummies, but only under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Here are some fiber-rich foods that can support your Shih Tzu's digestion:
- Pumpkin or boiled sweet potato: High in fiber and contain vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium, copper, and manganese.
- Green unripe bananas: Regulate the GI tract and contain prebiotics.
- Steamed or pureed spinach: Full of fiber to support healthy digestion and contains iron, magnesium, and other vitamins.
- Carrots: Another fibrous vegetable that can help your pup's GI tract return to normal.
Remember to introduce these foods gradually and in small amounts to prevent upsetting your Shih Tzu's stomach further.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Keeping your Shih Tzu hydrated is crucial, especially when they're vomiting. Dehydration can become serious quickly, with organ damage or failure possible after just 24 hours without water.
Providing small amounts of water at frequent intervals is key. Every 2-3 hours is ideal, as giving too much water at once can worsen the issue by causing them to throw up.
Ice chips or cubes can be a great way to interest a reluctant dog into drinking water. This method works for a dog that won't drink water out of the bowl but likes the mental stimulation of chewing.
Honey can also be a soothing addition to water. I like to heat about 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of honey, let it cool to room temperature, and then feed this to my dogs in small amounts. Raw honey is antibacterial and contains probiotics as well.
Bone broth is another appealing option for a sick pup, especially one not drinking water. It's high water content hydrates dogs and provides them with other nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to reduce gut inflammation.
If you're concerned about dehydration, consider using electrolyte rehydration sachets. These can be obtained over the counter at your veterinary clinic or local pet store, and the dosing instructions are on the back of the packets. It's crucial to use electrolytes specifically formulated for dogs, not human preparations.
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Herbs and Supplements
Ginger is a great home remedy for your Shih Tzu's vomiting and upset stomach. You can make ginger tea by boiling fresh ginger root in water, cooling it, and giving it to your dog in small amounts throughout the day.
Slippery elm bark is another popular herb for supporting healthy digestion in dogs. Mix ¼ teaspoon of slippery elm powder with water per 10 pounds of body weight.
Rosemary is an immune-boosting herb that can be used to support your dog's overall health. You can use rosemary powder, a rosemary tincture, or fresh leaves.
Basil is anti-inflammatory and has antioxidants that can help support a healthy gut biome in your Shih Tzu. You can buy basil powder, make basil tea, or simply mix fresh basil leaves into their food.
Here are some herbs and their potential uses:
- Ginger: soothes the digestive system, especially helpful for motion sickness
- Slippery elm bark: secretes mucilage and acts as a laxative
- Rosemary: immune-boosting
- Basil: anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and supports a healthy gut biome
- Calendula flowers: antiseptic properties to prevent negative bacteria growth
- Goldenseal: natural antibiotic that fights and kills harmful bacteria
- Valerian root: increases bowel movements and fights constipation (use with caution and consult a holistic vet)
- Chamomile: relaxant effect can help with digestion and calm dogs experiencing motion sickness or vomiting
Remember to always consult with a holistic vet before giving your Shih Tzu any new herbs or supplements, especially valerian root.
Assessing and Managing
Assessing the severity of your Shih Tzu's vomiting is crucial to determine the best course of action. If your dog is vomiting, you want to know if it's a serious issue that requires a vet visit.
Check for a fever, as a temperature over 104 degrees is a severe fever that warrants a vet visit. A normal temperature for your Shih Tzu is around 101.5 degrees.
Monitor the length of illness, as consistent vomiting and diarrhea for multiple days is a serious concern. On the other hand, a short bout of sickness might not require a vet visit.
If you suspect your dog is sick after eating something they shouldn't have, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Line, which is available 24/7. There is a fee to use the hotline, but it's a quick way to get support in a pinch.
Other severe signs to watch out for at home include blood in stool, distended abdomen, continuous dehydration, and nervous pacing. These symptoms require immediate veterinary attention.
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Here are some common signs that indicate your Shih Tzu needs a vet visit:
Keep in mind that every dog is different, and it's always better to err on the side of caution regarding your dog's health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to give a dog after vomiting?
After vomiting, give your dog a 12-hour fast for puppies and almost a day for adults, then serve a gentle meal like boiled rice mixed with curd to ease digestion. This helps calm the digestive system and promotes a smooth recovery.
Sources
- https://omaspride.com/blog/tips-to-naturally-help-your-dogs-upset-stomach
- https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/dog-throwing-up-yellow-what-you-should-know-about-bilious-vomiting-snydrome/
- https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/remedies-for-dogs-stomach-upset/
- https://bettervet.com/resources/pet-health-care/vets-discuss-home-treatment-for-dogs-vomiting-bile
- https://thevets.com/blog/dog-throwing-up-yellow-bile/
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