5 Simple Ways to Soothe Your Bulldog’s Sensitive Stomach in 7 Days
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Do you dread mealtimes with your bulldog lately? Does your once food-motivated Frenchie now turn up his nose at dinner? Have you noticed more smelly gas, gurgling sounds, and upset tummies after eating?
If so, your bulldog may be dealing with a sensitive stomach.
As a fellow dog owner, I know how worrying it can be to see your dog in gastrointestinal distress. The vomiting, diarrhea, and belly aches seem to come out of nowhere, leaving you feeling helpless.
But there is hope!
In this article, I’ll share 5 simple ways to soothe your bulldog’s sensitive stomach based on expertise from vets and research.
You’ll learn proven tips like adjusting your bulldog’s diet, trying probiotics, reducing stress, and more. I’ve used these remedies myself and saw notable improvement in my dog’s digestion within just 7 days. Whether it’s occasional tummy trouble or chronic sensitivity, you’ll find actionable advice to get your bulldog’s stomach back on track.
With a few diet and lifestyle changes, you can help calm your bulldog’s digestive woes and get them feeling their happy, hungry selves again.
Let’s get started on the path to a settled stomach and better health for your bullie!
What’s Behind Your Bulldog’s Sensitive Stomach?
If your bulldog is having digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and gas, there are a few common culprits that could be the root cause.
According to veterinarians, the top triggers for bulldog stomach troubles are:
- Diet – At least 75% of dog gastrointestinal issues stem from diet. Common dietary triggers for bulldogs include rich or fatty ingredients like pork or fried foods, sudden diet changes, too many treats or table scraps, and intolerances to ingredients like dairy, wheat, or chicken. Bulldogs have a higher rate of food allergies than many breeds.
- Stress – Vets report bulldogs can suffer from separation anxiety or noise phobias that can severely upset their stomachs. Situations like being left alone, fireworks, thunderstorms, travel, or schedule changes involving their owner can all kick off tummy troubles.
- Infections – Bacterial, viral, or parasitic gut infections affect bulldogs, often due to their shortened muzzles and compromised immune systems. Giardia is one of the most common offenders.
- Medications – Drugs like NSAIDs, antibiotics, and heartworm preventatives have gastrointestinal side effects in over 15% of bulldogs since they tend to have sensitive stomachs.
- Other Conditions – Diseases of the gut, pancreas or liver occur in roughly 12% of bulldogs and can also lead to digestive issues.
Getting to the root cause of your bulldog’s sensitive stomach is key to finding the most effective and lasting treatment. Your vet can run tests to diagnose any underlying conditions or infections. But in many cases, diet changes and probiotics can quickly relieve the symptoms.
Watch for These Common Signs of Bulldog Stomach Trouble
Sensitive stomachs can manifest all kinds of miserable symptoms in bulldogs. Here are some of the most frequent digestive issues to look for:
Common Bulldog Stomach Symptoms:
| Symptom | Description | Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Vomiting | Throwing up undigested food, yellow bile, or foamy liquids | Upset stomach, acid reflux, food intolerance |
| Diarrhea | Loose, watery stools, urgent need to go | Gut irritation, infection, food allergy |
| Constipation | Long periods without bowel movements, straining | Dehydration, dietary issues |
| Gas | Flatulence, abdominal bloating, loud gurgling | Gulping air, poor nutrient absorption, diet |
| Pain | Whining, stomach clenching, reluctance to eat | Digestive irritation, ulcers, cramps |
According to veterinarians, bulldogs exhibit more vomiting, diarrhea and other stomach problems compared to most other of breeds due to their short muzzles, allergies, and stress susceptibility.
If your bulldog is showing any of these common digestive symptoms, it likely signals an underlying issue needs attention. But simple diet and lifestyle remedies can help soothe their sensitive stomach. Up next, we’ll cover 5 effective ways bulldog owners use to relieve their pup’s tummy troubles fast.
5 Vet-Recommended Ways to Soothe Your Bulldog’s Sensitive Stomach
If your bulldog is having digestive issues, you can take targeted action to relieve their tummy troubles quickly using these veterinarian-backed tips:
Switch to a Bland Diet
Veterinary nutritionists recommend sticking to a bland diet of boiled chicken or lean ground turkey mixed with white rice for a few days. Limit ingredients to one simple protein and one digestible carb to identify any intolerances. Then gradually reintroduce their regular food over 7 days while monitoring for return of symptoms. Canned pure pumpkin adds fiber to regulate digestion.
According to veterinary nutrition specialists, bland diets give the gastrointestinal tract a chance to reset and heal.
Give Probiotic Supplements
Veterinarian recommended probiotic supplements contain 5+ strains of beneficial cultures. Compare CFUs when selecting. Give the recommended dosage amount based on your bulldog’s weight with their meals for at least 7 days. Refrigerate to maintain viability.
Veterinary gastroenterologists advise probiotics help repopulate the gut with good bacteria and restore microbial balance.
Increase Hydration
Add low-sodium broth to their water to encourage drinking. Offer canned wet foods high in moisture. Mash dry kibble with warm water into a gravy. Watch for dehydration signs like loss of skin elasticity. Use pedialyte, ice cubes, or IV fluids from the vet if acute vomiting/diarrhea occurs.
Reduce Stress Triggers
Try to maintain consistent routines for feeding, walks, playtime over a 7 day period. Limit exposure to loud noises from thunder, fireworks, or construction. Use a crate cover or play calming music to mute outside sounds. Avoid interactions with unknown dogs or young children that may excite them. Provide a quiet space with blankets, bed, or covered kennel that they associate with comfort and security. Consider calming supplements, pheromone diffusers, or an anxiety wrap. If they must be left alone, arrange for a friend or pet sitter to periodically check on them.
Administer Slippery Elm
Slippery elm powder can coat and soothe an irritated stomach lining when administered before meals. Typical dosage is 1/4 teaspoon per 20 lbs of body weight mixed into food. Give for 5-7 days maximum. Discontinue use if constipation develops. Select nature-sourced brands to ensure quality. Only give slippery elm under the guidance of your veterinarian.
Know When to See the Vet
While home remedies can often resolve mild to moderate digestive issues in bulldogs, it’s important to know when to seek veterinary care.
Contact your vet promptly if you notice any of the following:
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
- Extreme lethargy, weakness or inability to stand
- Abdominal swelling or bloating
- Signs of pain or discomfort like whining, stretching, repeatedly getting up and down
- Loss of appetite for more than 12-24 hours
- Vomit or stool containing blood
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- High fever
- Any symptoms that persist or worsen despite home treatment
Acute flare-ups of vomiting, diarrhea, or other concerning symptoms in bulldogs can lead to dangerous dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. Your vet may need to administer IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, gut protectants, or other treatments.
For mild, intermittent digestive upset, the at-home remedies in this article can often provide relief. But don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian if symptoms are prolonged or severe. Quick veterinary intervention can help prevent serious complications and get your bulldog back to feeling their best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Veterinarians recommend sticking with the bland diet of boiled chicken/turkey and white rice for 2-3 days minimum, and up to 5-7 days maximum. Then gradually transition back to their regular food over another 7 days.
No, do not give Immodium, Pepto-Bismol or other over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication without consulting your vet. These can make diarrhea worse or cause harmful side effects in dogs.
Try mixing broth, canned food, or pedialyte with their water to increase palatability. Make “doggy ice pops” from blended wet food or broth frozen in molds for hydration. Use a syringe or your hand to gently put water in their mouth. Call your vet if they remain unable to keep liquids down.
Give 1-4 tablespoons of canned pure pumpkin per day based on your dog’s size. Start with smaller amounts. Too much can cause loose stool. Look for 100% pumpkin without added sugars.
Do not give Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, or other over-the-counter stomach medications to dogs without consulting your vet first. These can have harmful effects and may make gastrointestinal issues worse in canines.
Conclusion – Soothe Your Bulldog’s Stomach Sensitivity
Sensitive stomachs can disrupt life for both you and your bulldog. While it may require some trial and error, making dietary changes, administering probiotics, increasing hydration and reducing stress can help get your bulldog’s digestion back on track.
Work closely with your veterinarian if symptoms persist or become severe. But in many cases, these simple at-home remedies can gently soothe your bulldog’s stomach issues and have them feeling better in less than a week.
With your love and commitment to implementing these vet-recommended tips, you can help your bulldog’s tummy troubles resolve quickly. We wish you and your bulldog comfort, happiness and good health!
