Do Dogs Have Stomach Aches & How Can You Know?

One situation that caring pet owners may find frustrating is their pet’s inability to tell them when they have a physical ache or some type of discomfort. If you’re tuned in to your pet’s normal behavior pattern, it’s easy to notice a change in behavior. However, it’s not always easy to determine the reason for the change. When a normally active dog becomes lethargic that’s a pretty good sign of some type of physical ailment such as a stomach ache. Here are some of the signs:

Do Dogs Have Stomach Aches & How Can You Know?

Deviation from Their Normal Routine

If you’re typically observant of your dog’s bathroom habits, you’ll notice if it has diarrhea or constipation.

Either of those can be an indication of stomach trouble.

Vomiting is another sign that your dog probably has a stomach ache.

These three symptoms can often be treated at home but if they persist, you should seek professional help from a vet, such as one from Evergreen Veterinary Clinic.

Sensitivity to Touch

If your dog is fond of belly rubs, and you notice that they start whining when you touch their belly. This may be a sign of a stomach ache.

It’s vital to your dog’s health and possibly its life for you to keep a close watch on its stomach.

A simple stomach ache is not a medical emergency, but bloat in dogs requires a quick trip to the vet.

Flatulence Can Cause Stomach Aches in Dogs

Dogs can experience flatulence which may be uncomfortable for them just as it is for humans.

This can often be caused by food intolerance.

Non-emergency stomach issues can be treated at home by limiting your dog’s intake of food for a short period of time.

You may have to change the type of food you’re feeding your dog in order to find one that doesn’t cause flatulence or other allergy type issues.

Your local vet should be a good resource for information on how to keep your dog healthy. They will be able to address health-related concerns.

When the Diet Isn’t the Problem

It’s not unusual for a dog to have a stomach ache from time to time.

This can happen if you suddenly change the type of food you’re feeding it. It can also happen if your dog gets into the garbage or eats something it shouldn’t.

However, a stomach ache that is accompanied by a fever, bloating, or the appearance of blood in their vomit can be an indication of a serious problem.

Ulcers, cancer, viruses, and other health problems may be the underlying cause for your dog’s stomach ache.

It’s vital to your dog’s health to have its condition evaluated by a veterinarian so that your dog can begin receiving the treatment it needs.

A stomach ache in a dog is generally not a cause for panic. It can usually be treated at home.

However, at the first indication that your dog is experiencing more than just a temporary upset stomach, you need to have it examined. This way, it can begin receiving whatever treatment is necessary to alleviate its discomfort.