Gut First Aid for Dogs: What to Do When Digestive Upset Strikes

Digestive upset is one of the most common health concerns in dogs — and one of the most stressful for dog owners.

Vomiting, diarrhea, or sudden loss of appetite can seem alarming, but in many cases, these symptoms can be safely and gently supported at home.

This is where gut first aid for dogs comes in — a calm, natural approach to early digestive symptoms that helps your dog recover with care, not panic.

Step 1: Don’t Panic — Observe

Your first job isn’t to treat anything — it’s to take a breath, observe, and gather information.

• When did the symptoms start?

• Has your dog vomited? If so, what did it look like?

• What have their last poos looked like?

• What was their last meal or treat?

• Have they eaten anything out of the ordinary?

• Is their behavior otherwise normal — or are they lethargic, restless, or showing signs of discomfort?

Start a simple timeline on the symptoms they are experiencing. This helps track progression and is incredibly useful if you end up speaking with your vet.

Rest is important for a dog with a sore tummy.

Step 2: Give the Gut a Rest

The most important step for Gut first aid for dogs is Rest

Unless your dog is very young, elderly, or managing a chronic condition, it’s usually safe to withhold food for 6–12 hours. This gentle fasting gives the digestive system time to reset and can stop the cycle of vomiting or diarrhea from continuing.

During this time, focus on hydration:

• Fresh water (changed frequently)

• Unsalted bone broth (no onion or garlic)

• Herbal teas like chamomile or slippery elm (cooled and unsweetened)

Keep them quiet, comfortable, and rested. Reduce physical activity and avoid exciting play or treats.

Step 3: Reintroduce Food Slowly

Once your dog has settled and hasn’t vomited for several hours, you can begin offering a bland, easy-to-digest diet:

• Cooked and mashed pumpkin, or sweet potato

• Boiled chicken or turkey (no seasoning)

• Bone broth mixed into food

• Optional: a spoonful of goat’s milk or coconut yogurt

Start with small portions and increase gradually over a few days. Avoid raw food, fatty meals, or processed treats until digestion has fully normalized.

Introduce food slowly, and do not force them to eat.

Step 4: Support the Gut Naturally

Once food is being tolerated, this is the perfect time to bring in gentle natural gut support:

• Slippery elm powder to soothe inflammation

• Probiotics to rebalance gut flora

• Bone broth or collagen for gut and joint health

• Digestive enzymes short-term, if stools are loose or inconsistent

These remedies help promote a healthy recovery and reduce the risk of longer-term imbalance.

Step 5: Know When to Call the Vet

Trust your gut — and theirs. If your dog shows serious symptoms or isn’t improving within 24 hours, call your vet.

Red flags include:

• Blood in vomit or stool

• Repeated vomiting or unproductive retching

• Signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes)

• Severe lethargy or collapse

• Abdominal swelling or obvious pain

  
  

It’s never too early to speak with your vet. And remember: natural support can work alongside veterinary care beautifully — not instead of it.

Bonus: Download My Free Gut First Aid Checklist

Want a more comprehensive guide?

Download Digestive First Aid for Dogs — my free guide with step-by-step instructions, bland diet tips, and natural remedy suggestions.

Yes I want the Digestive first aid guide for dogs

Still need more support from a natural perspective?

If you'd like guidance creating a gentle, effective plan for your dog’s gut recovery, I offer acute naturopathic consultations — short 30-minute Zoom or phone sessions where we focus on your dog’s unique symptoms and needs. You’ll walk away with a clear protocol using herbal, nutritional, and dietary support to help your dog feel better, naturally.

If there are no available consults in a timely manner, please contact me. I always have time slots saved for these acute cases.

Book now

Give your dog a pat for me

Kerrie x