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Here's how to fix dog pee damage on your lawn

  

Here's how to fix dog pee damage on your lawn

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There’s nothing so frustrating as spending endless hours caring for your lawn, avoiding these 7 common lawn care mistakes and learning how to kill weeds naturally, only to realize that your dog has peed right in the middle of it. Dog urine can cause a lot of damage to a lawn, particularly if they visit the same spot or you’ve got more than one pet contributing.

The result is a patch of discolored grass, which may be dead in the center or dark green and vibrant with health. In either case, it’s not a great look compared to the rest of your lawn. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to fix this pee patch and blend it back in. Here, we discuss what happens to your grass when exposed to dog urine, and why it changes color. We will also go into the steps you can take to repair your lawn as well as tips to prevent so much damage in the future.   

What happens when a dog pees on the grass?

Dog urine contains more than just water, which I’m sure you can tell from the smell! Amongst its many elements, it’s rich in nitrogen from urea. This is because your dog consumes a lot of protein in its meals, which is then broken down and secreted in the urine as urea. Salts will be carried in the urine too, including sodium, potassium and chlorides. 

If you’re an expert on fertilizing your lawn and the chemicals involved, you will know that nitrogen and salt are fundamental to your lawn’s health. Grass needs the right amount of both to promote healthy growth. However, you might also know that too much can do damage. The overapplication of chemical fertilizers leaves ‘scorch marks’ behind because excess moisture is absorbed from the roots, turning the leaves brown and eventually killing the plant. That’s why you always need to apply the right amount of fertilizer and make sure it’s well watered in after application. Failing to do this is one of the 5 mistakes you make when applying fertilizer to your yard.

Dog urine will have much the same effect because of its nitrogen/salt properties. While it might encourage sudden growth, it can also leave damage behind (especially if your dog continually urinates in the same spot). That’s why you get different colors of grass — depending on your lawn’s health and the concentration of urine, it can turn brown and die from too much exposure, appear green and vibrant because the nutrients in the soil have been improved, or it can yellow from having too much nitrogen in the soil, but not overkill.

If so much has been applied that the grass has died, it might even result in layers of all three expanding away from the center as it dilutes outwards. In any case, you’re left with discoloration which you’ll want to fix. There’s different solutions depending on the color of the grass. We explain each here:   

1. What to do if the grass is brown

If the grass is brown and dry, unfortunately it’s dead. There’s nothing you can do to restore it, so fresh grass seed is the answer. But, before you start seeding, there’s a few steps you must take first:

1. Remove the dead grass and thatch using a metal rake or garden fork — you can then pick up the remains wearing a pair of the best gardening gloves to reveal a bare patch of soil.

2. Next, use a hose to water that area of soil and dilute the remaining nitrogen and salts. When the soil is moist, but not soggy, break it up and turn it over. 

3. Combine ⅔ topsoil with ⅓ peat moss and then add that to the soil, mixing it in well. Do not add fertilizer if you can help it — the soil likely still has plenty of nitrogen in it. 

4. Distribute your grass seed by hand over the patch — make sure to apply evenly, following the packet instructions for the suggested amount. You don’t want to apply too much or it will over compete for the space and impact growth, but you still need to be generous or the growth will be thin.  

5. Pull the topsoil over your seeds with a rake, leaving them about ¼-inch deep. Mulch or compost on top can help protect seeds from the wind and birds. Mulch helps deplete nitrogen from the soil too, which can help if there’s still an excess. 

6. Water regularly — 1-2 times a day to start, and keep footfall (including your dog) clear of the patch as it grows.  

2. What to do if the grass is yellow 

Your grass has likely taken some damage if it’s yellow, but there’s still time to fix it. 

1. Flush the patch with water as soon as you can to dilute the nitrogen and salt in the soil. This gives your grass some much needed moisture. 

2. Make sure it receives adequate sunlight, but not too much. The best amount will vary depending on the grass seed type, but something as simple as trimming back the trees can improve conditions. 

3. Water infrequently in the mornings, but as regularly as your grass will allow without drowning it. This will help dilute the remaining nitrogen and salts.

4. Take care when adding fertilizer — if there’s more nitrogen involved, it may make things worse. 

5. There are products you can buy which can target yellow patches of lawn caused by dog pee, an example of this being See Spot Run Dog Urine Neutralizer for Lawn Protection ($34, Amazon).

6. Once your grass has recovered enough, you can aerate the soil to improve air circulation to the roots. Your grass should bounce back to its green color soon enough.

3. What to do if the grass is green 

If your dog’s pee has actually improved conditions for a patch of grass, it’s not a good sign for the rest of your yard. It means your soil is lacking in nutrients. To fix this discoloration, you need to give the rest of your yard the same treatment. 

1. First, use a soil test kit to confirm the conditions for the majority of your yard. An example of this would be the MySoil Soil Test Kit ($29, Amazon). The likelihood is your soil will be lacking in nitrogen and other potential nutrients too. 

2. Before you fertilize, mow the lawn and use a rake to remove any debris. It’s a good idea to water it a few days beforehand as well so it can better absorb the solution. 

3. Make the necessary amendments to the soil with the most appropriate fertilizer. Find a fertilizer which provides what your lawn is missing and then apply it using a spreader across the entirety of your lawn, with the exception of your new green patch of grass if possible. Make sure you apply evenly so you don’t scorch more areas of your lawn. 

4. Remember to water in your fertilizer once applied. Some require this immediately, while others may need time to work first — check the instructions for guidance.  

5. Fertilize as often as required going forward to keep your soil’s conditions in check — you can always use a soil test kit if in doubt.

Bear in mind that fresh urine patches might now turn brown as a result of fixing this lack of nitrogen — so you may need to follow the above steps as a consequence.  

Ways to protect your lawn in the future 

  • Leave your grass long — this will lessen the impact of the nitrogen. It will improve its drought-tolerance and cover out weeds too.  
  • Train your dog to pee in a designated spot where you can better control the damage. An item such as Simple Solution’s Pee Post Outdoor Potty Training Aid ($23, Amazon) can help with this. Pick a spot lined with mulch to save your grass.  
  • Water the spot as soon as your dog is finished — this will dilute the nitrogen and weaken its concentration.
  • Some grass types are more urine-resistant than others, such as perennial ryegrasses and fescues, so you can swap out your lawn and take advantage of these. But, keep in mind that they’re not urine-proof and can still take damage over time.  
  • Make sure your dog is getting enough water. This will help dilute the urine and lessen its effect on your grass.
Story by Katie Mortram : Tom's Guide

South Korea plans to ban the consumption of dog meat by the end of the year

  

South Korea plans to ban the consumption of dog meat by the end of the year

South Korea is planning to end the controversial practise of eating dog meat.

Although only a small minority of people still consume dog meat in South Korea, the ancient practise has been the subject of sharp criticism from foreign media and animal rights advocates. Now, the country’s younger generations have joined calls to ban it.

In a briefing on 17 November, the government said it plans to enact a special law within the year banning the breeding, slaughter, distribution and sale of dogs for food.

As part of this, dogs will be excluded from the country’s Livestock Act, thereby recognising their status as companion animals.

How common is dog meat in South Korea?

In 2022, South Korea’s national broadcaster KBS reported that more than half a million dogs were being raised for food across the country and 1,600 restaurants were selling dog meat.

As of February last year, there were 1,156 farms breeding dogs for meat and 34 slaughterhouses, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

A grace period of three years will be given to allow the industry to transition and close down, with crackdowns starting in 2027. Government support will also be provided to help with the transition.

Animal rights activists stage a rally opposing South Korea's traditional culture of eating dog meat in Seoul, South Korea, 8 July 2023. AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon
Animal rights activists stage a rally opposing South Korea's traditional culture of eating dog meat in Seoul, South Korea, 8 July 2023. AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon© Provided by Euronews (English)

Is South Korea’s dog meat ban likely to pass?

South Korea’s ruling conservative People Power Party is behind the latest calls for a ban on eating dog meat. Their biggest rival, the Democratic Party, has also said it supports a ban.

With an election looming in April 2024, the outcome is therefore unlikely to derail the decision. 

A 2023 survey by animal rights group Korea Humane Society International (Korea HSI) and research agency NielsenIQ showed public support too, with 57 per cent of the 1,500 respondents in favour.

More than 86 per cent of the adults surveyed said they have no intention of eating dogs in the future, regardless of whether they had in the past.

It also found an increased negative perception of dog meat among those in their 40s and 50s, and increased consensus on the need to protect the welfare of the animals.

There has been some vocal opposition to the proposed ban, with an industry group rallying in front of the National Assembly building in Seoul following the announcement.

They said the law would “rob people of their basic right to eat” and “fail to protect farmers”, South Korean daily newspaper The Hankyoreh reports.

Story by Angela Symons:Euro News: English

What to feed a dog with an upset stomach?

What to feed a dog with an upset stomach?

Stomach upset in dogs is common, and most pet owners will have to deal with this at some point.

According to Kathy Backus, DVM, at Holistic Veterinary Services in Kaysville, Utah,

There are many reasons your dog may have an upset stomach, though there's one common cause: they ate something they shouldn't have.

Vomiting and diarrhea are signs that a dog's body is trying to expel something that shouldn't be in their system.

In a healthy dog,  it's a protective mechanism of the body that's totally normal.

A dog occasionally experiencing an upset stomach is common.

If it occurs frequently, though, it can be a symptom that something isn't right with their GI tract.

So what to feed a dog with an upset stomach and what to avoid?

What to Feed a Dog With an Upset Stomach

Before Your Decide What to Feed a Dog With Upset Stomach, Understand Why 

An upset stomach is a general term for many digestive issues in dogs that are not chronic.

If your dog has diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea very often, then you'll first need to confirm that they are not suffering from any other serious health condition.

A dog's stomach upset can be a symptom of both minor and severe health problems.

Minor issues often include temporary tummy issues related to what the dog might have eaten recently – a small gastrointestinal problem.

It can also be related to your dog having a sensitive stomach or food allergies, both of which are very common in dogs.

Serious problems can also result in an upset stomach but will often include other symptoms that are difficult to ignore.

Those could be consistent diarrhea and vomiting, bloody stool, lack of appetite, etc.

Talk to your veterinarian when you notice any additional symptoms or if your dog's upset stomach doesn't go away after several days.

If your pooch has an upset stomach and exhibits symptoms only occasionally, or if you have taken him to the vet and you know that he doesn’t have any other problem, then he is probably having an upset stomach, which is usually caused by something your dog ate that didn't agree with him.

A proper diet and knowing what to feed the dog with an upset

A proper diet and knowing what to feed the dog with an upset stomach will help you fix the problem or alleviate the symptoms.

Note: This article will not address anything related to severe health problems. We recommend reading the Merck Vet Manual's guide on GI and stomach disorders in dogs.

This is the most up-to-date source based on the scientific evidence we have. And, of course, call a vet.

What to Feed Dog With Upset Stomach

What to Feed Dog With Upset Stomach

Stomach upset in dogs is very common.

There are some medications and supplements, both prescription and over-the-counter that can help with symptoms.

However, to help your pooch deal with this long-term, you must address the underlying issue – your dog's diet.

Dietary changes for dogs with upset stomachs can come from commercial foods or a home-cooked diet.

There are several sensitive stomach foods available that are often recommended for dogs with an upset stomach, but you can also make homemade dog food for dogs with an upset stomach on your own.

Both options are acceptable.

Dr. Dana Brown, DVM, has previously published an article on feeding dogs with a sensitive stomach, with advice directly related to dogs with an upset stomach.

This article will accompany that one, and I'll provide some information on what foods may work for your dog if you choose to use homemade food.

So, what to feed the dog with an upset stomach, and what foods to avoid?

Dietary Guidelines

The first thing you do to help your dog get over a stomach issue is make him fast for 12 hours or an entire day.

Since his stomach is trying to get rid of some bad things that he ate, it can be beneficial not to put anything else in his stomach and allow the body to deal with it.

Your dog will be wonderful with fasting for a day.

Fasting for a short period of time was shown to be safe for dogs.

In a study with 20 dogs being treated for cancer (Withers et al., 2014), scientists observed that fasting helped with vomiting and diarrhea and did not pose any dangers to dogs.

Dr. Nancy Scanlan, DVM, confirms this:

“Fasting is not the same as starvation. With therapeutic fasting, nutrient intake is enough to maintain vital tissues, like heart and muscle.

Ideally, there will be an additional supply of co-factors for liver enzymes required to deal with the breakdown of fat and release of toxins that occurs.

Starvation occurs when there are no reserves left in the body and insufficient intake of nutrients, so that vital tissues are broken down.” – Nancy Scanlan, DVM [source]

Dehydration is a danger for your dog during diarrhea or vomiting bouts, so ensure your pup stays hydrated.

However, if you give him too much water, his stomach can become even more upset. Balance is key, and oftentimes using ice cubes instead of water is better.

You may want to remove his water bowl and feed him ice chips every few hours.

After your dog’s stomach has settled down a little bit after a period of fasting, you can start feeding him again.

Feed the dog a bland diet that will not upset his stomach again. Start with a few teaspoons of food first, and if your pet can hold it down, proceed to feed him small portions more often.

The best thing is to feed him frequently, in smaller meals, 4-5 times a day for the next week.

How to Structure Your Dog’s Diet

Feeding your dog with an upset stomach only a bland diet is essential until his tummy settles down.

After a week of this, he gradually introduces his regular diet.

Bland Diet

What to feed the dog with an upset stomach? A very bland diet is the answer.

However, remember that you shouldn’t feed your dog a bland diet if you are not sure that he is suffering from a mild digestive issue or if you don’t know the cause of his stomach upset.

Your dog might have ingested something toxic, so a bland diet will not help.

As noted above, watch out for any other signs and symptoms.

If something is amiss, take your dog to the vet before you administer this type of diet, and keep in mind that this is only a short-term solution.

If none of those are present, you can try a bland diet.

You can only feed a bland diet temporarily.

You cannot feed a bland diet for a prolonged period of time because it's not a well-balanced diet; it lacks nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your dog needs regularly.

However, for up to a week until your dog gets better, a bland diet will provide enough calories and energy sources without upsetting his stomach further.

A bland diet for dogs with upset stomachs consists of low-fat foods.

Usually, that means including one protein source low in fat, like chicken breast or ground turkey mixed with rice.

You can also make scrambled eggs since they are a good protein source.

Below are some tips on feeding a dog with an upset stomach using a bland diet.

For more ideas, read this veterinarian-approved guide right here (PDF).

Foods to Include

Recommended foods for dogs with upset stomachInclude rice in your dog’s diet, both during and after the episode.

Rice can help your Fido's stomach settle when it gets upset because it's a mild food item.

Choose white rice for an upset stomach and brown rice for your dog’s regular diet because it is higher in nutritional value.

Lean Poultry Meat

Pick lean poultry meat, which generally works best for a dog with an upset stomach, as a good protein source.

The best thing to choose during an episode is cooked chicken breasts, boneless and skinless. Turkey can also work.

For vegetables, pumpkin, and sweet potato are beneficial for your dog’s diet during the episode and after.

These vegetables provide a lot of fiber, which can help regulate your dog’s digestive system and help him with intestinal issues.

Canned pumpkin is probably a better choice when your dog has an upset stomach because it has a low glycemic index, which means it's absorbed slowly and thus helps with digestion.

Probiotics

Add a bit of yogurt (one or two tablespoons) to your dog’s diet if he has an upset stomach because it can soothe it.

Probiotics in yogurt can also help restore good bacteria in the dog's intestines and keep his GI tract in good shape.

However, it's unlikely that there will be enough probiotic cultures in yogurt to make a difference, so instead, you can use probiotic supplements to improve your dog's gut flora.

Certain low-acidity fruits can help with an upset stomach too.

Include some bananas in your canine’s diet because they are a good source of vitamin C and potassium and are pretty mild food.

Bananas will also keep your dog’s fluid balance in check as an additional source of electrolytes.

People have been using ginger to deal with stomach issues, and it's possible that a small amount of ginger can soothe a dog's upset stomach and relieve your canine from bloating and gas.

Ginger is safe for dogs and is often used for other health issues.

A little bone broth is perfect for feeding your dog a part of a bland diet. It will help him stay hydrated and soothe his stomach at the same time.

Bone broth or chicken broth is often used instead of water for dogs who refuse to drink because their smell entices pets.

Foods to Avoid

Pumpkin is good for your dog, but only stick to fresh or canned pumpkins.

Avoid pumpkin pie mix or anything with additives.

You don’t want to feed your dog spices when his stomach is upset.

Even during the regular diet, you should avoid spices in a dog's meal.

Avoid dairy of any kind (except plain, unsweetened yogurt in small amounts) and cheese because most are high in fat.

Even if you want to go with low-fat cheese, save it for later when your dog’s stomach is better.

Stick to a bland diet until then.

For the same reason, avoid fish during an episode.

While generally healthy and a good source of protein for dogs, most fish are high in fat and are likely to upset your pet's stomach even more.

Avoid highly acidic foods, including vegetables and fruits with high acidity content.

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and others that may be fine to feed in small amounts, in general, are a no-no when dealing with a stomach upset in dogs.

Please don’t feed your dog any human or processed food when he has any digestive issues. No table scraps and no snacks.

Nutrients and Their Roles

Feeding your dog a well-balanced diet when dealing with stomach upset is important because it can also prevent stomach issues in the future.

After you are done with the bland diet after about a week, you need to provide your Fido with all the necessary nutrients to get his diet back on track.

Protein

Protein is crucial as it's the best energy source for your pooch.

However, if he often has an upset stomach, you should consider lean protein sources, like ground turkey, chicken breast, low-fat fish, and lean hamburgers.

Rarely, these sources may still upset some dogs' stomachs, so you'll need to look for novel protein foods and discuss this with your vet to develop a new dietary plan.

Fat

Please stay away from fatty foods during an upset stomach episode, and after your dog’s stomach is stable, avoid giving him any food that is too high in fat.

If you are feeding him commercial dog foods, check the label to see if fats and oils are listed in large amounts.

Stick to 10-15 percent of fat in your dog’s diet.

However, healthy fats are not only good but essential for dogs.

If you are cooking for your dog after an episode of stomach upset, it's best to stick to fatty fish like salmon or herring.

They are a good source of lean protein, no carbohydrates, and a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties, among other benefits.

Fiber

Probably the most important nutrient for your dog’s digestive system is fiber.

Fiber is found in fruits and vegetables, especially in sweet potatoes and pumpkin.

You can also include barley or beet pulp or add some green beans to your pet's diet.

That said, fiber can also do the opposite, and when given too much, it can upset your dog's stomach and cause diarrhea or constipation.

So be careful not to add too much fiber, especially if your dog tends to suffer from an upset stomach since that can upset his digestive system further.

The balance will be key here.

Vitamins and Minerals

Many vitamins are crucial to dogs.

Like fiber, vitamins, and minerals are mostly added through veggies and fruits when feeding a home-cooked diet.

They are vital for your dog’s health, but most vitamin sources should be avoided during an upset stomach episode while feeding a bland diet.

Stick only to bananas during that time and gradually introduce them after the bland diet period is done.

Homemade Dog Food for Dogs with Upset Stomachs

What to Feed a Dog With an Upset Stomach

Cooking for dogs with upset stomachs can be a much safer (and easier to manage) option than giving a dog commercial foods.

Since you must feed the dog a bland diet, it is also pretty simple and doesn’t take long.

You can also use many recipes for dogs with a sensitive stomach for dogs with an upset stomach – find them in our recipes section.

Below is a good starter recipe for dogs with an upset stomach and three links to more ideas with videos on how to make homemade dog food for your dog with tummy issues:

  • Chicken & Rice Cakes for Dogs with Upset Stomachs
  • Homemade Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach
  • Pumpkin Dog Biscuits for Sensitive Stomachs

Recipe: Ground Turkey with Canned Pumpkin

This recipe is good to use as part of a bland diet regime while adding a little bit of a twist in taste.

You can also use rice or sweet potato instead of canned pumpkin or use skinless and boneless turkey or chicken breasts instead of ground turkey.

These ingredients will be enough for a 25-pound dog for the entire day. Just remember to feed him in 4 or 5 servings throughout the day.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of ground turkey
  • 3 cups of water
  • 3 cups of canned pumpkin

Preparation:

Put the turkey in a pan with about 3 cups of water and let the water boil, then proceed to cook the turkey for 20-30 minutes.

Get turkey out of the water and put it into a mixing bowl.

Mixed canned pumpkin with the turkey and separate this mixture into four or four servings for your dog.

The Best Food for Dogs with Upset Stomach

While feeding a dog with an upset stomach is easier by making home-cooked meals, particularly during a bland diet period, some owners prefer to avoid that due to time constraints, money, or other reasons.

If you'd rather feed your dog a commercial brand, there are several food options for dogs with upset stomachs available. 

A Closer Look at Specific Foods for Your Dog's Upset Stomach

We already touched on the importance of bland foods when dealing with an upset stomach in dogs.

We also mentioned some ingredients that are great to include, like rice and bananas.

Take a closer look at some of these and other foods that are gentle on your furry friend's digestive tract.

Some are ingredients, while others combine ingredients to create a balanced meal.

Bone Broth

You may want to make your dog some bone broth as a pet owner.

This is nutritious, and because it's liquid, it counts as a bland food that is gentle on your pup's stomach.

You can also try adding some bone broth to your dog's kibble if he doesn't want to eat.

(Remember that normal kibble isn't ideal for a dog with digestive upset).

If you want to make bone broth yourself, you need a large pot, water, and plenty of marrow bones.

Alternatively, you can use bones with a lot of joints.

Chicken and turkey legs are great options.

Just put the bones in the pot, add several inches of water, cover it, and let it cook on low heat.

You will leave it for 20 to 24 hours before letting it cool in the fridge for a few hours.

The broth will be jelly-like and liquefy when heated.

Just ensure not to overheat it, as this can hurt your dog.

Rice with Boiled Chicken

Boiled chicken is a simple and healthy ingredient to give your dog any time, especially when his digestive system doesn't feel great.

Boiling the chicken is important, as this way, you don't accidentally add seasoning, oil, or butter during the cooking process.

That helps keep the chicken bland.

The cooked rice is also bland and gentle on your dog's stomach.

You don't even need to give your dog cooked rice along with the chicken if he doesn't want to eat too much.

A little bit of shredded chicken can be enough fuel to keep him going until your poor dog's tummy feels better.

Just remember that it needs to be plain and unseasoned.

Pumpkin

One of the most common suggestions for dogs with an upset tummy is a pumpkin.

This comes from its high fiber content and the fact that it contains many vitamins and minerals.

For example, it has vitamins A and C, potassium, riboflavin, manganese, copper, phosphorus, iron, folate, magnesium, and more.

The important caveat when feeding your dog pumpkin for upset stomachs is similar to that of chicken.

Do not add seasonings to it.

If you prepare it yourself, be sure to remove the skin and seeds.

An alternative is to buy canned pumpkins. Just remember to get canned pumpkin, not canned pumpkin pie filling.

Whatever you buy for your dog's symptoms should not have any added sugar or spices.

Those are likely to make your dog's issues even worse than regular food would.

Boiled, Mashed Carrots

You may also want to consider giving your dog some carrots.

But because your dog doesn't feel great, you must boil and mash them first.

This is a great choice because mashed, boiled carrots have vitamins C, K, and fiber. They are also bland food.

Mashed Sweet Potato

Sweet potato is another great option packed with nutrients.

Like the other natural remedies of carrots and pumpkin, they are also high in fiber.

As with the carrots, you must boil the sweet potatoes and then mash them. Do not season them.

Always let mashed sweet potatoes, carrots, or other foods cool before giving them to your dog.

Egg

Eggs are yet another option that likely doesn't require you to go to the grocery store.

As always, the key is to keep it bland.

Don't cook them with oil or butter; never add seasoning or salt.

Instead, boil the eggs and mash them up.

You could also scramble eggs, but be sure to use as little oil as possible, ideally none.

Oatmeal

Just like you may eat oatmeal for a few days when your stomach is upset, your dog can also have this food.

Like some of the products on this list, it has a lot of soluble fiber.

That can help control diarrhea.

Baby Food

It is also common for veterinary advice to include giving your dog baby food when his tummy is upset.

That is because it is easy to digest and swallow.

You can choose baby foods like sweet potatoes or pumpkin.

Remember to make sure there are no additives in your chosen food.

How to Recognize When You Need Veterinary Advice

Your dog's situation with an upset stomach is not always bad enough to require a visit to the vet.

However, you want to bring him to the vet immediately if you notice:

  • Continuous vomiting
  • Continuous diarrhea
  • Blood in the stool
  • Dehydration
  • Pacing
  • A distended stomach
  • Uncontrollable drooling

These are more serious symptoms that can indicate a more complicated problem.

In that case, you will need your vet to examine your dog and provide veterinary advice.

Common Questions about Food for Digestive Upset in Dogs

If you still have questions about your dog's upset stomach, from common signs to why he is eating grass, the following answers should help.

Should You Feed a Dog with an Upset Stomach?

Yes, it would help if you fed dogs with upset stomachs. After all, they still need nutrients. However, you want only to give them foods that will be gentle on their digestive tract.

Examples include pumpkin, boiled meat, and cottage cheese.

Are Scrambled Eggs Good for a Dog's Upset Stomach?

Yes, scrambled eggs are good to make your dog feel better. They can settle his stomach while providing nutrients.

They have nutritional benefits, including protein and essential amino and fatty acids. Just remember not to season the eggs or add butter to them.

Those additions will make your poor dog feel worse.

Can You Give Milk to a Dog with an Upset Stomach?

You might be able to give a dog with upset stomach milk, but it shouldn't be your first move. That is because a lot of canines are lactose intolerant.

As such, giving them milk would actually make their upset stomachs worse.

What to Feed Dog with Upset Stomach: Before You Go

Particular foods may be beneficial for Fido when he has an upset tummy.

Pumpkin, mashed potatoes, and chicken are some examples of foods that you can offer Fido.

Overeating may be to blame for upset tummies but may also indicate a medical condition.

Despite the fact that there are meals you can give your woofer to soothe an upset stomach, you shouldn't always do it at home.

It's also crucial to understand when you should take your furry pal to the vet and when a tummy ache could be caused by something worse.

Reference: Dog Tips

Can dogs eat pancakes? Safe ingredients and toppings to avoid on Pancake Day

Can dogs eat pancakes? Safe ingredients and toppings to avoid on Pancake Day

Pancake Day on Tuesday will involve families across the UK whipping up delicious breakfasts or afternoon snacks topped with fruit, chocolate, and cream.

But while people tuck in to their pancakes, some family members may be feeling a little left out: our furry friends.

Dog owners may be wondering if their canine companions can join in on the pancake festivities, and the good news is they can — but with some minor (yet important) adjustments.

Although it would be unsafe to offer your dog a piece of your pancake straight from your plate, it’s possible to make them their own version.

Making pancakes with dog-friendly ingredients is an easy and safe way to let your pet indulge in the Shrove Tuesday fun.

Dr Scott Miller, of natural dog food company Barking Heads, has offered his advice for making pancakes for your pets this Pancake Day.

Tips for making dog-friendly pancakes

Batter

“Firstly, when making your pancakes, think about the ingredients you’re putting into your batter or the ingredients in store-bought batter or pancakes,” Dr Miller says.

“Dogs can consume only plain pancakes with no addition to the batter, so if you like to indulge in chocolate pancakes, you’d need to leave the extra ingredient out.”

Sugar

“You should also check to see the sugar content, trying to keep this as close to zero as possible for your dog,” Dr Miller says.

“As canines don’t have the sensitivity of taste that we do, keep calories low whenever possible to keep them healthy and lean.”

Sweetener

“With store-bought pancakes, consider gluten-free, and avoid commercially prepared ones, but if they’re your only option, ensure they don’t use a sweetener alternative, as xylitol is toxic for dogs,” Dr Miller says.

“It causes issues from stomach upset to death in dogs depending on the amount they consume.

Intolerances

“Consider any intolerances your dog may have — like milk or egg intolerance. If they do, it’s best to use a batter that completely avoids these ingredients if you plan on sharing a pancake with your dog,” says Dr Miller.

“If unsure whether your dog has any intolerances, it’s always best to check with your vet.”

Unsafe pancake toppings

“Next, although we may love a topping on our pancakes, you must be careful with what you give your furry friend.

“Avoid using syrups, butter, nuts, raisins, and grapes — these are all toxic toppings, as some are too rich for your dog and others are lethal,” Dr Miller says.

Avoid using sugar and sweetener in your dog-friendly pancakes (Propeller network)
Avoid using sugar and sweetener in your dog-friendly pancakes (Propeller network)© Provided by Evening Standard

Safe pancake toppings

Here are some toppings you can share with your dog:

  • Peanut butter — small amount, but has to be free of xylitol
  • Bananas
  • Apples
  • Blueberries
  • Carrot
  • Cucumber
  • Dog biscuits
  • Portions

“Another thing to consider is your dog’s portion size. Unlike humans, dogs’ diets don’t feature many carbohydrates, so you want to keep their portion of pancakes very minimal,” Dr Miller says.

“One small pancake topped with wet dog food or another topping may be plenty for your pup and they’ll treasure the rare treat.”

Reference: Evening Standard: Story by Seren Morris 

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