When your dog has an upset tummy, a bland diet of homemade chicken and rice just might be what the doctor at Doylestown Veterinary Hospital & Holistic Pet Care ordered. Dogs can experience an upset tummy and diarrhea due to a number of reasons. A post-holiday hangover from too many special treats and tasty tidbits, or a vacation at a pet resort or friend’s home could result in that yucky feeling.
You should definitely consult your veterinarian especially if your dog has an upset tummy and is experiencing these warning signs:
- Extreme lethargy
- Diarrhea with blood
- Vomiting more than 1 to 2 episodes
However, if your dog simply throws up and/or has loose stool, then it’s recommended to remove all food for 12 hours.
- If your dog is vomiting, then provide your dog with small amounts of water frequently
- If your dog has diarrhea, then provide your dog with normal access to water
After 12 hours, feed your dog a light meal (1/2 of the usual amount of food) of a highly digestible, lowfat, bland diet. This can either be a prescription food (available only from your veterinarian) or a home-prepared meal.
Home-Prepared Bland Diet for Dogs
- Three-fourths of the meal should consist of cooked rice. Cook the rice twice as long as directed, and use double the amount of water as directed in the cooking instructions.
- One-quarter of the meal should consist of cooked and shredded chicken.
At the next feeding, prepare the meal using ½ of the bland diet and ½ of the regular food. Continue to increase the amount of regular food (and decrease the bland diet) with each feeding.
Please consult your veterinarian if your dog has an upset tummy and does not show signs of improvement, if any of the warning signs (mentioned above) are present, or if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s condition.
Doylestown Veterinary Hospital & Holistic Pet Care offers a full range of veterinary care and holistic services. It is located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. To schedule an appointment, call 215-345-6000.
