Most pet owners do the right thing by their dog. You feed them, walk them, cuddle them, and keep an eye on their health. But sometimes, it is the small everyday habits that quietly cause stomach upsets without you realising.
Tummy trouble does not always come from something obvious or dramatic. Often, it is caused by well-meaning routines that seem harmless at the time.
Here are five common pet care habits that can accidentally upset your dog’s stomach, and what to watch for.
1. Changing food too quickly
Switching your dog’s food suddenly is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea and vomiting. Even if the new food is high quality, your dog’s gut needs time to adjust.
Dogs thrive on consistency. When food changes happen overnight, the digestive system struggles to keep up, which can lead to loose stools, gas, or discomfort.
If you need to change food, it is best to do it slowly over several days. Gradually mixing the new food with the old gives your dog’s gut time to adapt.
2. Too many treats, scraps, or “just this once” extras
It is easy to forget how much variety your dog’s stomach is dealing with. A few treats here, a bite of dinner there, and suddenly their gut is under pressure.
Fatty foods, leftovers, and unfamiliar snacks can trigger diarrhoea or vomiting, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs. Even healthy treats can cause issues if given too often.
Consistency matters. Treats should be occasional, appropriate for dogs, and part of an overall balanced routine.
3. Stressful changes to routine
Dogs feel stress just like people do, and their stomachs often show it first. Changes such as visitors, holidays, schedule shifts, loud environments, or even a new walking route can affect digestion.
Stress-related tummy trouble often shows up as loose stools, loss of appetite, or grass eating. It is easy to miss the connection if nothing else seems wrong.
Keeping routines as steady as possible and easing dogs into changes can help reduce stress on their digestive system.
4. Skipping parasite protection or preventative care
Parasites are not always obvious. Worms and other parasites can quietly irritate the gut long before serious symptoms appear.
Signs can include inconsistent stools, bloating, weight changes, or general tummy discomfort. Skipping regular preventative care can allow these issues to build over time.
Staying on top of routine protection helps support gut health and prevents avoidable digestive problems.
5. Ignoring early warning signs
One soft stool might not seem like a big deal. A day of mild diarrhoea can be easy to brush off. But repeated small signs often mean something is brewing.
Early warning signs include changes in stool consistency, increased gas, reduced appetite, licking lips, or unusual behaviour around food.
Paying attention early and making small adjustments can prevent minor issues from turning into bigger problems.
When tummy trouble is worth checking
Occasional stomach upsets can happen, but ongoing or severe symptoms should not be ignored.
It is time to seek advice if your dog has:
- Diarrhoea lasting more than a day
- Repeated vomiting
- Blood or mucus in stool
- Lethargy or loss of appetite
- Signs of pain or discomfort
Trust your instincts. You know what is normal for your dog.
Summary
Many cases of tummy trouble come from everyday habits rather than serious illness. Sudden food changes, too many treats, stress, missed preventative care, and ignoring early signs can all affect your dog’s digestion. Small changes to routine and paying attention early can go a long way in keeping your dog comfortable and healthy.
