Have you noticed your dog has bloody poop or keeps being sick? Lots of dogs suffer from upset tummies from time to time. While the specific details sometimes don’t make pleasant reading, it’s important that you know what to expect and how to act. Vomiting and diarrhoea are no fun for our pets or us as owners but occasional episodes of sickness or runny, watery poop are part and parcel of life with our pets.

Check Out the Signs

If you hear a dog making sounds as if it is about to be sick, act quickly to place some newspaper or an old bowl or tray in front of them. This way you avoid moving them if they are uncomfortable but keep the mess to a minimum. Similarly, a dog whining at the door to be let out may be suffering from loose motions and may not have the same control over their bowels that they normally do. Some dogs can seem restless, pacing around and may even start digging holes if they have pain in their abdomen, or they may just curl up and look miserable. Other signs to be on the lookout for include weight loss, changes in appetite, flatulence, a gurgling stomach or straining while passing a motion.

What’s the Trigger?

Most of the time stomach upsets are caused by dogs over eating, eating the wrong kind of food (such as spoiled food), eating something that they have a reaction to, or bolting their food. With a little help, most dogs get over these kinds of upsets relatively quickly, so do ask your vet for advice at an early stage.