A chihuahua’s stomach is very sensitive, and even a small upset stomach can turn devastating for your dog. It is necessary to keep track of your chihuahua’s eating and elimination habits so that you can spot an upset stomach at the earliest. Illness can set in quickly in chihuahuas with upset stomachs, and small intestinal issues or food sensitivities can lead to stress.
In this piece, we will try to solve this issue with the best efforts in case you are running out of time.
PICKY EATER VS UPSET STOMACH
When talking about our pets, we want them to be healthy and happy. That’s why we are always looking for new ways to improve our pup’s life. From making confident your chihuahua has a good diet to giving her lots of love and attention, it’s important that we do everything we can as pet owners. But sometimes, feeding our chihuahuas can be difficult!
If your chihuahua is being picky about its food or having upset stomachs more often than usual, don’t worry. In this section, I’ll teach you how to determine whether these symptoms are caused by an allergy or simply part of your chihuahua’s personality traits!
π Picky eater
A picky eater will definitely eat less than the recommended amount of food. He may also reject to eat at all, and if he does, it’s only when he feels like it and not necessarily in response to hunger cues.
Picky eaters often prefer canned food to kibble, and they tend to take their time eating it. They won’t wolf down their food in one go but rather eat a little bit at a time throughout the day. The food is often not eaten all at once. Instead, it’s broken up into smaller portions that are consumed every few hours or so.
>>They eat less than the recommended amount of food.
If your chihuahua isn’t eating enough, it won’t get enough nutrients, and its body will not function properly. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including being overweight or underweight, which can result in chronic illness later on in life. Your chihuahua may also be a picky eater if it doesn’t have an appetite because it’s sick or has too much going on in its life. So it’s important that you don’t assume that pickiness is just “part of growing up” when it might actually be something more serious.
>>They eat whenever they feel like it.
Chihuahuas eat when they are hungry, not on a schedule. They don’t know what time it is and don’t care if you have to wait 10 minutes for them to finish their meal so you can eat yours! Some chihuahuas eat in the morning, some at night, and some all day long. You just have to figure out and choose which one of those works best for your chihuahua by watching for signs of hunger (such as panting) or fullness (like licking their lips or scratching).
>>They prefer canned food to kibble.
Canned food is not as healthy as kibble. If youβre feeding your chihuahua canned food, you might want to consider switching to a high-quality kibble instead.
Kibble is easier to store and travel with than canned food. Canned foods are more expensive and are less convenient for travel. They also take up more space in the pantry or in your suitcase when you travel with your chihuahua on vacation. Canned foods are often difficult for chihuahuas who suffer from upset stomachs or digestive issues due to their high-fat content and hard-to-digest ingredients such as corn syrup and artificial coloring agents.
>>The food is not eaten all at once.
If your chihuahua is picky and only eats a small portion of its food at one time, it could be an upset stomach. If your chihuahua is throwing up, he or she may have an upset stomach as well. However, if your chihuahua eats a small portion of its food but then takes a long time to finish eating the rest of its meal, this could also mean that it is having trouble digesting its food and are therefore more likely to throw it back up again later on in the day or even overnight!
π Upset stomach
If your chihuahua is experiencing an upset stomach, there are many things you can do to help them feel better. Having a chihuahua with an upset stomach is very different compared to just being a picky eater. An upset stomach may indicate that there is something wrong with your chihuahua’s internals.
>>They eat, but one hour later, they throw it up or have diarrhea.
It is possible that your chihuahua may be suffering from a food allergy, a parasite, a bacterial infection, a viral, or a fungal infection. It is also possible that your chihuahua has a tumor in its stomach. All these need to be checked by your vet and treated accordingly.
>>They’re not interested in their food at all and don’t want to eat it or eat only a very small portion of it.
If your chihuahua is not eating its usual amount, it could be a sign that it is sick. It might also be grieving in response to the loss of a family member or friend. Or it may be stressed out by something at home or in its environment. If you have any reason to believe that your chihuahua might not feel well, don’t hesitate to take it to the vet clinic right away!
If your chihuahua doesn’t want any food at all, this could mean one of two things: either it’s bored with regular kibble and is looking for an alternative diet, or it’s really hungry! So if you think this is the case, try giving your chihuahua some delicious treats and see if that gets it interested again. If not…well, then maybe it’s time for some new toys!
Chihuahuas need variety in their lives just like humans do. Having too much fun with one thing can lead them astray from their normal routine and cause them anxiety about missing out on other opportunities. The good news is that you can try changing their diet and see if that helps. If itβs an allergy, try a grain-free pet food for a couple of weeks to see if that helps! If you are still having a crisis with your pup, take them to your vet for an examination.
SIGNS OF AN UPSET STOMACH
Chihuahuas are adorable, but they’re also high-maintenance. If you own a chihuahua, chances are you know all about their crabby disposition and dainty stomachs. But how do you know when something’s bad with your chihuahua? Here are some common signs that might indicate an upset stomach in your pup:
π Belching or passing gas
Chihuahuas are known for their flatulence, an annoyance that we chihuahua owners have learned to live with. While you might think it’s cute when your little dog farts on your face, it’s not so funny when he does so in public. If you’re concerned about how much gas your chihuahua is producing, here’s how to tell if he’s gassy:
- Look for signs like excessive farting or pooping, which could indicate stomach discomfort or pain (if they’re not feeling well).
- Be aware of changes in behavior. For example, they may be more lethargic than usual or seem nervous around other animals because of their discomfort. The best way to keep track of these things is through daily observation and communication with other pet owners who have experience with gassiness issues themselves, such as those who own small dogs like chihuahuas.
π Benign vomiting
Vomiting is a common symptom of an upset stomach. However, it’s not always a sign of a serious problem. Vomiting can be caused by several things, including:
- Food poisoning
- A change in diet (such as eating high-fat foods)
- Dietary indiscretion (eating something your chihuahua is allergic to or that isn’t good for your chihuahua, like junk food)
π Coughing
Coughing is a sign of an upset stomach in a chihuahua. This may tell that there are some obstructions in its stomach area that your chihuahua is trying to remove through coughing.
π Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common sign of an upset stomach. It can also be caused by more serious issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food poisoning, and other intestinal diseases. If your chihuahua has diarrhea that lasts more than two days, contact your vet right away.
Diarrhea can be caused by many things:
- Eating too much fiber at once
- Drinking too many fluids at once
- Stress or anxiety
- Toxins in food or drinks (from eating bad fish)
π Distressed breathing
If your chihuahua is breathing rapidly and heavily, it may have an upset stomach. In these cases, you need to get your chihuahua to the vet as soon as possible because it’s a competition between life and death. The vet can administer medication that will help settle the stomach and ensure that your furry friend doesn’t die from this condition.
π Esophageal reflux
Esophageal reflux occurs when the stomach contents flow backward into the esophagus. It can cause heartburn, vomiting, and coughing in chihuahuas. He may also become lethargic or anxious, depending on the degree of irritation caused by this condition. While it’s not always easy to detect if your dog has a problem with reflux, some signs are obvious, like the symptoms mentioned above.
π Weakness and lethargy
Weakness and lethargy are signs of a serious illness. If your chihuahua has these symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
In some cases, weakness and lethargy can be caused by something as benign as a cold or a food-borne illness. However, they can also be indications that something more serious is going on inside your chihuahua’s body, like heart failure or renal failure.
Heart failure arises when the heart is not already capable to pump enough blood to meet your chihuahua’s body needs. While kidney disease occurs when the kidneys fail to filter waste from the bloodstream. As such, if your chihuahua experiences weakness and lethargy along with other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, it could mean that there’s something wrong with your chihuahua’s digestive system, or even worse!
POSSIBLE REASONS FOR AN UPSET STOMACH
If your chihuahua is vomiting or having diarrhea, it can be very distressing. You should be able to determine the cause of his upset stomach by monitoring his activities and behavior. Keep a diary of what he ate and when, as well as any symptoms that you may notice. If he is sick after eating wheat or dairy products, eliminate those items from your chihuahua’s own diet until you can figure out what is causing the problem.
You might need to be careful about some common foods, such as popcorn, which can contain mold spores that can induce an allergic reaction in some chihuahuas.
The good news is that most cases of upset stomach in chihuahuas are not serious and can be easily treated. If you’re seeing symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea and want to know what’s causing them, here are some things to look out for:
π Stress
In addition to the physiological causes listed above, stress can be a major cause of an upset stomach. Stressors such as moving, a new dog or cat, having a baby in the household, and adding another person to your household can all lead your chihuahua to digestive issues.
π New dog food
If you’re trying to look for reasons why your chihuahua got an upset stomach, it’s important to consider the possibility that it was from the new food. To determine if this is a possibility, try these steps:
- Make sure your chihuahua has been eating this new food for at least a week before introducing any other foods. If your chihuahua has had only one meal of the new food, they are more likely to react badly to it than if they have already grown accustomed to eating it regularly.
- Watch for symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling, or vomiting within 30 minutes of eating their meal. If you suspect an allergy, consult with a veterinarian before continuing with the trial diet plan.
π Something your chihuahua ate
If your chihuahua has a stomachache, it’s important to figure out what could have caused it. The most common rationales for upset stomachs in chihuahuas are eating too fast or eating something he shouldn’t have eaten.
If you know what (and how much) your chihuahua ate, this will make it easier for the vet to diagnose the problem. The sooner you take him to the vet after the symptoms occur, the better his chances of recovery will be.
π An intolerance or sensitivity
A food intolerance is a digestive disorder that causes unpleasant symptoms after eating a specific type of food. The symptoms may include stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, and nausea.
If your chihuahua has a food intolerance, its body is unable to break down certain types of carbohydrates found in milk sugar (lactose), fructose sugar, and other sugars such as glucose. This can cause gas or bloating when these foods are eaten because undigested foods pass through your chihuahua’s gastrointestinal tract too quickly for absorption by the intestines.
π Overeating or eating grass
Overeating can be a source of an upset stomach. Eating grass is not a good source of nutrition, and it may cause an upset stomach. Keep in mind that devouring large amounts of grass can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive problems.
This means that you have to watch your chihuahua’s way of eating. Eating too much or too little can both lead to digestive issues. If your chihuahua has a sensitive stomach, you might notice this in the form of pain or discomfort when its stomach gets full or empty. This could also be accompanied by nausea or vomiting if it gets worse over time.
π A food allergy
Food allergies are responsible for the symptoms listed above. If your chihuahua is allergic to a particular food, its body will react to it as if it were an opportunistic virus or bacteria. This can result in vomiting, diarrhea, or an upset stomach.
If your chihuahua has a food allergy, eating the food that causes the reaction may cause:
- Itching
- Hives (a bumpy rash)
- Redness around the mouth or eyes
- Swelling of the lips or tongue
Or all of these symptoms together!
MANAGING CHIHUAHUA’S UPSET STOMACH (FAQs)
π What should I do with my chihuahua with an upset stomach?
To help determine what is causing your chihuahua’s upset stomach, first, you need to pay attention to their eating habits. Is the chihuahua throwing up immediately after eating? Or do they have a few days of good eating before throwing up? If it’s the latter, then there may be something else going on.
If it’s food-related, stop feeding the chihuahua anything new until you can figure out what caused this reaction. However, suppose you’ve been giving your canine companion the same exact food for a while (and haven’t noticed any changes). In that case, an upset tummy could be a sign of illness or injury which requires veterinary attention.
If your chihuahua starts vomiting repeatedly or shows signs of diarrhea along with an upset stomach, contact a veterinarian right away!
π What should I give to a chihuahua with an upset stomach?
If you have a chihuahua with an upset stomach, there are some simple things you can do to help your dog feel better.
Give your chihuahua something to eat or drink. You can offer them their regular food, or if they don’t want to eat that, then try a bland diet of rice, white bread, and boiled chicken for 3-4 days and see if it helps them feel better.
Keep also your chihuahua hydrated. If possible, give your chihuahua water regularly throughout the day to make sure they are drinking enough fluid and staying hydrated. A lot of chihuahuas will drink when they’re thirsty, but others may not, so it’s important to keep an eye on how considerably water they are drinking each day just in case they need more than usual due to being sick like this!
Let your pup rest in a warm place while they recover from being ill. Give them somewhere quiet where there aren’t any distractions, and elevate the bed if necessary.
π What do you give to a chihuahua when it has diarrhea?
If your chihuahua has diarrhea, the first thing to do is to feed it a bland diet. This means that you should only give him or her a little bit of food at a time and make sure that it’s soft enough to eat easily. Feeding small amounts every few hours will help keep the chihuahua from getting dehydrated, preventing any other health problems such as hypovolemic shock, which happens when too much fluid leaves the body.
If your chihuahua has diarrhea for more than two days, consult with your vet about what kind of medicated food might be best for their condition. There are several different types available, depending on how severe it is. Remember, always ask your vet before giving human medications or supplements because these can sometimes cause serious allergic reactions!
π Can I give my chihuahua yogurt for upset stomach and diarrhea?
No, chihuahuas with diarrhea should not eat yogurt. Yogurt is not a great source of protein or fat, which is important when your chihuahua has loose stools. It can also cause acidosis in chihuahuas with upset stomachs, and it’s best to avoid giving it to them altogether.
π What can I feed my chihuahua with an upset stomach and diarrhea?
It is important to give your chihuahua various sources of energy, such as protein, so that you may prevent it from being lethargic.
- Bananas
- Rice
- Canned pumpkin
- Cooked chicken (or white fish or ground beef)
- Cooked pasta, rice, and barley
π How long can a chihuahua go without eating while sick?
The fact is chihuahuas are very resilient and can often survive for quite some time even when they are not eating. Some chihuahuas will actually eat grass as a way of dealing with an upset stomach. This is usually because the grass helps them to pass any blockage in their intestines or bowels. But too much grass can also cause an upset stomach, so always focus on your chihuahua’s way of eating!
BOTTOM LINE
The chihuahua’s stomach problems can make it very hard for them to digest food, which in the worst cases can lead to death. What happens then is that the chihuahua might spit out the food because of the stomach upset. The best way to relieve this digestive problem, call your vet right away. This is the most promising way of solving the issue instead of giving your chihuahua sets of food that may worsen the situation.
To know how much water you must give to your chihuahua, click here.
Here at ILoveChihuahua, we share our personal experiences as owners of this feisty breed. We talk about recommended methods, dog supplies picks, and advice on common Chihuahua problems. Our goal is to promote responsible dog ownership, so there would be fewer Chihuahuas in shelters.