Introduction
Shih Tzus are a popular breed of dog known for their small size, long hair, and big personalities. However, even these furry friends can get sick from time to time. One of the most common problems that Shih Tzus experience is an upset stomach.
There are many different things that can cause an upset stomach in a Shih Tzu, including eating something they shouldn’t, a change in diet, or a virus or bacteria. If your Shih Tzu has an upset stomach, it’s important to take steps to help them feel better. One of the most important things you can do is to feed them a bland diet.
What is a Bland Diet?
A bland diet is a simple, easy-to-digest diet that is low in fat and fiber. It’s designed to help soothe an upset stomach and allow the digestive system to rest. There are a few different ingredients that you can use to create a bland diet for your Shih Tzu, including:
White rice: White rice is a good source of carbohydrates and is easily digestible.
Chicken: Chicken is a lean protein that is also easy to digest.
Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a good source of fiber and can help to firm up stool.
Yogurt: Yogurt is a good source of probiotics, which can help to restore the balance of bacteria in the gut.
How to Feed a Bland Diet to Your Shih Tzu
To feed a bland diet to your Shih Tzu, you can either cook the ingredients yourself or purchase a pre-made bland diet. If you’re cooking the ingredients yourself, you’ll want to boil the rice and chicken until they’re soft. Then, you can mash them together and add a small amount of pumpkin or yogurt.
If you’re purchasing a pre-made bland diet, there are a few different brands available. Just be sure to choose a diet that is specifically designed for dogs with upset stomachs.
How Long to Feed a Bland Diet
The length of time that you’ll need to feed your Shih Tzu a bland diet will vary depending on the severity of their upset stomach. In most cases, you’ll need to feed them a bland diet for 1-3 days. If their symptoms don’t improve after 3 days, you’ll need to take them to the vet.
Once your Shih Tzu’s upset stomach has improved, you can start to slowly reintroduce their regular food. However, it’s important to do this gradually. Start by mixing a small amount of their regular food with their bland food. Then, gradually increase the amount of their regular food over the next few days.
If your Shih Tzu has a sensitive stomach, you may need to keep them on a bland diet for a longer period of time. However, most Shih Tzus will be able to return to their regular diet after a few days.
Here are some additional tips for feeding a Shih Tzu with an upset stomach:
Offer your Shih Tzu small, frequent meals. This will help to prevent their stomach from becoming too full.
Make sure your Shih Tzu has plenty of water to drink. Dehydration can worsen an upset stomach.
Avoid giving your Shih Tzu any treats or table scraps while they’re on a bland diet. These foods can irritate their stomach and make their symptoms worse.
If your Shih Tzu’s upset stomach doesn’t improve after 3 days, or if they have any other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, take them to the vet.
Conclusion
A bland diet is a safe and effective way to help your Shih Tzu feel better if they have an upset stomach. By following the tips in this article, you can help your furry friend get back to their normal self in no time.
Additional Information
Here are some other foods that can help soothe an upset stomach in a Shih Tzu:
Bone broth: Bone broth is a good source of nutrients and can help to coat the stomach.
Slippery elm: Slippery elm is a natural remedy that can help to soothe inflammation in the stomach.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that can help to restore the balance of bacteria in the gut.
If you’re not sure what to feed your Shih Tzu, or if their symptoms don’t improve after a few days, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian. They can help you create a personalized diet plan for your dog and make sure that they’re getting the nutrients they need.
