It’s the morning after Halloween. There’s a ripped sweet wrapper under the sofa, your dog has been out to the garden four times since 6am, and he’s giving you that look. Most upset tummies settle in a day or two with the right care. Here’s the plan, and the signs that mean it’s a vet job instead.
🩺 Vet first: Some tummy upsets are emergencies. If your dog might have eaten chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, bones or anything toxic, call your vet now. Don’t wait for this plan.
⚡ The 48-hour plan
- Hours 0–12: rest, and small sips of fresh water, little and often.
- Hours 12–24: small plain meals, 3–4 a day. Boiled chicken (no skin, no bones, no seasoning) with plain rice.
- Hours 24–48: slowly mix their normal food back in over a couple of days.
- All the way through: short, calm toilet walks, and keep an eye on what comes out.
Wait, no 24-hour starve?
For years the standard advice was to stop food for a full day. Many vets now prefer a shorter rest, or none at all, followed by small bland meals, because the gut lining recovers better when it has a little food to work with.
And some pets should never be fasted without your vet’s say-so: puppies, toy breeds, older pets and diabetic dogs can run low on sugar quickly.
Did you know?
Little & often
Big gulps of water can bring it straight back up. Offer a few laps every 20–30 minutes, or ice cubes to lick.
Source: general veterinary first-aid guidance
Moments every owner will recognise
Scene 1: The 3am door scratch
You’re half asleep, he’s at the back door, it’s raining. Note the time. How often they need to go is useful info for your vet.
Scene 2: The bin raid
The kitchen bin is on its side and the turkey wrapping is “missing”. Bin raids can mean bones or wrapping, so call the vet rather than just waiting it out.
Scene 3: The grass grazing
Lots of dogs eat grass when their tummy feels off. A bit is usually fine. Constant grazing plus vomiting is worth a call.
Call your vet now if…
- There’s blood in the poo or the sick
- They can’t keep water down, or keep vomiting
- They’re very tired, wobbly or seem in pain (hunched, tight tummy)
- It’s a puppy, an older pet or a pet with a health condition
- They might have eaten something toxic or something they shouldn’t (bones, toys, wrappers)
- They’re no better after 24 hours
The gut-support bit
Probiotics are “good” bacteria that support the natural balance in the gut. Ingredients like kaolin and pectin are traditionally used to help firm things up. They’re not a cure, and they don’t replace your vet, but plenty of owners keep a tube in the cupboard for tummy days.
🐾 What we keep at home
Paw-Biotic Advanced
Pre-, pro- and postbiotic paste with kaolin and pectin. Easy syringe, dosed by weight, for dogs and cats. The one we reach for on tummy days.
Use code PAWURGENT10 for 10% off · a supplement, not a substitute for vet care
🐾 What we keep at home
Paw-Biotic Probiotic Soft Chews
For everyday gut support rather than bad days: a daily soft chew most dogs treat like a treat.
Use code PAWURGENT10 for 10% off · a supplement, not a substitute for vet care
Questions owners ask us
Can I give my dog Imodium or other human medicine?
No, not without your vet. Some human anti-diarrhoea medicines are dangerous for certain dogs and can hide a more serious problem.
Is pumpkin good for a dog’s upset tummy?
A spoonful of plain, cooked pumpkin (not pie filling, no spices) is a popular add-on. It’s a supporting extra, not a fix, so stick to the plan and your vet’s advice.
How do I know when to switch back to normal food?
When poos are firming up and they’re keeping meals down, start mixing in about a quarter normal food, then half, then three-quarters over 2–3 days.
My cat has an upset tummy. Is it the same plan?
Not quite. Cats shouldn’t go without food for long, as it can cause liver problems. Call your vet for cat-specific advice.
What’s the worst thing your dog has ever eaten? 👀
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Keep reading
🍫 “I thought he’d found something in the garden.” It was chocolate. →🩹 The 11pm emergency nobody prepares for →🦷 Your dog’s breath smells like fish? Here’s what it’s telling you →This guide is general information, not a substitute for advice from your vet. If you're worried about your pet, call your vet.
VET: Contact your vet as soon as possible if diarrhoea has been going for more than 24 hours, if there is blood or mucus in it, if it is severe or constantly watery, or if your dog is lethargic, off food, vomiting or has a painful abdomen. The PDSA also advises against fasting very young, very old or unwell dogs at all.
Sources
- PDSA — Diarrhoea in dogs
- PDSA — My dog has eaten something harmful
- VCA Animal Hospitals — Probiotics
This guide is general information for UK pet owners and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your vet.