Medications You Can Give a Dog for an Upset Stomach and Vomiting

Chances are your dog will have an upset stomach and vomit more than once in their lifetime. These issues typically don’t last long and usually resolve on their own. 

But if your dog’s tummy issues last more than 24 hours or involve frequent vomiting, they may need medication. Below we cover which medications help treat  upset stomach and vomiting for dogs. We’ll also talk about a few natural remedies and bland diet suggestions. 

What to give a dog for an upset stomach and vomiting

Antiemetics are medications used to treat dogs with an upset stomach and vomiting. Your veterinarian will prescribe the best one for your dog. They’ll do this based on symptoms, medical conditions, and other medications.

Maropitant (Cerenia)

Maropitant (Cerenia) is an FDA-approved medication that works by blocking nausea signals to a dog’s brain. Veterinarians  often prescribe it to prevent motion sickness. Maropitant is also effective for nausea and vomiting caused by digestive issues, such as:

• Gastroenteritis 

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Intestinal infections

• Pancreatitis

• Vestibular disease

Your dog will get maropitant once a day as a tablet or as needed by a veterinarian via injection.

Ondansetron (Zofran)

Ondansetron (Zofran) is a human medication that blocks nausea signals to the brain. In dogs, it can stop vomiting caused by food poisoning or infections. It can also prevent nausea from anesthesia and chemotherapy.

Ondansetron is prescribed off-label for dogs, and you’ll give it to them 2 to 3 times a day. It’s available in the following forms: 

• Tablet

• Oral disintegrating tablet

• Oral solution

• Injection

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Dolasetron (Anzemet)

Dolasetron (Anzemet) works much like ondansetron for dogs. The main difference between the two medications is that dolasetron lasts longer. So you’ll only need to give dolasetron once a day. It comes as a: 

• Tablet

• Oral disintegrating tablet

• Oral solution

• Injection

Metoclopramide (Reglan)

Metoclopramide (Reglan) is a medication that blocks the sensation of nausea in a dog’s brain. It can also improve stomach contractions to keep food moving through a dog’s digestive tract. This movement can help relieve nausea and vomiting.

Metocopramide is often given as a tablet 3 to 4 times a day for upset stomach caused by:

• Gastric motility disorders (inability to move food through the stomach at a normal pace)

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Antral and pyloric mucosal hypertrophy (thickening of the stomach lining)

• Other digestive disorders

Famotidine (Pepcid)

Famotidine (Pepcid) is a popular OTC human medication. It works by reducing stomach acid production. In dogs, it can treat an upset stomach caused by:

• Acidic stomach

• Esophagitis

• Gastric ulcers

• Gastric reflux

• Frequent vomiting

• Parvovirus

Prochlorperazine (Compazine)

Prochlorperazine (Compazine) is a human antipsychotic medication that can also help with nausea in people and dogs. It works by blocking nausea messages to the brain. 

Though it can help your dog stop vomiting, prochlorperazine has some side effects. It can sedate your dog and lower their blood pressure. Keep an eye on your dog for an hour after giving them this medication to ensure they don’t experience too many side effects. 

Ranitidine (Zantac)

Ranitidine (Zantac) is another human medication used to lower stomach acid production. It’s used to manage the following stomach conditions in dogs:

• Helicobacter (H. pylori) infection

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Parvovirus

• Stomach ulcers

• Vomiting

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are often used to manage allergies. But for dogs, they can also help with nausea and vomiting from motion sickness. Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are two antihistamines that block vomiting signals in the brain. 

Dimenhydrinate or diphenhydramine are typically given to a dog 30 minutes before a car ride. But before trying these OTC medications for your dog, talk to their veterinarian first. Your dog’s vet will be able to tell you how much to give your dog so they don’t get an overdose.

What are the best natural remedies for upset stomach in dogs?

Several natural remedies may ease your dog’s upset stomach. But it’s important to note that these alternatives will not stop a dog from vomiting. It’s also best to check with your veterinarian before trying a natural remedy.

Ginger

Some research suggests that ginger may help dogs manage nausea and vomiting, especially from motion sickness. But there isn’t a lot of evidence, so we don’t know how well it works for dogs or its possible side effects.

Ginger for dogs is available as a capsule or fresh root. These may work better than ginger-flavored products, such as chews or treats.

Electrolytes 

Electrolytes are essential minerals that play a vital role in a dog’s bodily functions. Potassium, magnesium, and calcium are examples of electrolytes.

When dogs throw up, they lose fluids, which can cause electrolyte imbalances. Replenishing electrolytes with small amounts of Pedialyte may help your dog feel better.

Probiotics

Probiotics are dietary supplements that contain billions of beneficial gut bacteria. These bacteria promote gut health and may relieve some digestive issues in dogs. 

Should you change your dog’s diet?

Temporarily changing your dog’s diet may also soothe their upset stomach. You may want to try the following strategies.

Bland diet 

Feed your dog a bland diet consisting of cooked white rice with boiled, skinless chicken, fish, or turkey breast. Low-fat cottage cheese is another option. Low-fat foods are easier for dogs to digest and can help empty the stomach faster.

Small meals

Give your dog small meals every few hours. Avoid table scraps, raw meat, and high-fat foods. See a veterinarian if your dog’s issues don’t resolve after a day or two, or if they get worse.

When should you see a vet about upset stomach or vomiting?

When a dog has an upset stomach or vomiting, it usually resolves on its own. But if you notice the following signs, see a veterinarian right away:

• Loss of appetite or thirst

• Lack of energy

• Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours

• Blood in their vomit or diarrhea

• You suspect they ate something toxic or a foreign object

What causes upset stomach and vomiting for dogs?

Many things can contribute to why your dog might have an upset stomach or is vomiting. For example, their curious noses could lead them to something toxic in the house or yard. Or they could scarf down their food or water too fast. 

Medical conditions can also make your dog vomit. Common conditions that cause queasiness include:

• Bloat

• Constipation

• Food sensitivities or allergies

• Gastritis (stomach inflammation)

• Intestinal parasites

• Obstruction in their digestive system

• Parvovirus

• Ulcers

Vomiting is also a common side effect of many medications. Ask your veterinarian if any medications your dog takes could be causing their upset stomach.

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Written by:

Ana Gascon

Ana Gascon has over 15 years of writing and editing experience, with 8 years in health and medical content work. She is a versatile health and medical content creator who writes about acute conditions, chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and health equity.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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