Burping dog with upset stomach

[4horses]

One of my dogs has a history of having an upset stomach. She burps, gags, and eats grass, but still has a good appetite. No vomiting. No diarrhea. Sometimes when this happens she chews on the carpet- similar to trying to eat grass. I don’t think she actually has eaten any carpeting- she usually starts by licking the carpet.

The symptoms come and go. She has months with no symptoms at all. I’ve taken her to the vet before. They did an exam but didn’t find anything or have any recommendations for treatment. Just said to take her back if and when they recur.

Today she started again. I gave her ranitidine and she seems better, but I’m a little worried about giving her supper.

Thoughts? No fever, capillary refill is good. Right now she is sleeping in her crate so she doesn’t seem to uncomfortable.

I’m starting to think it might be that the dog food isn’t agreeing with her. Her symptoms usually get worse after supper. My other dog seems unaffected.

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[Simkie]

I think that dogs and cats can get sour or ulcery bellies, just like people or ponies. I’m treating a young cat right now…he presented with vomiting over night and a sour, acid smelling litter box. Famotidine before bed resolves both.

If ranitidine clears up the symptoms, continue with that for a couple weeks or a month, and see what happens when you come off. More investigation at the vet might be warranted if symptoms return, and/or a longer course. But it’s not unreasonable to just keep her on the ranitidine for a little while to see if that resolves her discomfort.

[MDMom]

I like ForteFlora when a dog’s digestive system is just a little off. You might want to consider switching dog food too to something like ProPlan senstive stomach and skin to see if it makes a difference.

[S1969]

I agree I would think about switching food. What are you feeding now?

Usually if a dog has acid or reflux the symptoms improve by feeding something - e.g. it is recommended to feed mid-day for a dog like that, rather than morning and evening - in order to ensure that they don’t have an empty stomach for too long.

So, if you see the opposite - symptoms increase after feeding, I would think about food being the cause.

[4horses]

Well, she’s better again. Not sure what to think. Maybe she is eating dirt outside or dead critters or bugs? She does hunt bugs.

[Lizrd]

I suspect my sensitive Boxer has this: bilious vomiting syndrome. She has symptoms that you describe and sometimes foams up some bile. I had another Boxer years ago who did this, too. I treat with famotadine (Pepcid). Neither dog has been diagnosed officially but Pepcid does seem to help. My suspicion is that it is an acidy belly for my dogs. My dog would do this before eating though and eating always helped - which is different than you describe. My only other thought would be pancreatitis if there was any dietary indiscretion for your dog. I have yet another Boxer who has that. He cannot tolerate ANY high fat treats, people food or fatty counter surfing surprises. Just something to consider if your girl gets into things.

https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/dr-coates/2014/june/feeding-dog-vomits-every-day-31825

[Houndhill]

One thing I do when one of mine has gas is give them a Gas-x capsule. You can also get simethicone (that’s what is in gas-x) for infants in a liquid form you give by dropper. Gas-x is always on hand and in my travel kit, as my breed is prone to bloat and torsion. I am happy to hear them burp or expell gas in any form, as when they don’t and it builds up, it can mean trouble. Sometimes they just swallow air.

Anyway the Gas-x will not prevent the problem, sounds like you still need to get to the cause, but can be helpful in treating the symptoms.

If your breed is prone to bloat (many deep chested mostly larger breeds) that is something to be aware of. Usually they will have signs of restlessness, or “nonproductive” gagging and vomiting, and you may feel abdominal distension. If you feel like this is happening, it is an emergency and you need to get to the vet right away.

It sounds like your dog is fortunately getting rid of her gas, yay! Just wanted to mention the possibility of bloat as kind of a public service announcement, not that it sounds like that is what is going on with your girl. But you might consider trying gas-x and see if it helps.

[maybedog]

I have a 7 year old pure mutt. For the past year he has had intermittent upset stomach, no appetite, looser stools but not diarrhea no vomiting. Usually all is well within 24 hours. He had bloodwork done last week and his cortisol level was low. I’m currently waiting for results from his ACTH stimulating testing to rule out Addisons Disease. Stomach issues can be an early sign. Otherwise he is completely asymptomatic for Addisons so until now it never crossed my mind. Might be something to think about.