9 Quick Remedies for Digestive Problems in Older Dogs
As your dog gets older, you might notice their stomach isn’t quite what it used to be. Senior dogs often develop digestive issues that can leave both you and your furry friend feeling frustrated and worried.
Most digestive problems in older dogs can be managed with simple, gentle remedies you can try at home. From adjusting their diet to creating a calmer environment, small changes really can make a difference.
Understanding what’s happening with your dog’s digestion—and knowing which remedies work best—helps you give them the comfort they deserve in their golden years.
1) Switch to a high-quality senior dog food formulated for sensitive digestion
Your older dog’s stomach just doesn’t handle food the way it used to. Like us, dogs get more sensitive digestion as they age.
Maybe you’ve seen your senior pup have more upset stomachs or loose stools lately. That’s usually a sign it’s time to rethink their food.
Look for senior dog foods with real meat as the first ingredient. High-quality protein that’s easy to digest matters a lot now.
Skip foods with rich proteins, heavy oils, or lots of fat—even if they say „premium“ on the bag. Those can overwhelm an older dog’s slower digestive system.
Pick formulas with prebiotics and probiotics. These boost digestive health and support the immune system.
If your dog’s been eating the same food for years, don’t worry about switching now. Their needs change, and what worked at five might not work at ten.
Some dogs do better with grain-free options, but not every senior needs to skip grains. It really depends on your dog.
Transition slowly, over a week or so. Mix more of the new food into the old each day, so their stomach can adjust.
2) Offer a 12-24 hour fast, ensuring fresh water is always available
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your senior dog’s upset stomach is just let it rest. A short fast gives the digestive system a chance to reset.
Try a 12-hour fast for small or fragile seniors. Larger, healthy dogs can usually handle up to 24 hours without food.
Remove all food, treats, and scraps—yep, even if they beg. You’re actually helping them recover, even if it feels mean.
Always keep fresh water available. Dehydration is dangerous, especially for older dogs who already feel lousy.
If your dog has diabetes, heart problems, or needs meds with food, skip this one. When in doubt, check with your vet first.
After fasting, start with tiny portions of bland food. Boiled chicken and rice is usually a safe bet.
Watch for improvement during the fast. Often, things settle down once the system gets a break.
3) Add small amounts of canned pumpkin to soothe constipation and promote digestion
Canned pumpkin works wonders for older dogs with constipation. The fiber adds bulk, making stools easier to pass.
Start small—one to three tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin mixed into their food. No pumpkin pie filling! That stuff has sugar and spices that can make things worse.
Pumpkin’s soluble fiber helps regulate bowel movements naturally. It can actually help with both constipation and loose stools.
Use a little at first, then increase if needed. Too much pumpkin can cause diarrhea or mess with their nutrition.
Mix it right into their kibble or wet food. Most dogs like the taste, so you probably won’t get any complaints.
If things don’t improve after a few days, call your vet. Sometimes constipation points to bigger health issues.
4) Try ginger in small doses to calm nausea and reduce upset stomach
Ginger can gently ease nausea or stomach upset in older dogs. It works by calming the stomach directly.
Try offering a tiny amount of fresh ginger. Its anti-inflammatory properties help settle the stomach and reduce queasiness.
Make a weak ginger tea by steeping a small piece of ginger in hot water, then let it cool completely. Offer your dog a few sips.
You can also grate a pinch of fresh ginger and mix it into their food. Start with a tiny bit and watch how your dog reacts.
Don’t overdo it—too much ginger can upset their stomach more. Less is definitely more here.
If your dog seems to like ginger and it helps, use it occasionally for mild digestive issues. Stop if symptoms get worse.
5) Include probiotic supplements like FortiFlora to help balance gut bacteria
Your older dog’s gut bacteria can get out of whack with age. Probiotics like FortiFlora really help restore that balance.
FortiFlora has beneficial bacteria that support healthy digestion. The main strain, Enterococcus faecium, does a lot of the heavy lifting.
You can give FortiFlora daily, even when your dog seems fine. It’s kind of like taking vitamins—about prevention as much as treatment.
The supplement comes in little packets you sprinkle over food. Most dogs don’t mind the taste at all.
If your senior dog often has loose stools or tummy troubles, probiotics can help firm things up. They crowd out bad bacteria and boost the immune system.
Talk to your vet before starting any probiotic. They’ll help you pick the right one and check for any possible interactions with other meds.
6) Feed smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overwhelming your dog’s digestive system
Older dogs just don’t digest big meals like they used to. Their system needs a gentler approach.
Instead of one or two big meals, split their food into two or three smaller portions each day. It’s easier on their stomach.
Smaller meals mean less strain on their digestive organs. This is extra helpful if your dog has pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease.
You’ll probably notice your dog feels better after eating less at once. Big meals can cause bloating, gas, or upset stomachs.
If your dog eats twice a day now, just split those meals in half and feed four times instead. Keep the total food amount the same—just spread it out.
This routine also keeps their blood sugar steadier. Your dog’s energy will stay more even throughout the day.
7) Use a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice during upset stomach episodes
When your senior dog’s stomach acts up, a bland diet can really help. Boiled chicken and white rice is the classic go-to.
This combo is super easy for older dogs to digest. It’s gentle on their stomach and still gives them some nutrients.
Boil skinless chicken breast until it’s cooked through. Shred it up and make sure there’s no skin or bones left.
Cook white rice until it’s soft. Mix one part chicken with two parts rice.
Serve at room temperature in small amounts. If your dog turns up their nose, try making the rice a little mushier.
Feed this bland diet for a couple of days, then gradually mix in their regular food as things improve.
8) Keep stress low by maintaining a consistent routine and a calm environment
Stress really messes with your senior dog’s digestion. When they feel anxious, their stomach often pays the price.
Dogs love routine, but older dogs need it even more. Predictable meal times, walks, and bedtimes help them feel secure.
Try to feed your dog at the same times each day. Keep their bed and bowls in familiar spots.
If you need to change things up, do it slowly over several days. Sudden changes or loud noises can set off digestive problems.
Create quiet spaces where your dog can escape when things get overwhelming. You might notice tummy troubles before vet visits or during storms—stress is a big trigger.
Play gentle music or keep the house calm during meals. Your relaxed vibe helps your dog stay chill too.
9) Elevate food and water bowls to ease swallowing and digestion
If your older dog struggles at mealtime, try raising their bowls. Elevated bowls take pressure off their neck and joints.
Bending down to floor-level bowls can hurt, especially if your dog has arthritis or back pain. Raised bowls make eating and drinking more comfortable.
Food moves down more easily when your dog doesn’t have to crane their neck. Swallowing gets smoother and more natural.
You might see less gas and bloating, too. Eating from elevated bowls helps some dogs take in less air.
Pick a bowl height that’s about level with your dog’s chest. Adjustable feeders are handy if you have dogs of different sizes.
If your dog eats less or seems uncomfortable, an elevated feeder might make mealtime enjoyable again.
Digestive Issues in Senior Dogs
As your dog gets older, their digestive system becomes more sensitive and prone to problems. Age-related changes in gut function, combined with a weaker immune system, make older dogs more likely to experience stomach upset and food sensitivities.
Why Do Older Dogs Develop Sensitive Stomachs?
Your senior dog’s digestion changes a lot with age. The gut-brain connection gets more reactive, so stress affects their stomach more than it used to.
Physical changes happen throughout their digestive tract. Their stomach produces less acid, which makes breaking down food tougher. The intestinal walls get thinner and more sensitive.
Their immune system weakens, too. That leaves them open to bacterial infections and food intolerances they could brush off when younger.
Stress starts to play a bigger role than you might expect. Changes in routine, loud noises, or even separation anxiety can trigger digestive problems for seniors. If you have two dogs, maybe the older one gets an upset stomach during storms while the younger one is just fine.
Medications for other conditions, like pain meds or antibiotics, can also irritate their stomach.
Common Signs of Digestive Distress
Look for these warning signs that your older dog is having digestive trouble:
Appetite changes often show up first. Your dog might eat less, skip meals, or seem interested in food but walk away.
Bathroom habits give you clues, too:
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Constipation or straining
- More frequent trips outside
- Accidents in the house
Physical symptoms you might see:
- Vomiting or dry heaving
- Excessive drooling
- Restlessness or pacing
- Hunched posture
- Whining or discomfort
Some dogs eat grass more or look for cool places to lie down. Maybe yours drinks more water or seems tired after eating.
Behavioral changes—like hiding, skipping walks, or being less social—can also point to digestive issues.
How Aging Affects Digestion
Aging changes every part of your dog’s digestive system. Knowing what’s happening helps you understand why problems pop up.
Metabolism slows down a lot in senior dogs. They need fewer calories but sometimes keep eating the same amount, which can lead to weight gain and digestive stress.
Enzyme production drops as dogs age. Their pancreas makes fewer digestive enzymes, so fats and proteins get harder to process.
Gut bacteria shift, too. Good bacteria decrease, while bad ones can take over.
Muscle tone weakens in the digestive tract. Food moves more slowly, causing constipation or irregular bowel movements.
Medications for arthritis or other age-related issues can slow digestion even more and irritate the stomach lining.
When to Consult Your Vet
Some digestive issues need a vet’s help, especially if you spot certain warning signs. Knowing what to ask can help you get the best care for your senior dog.
Red Flags That Need Immediate Attention
Call your vet right away if your senior dog shows any of these symptoms:
Vomiting or diarrhea that sticks around for more than 24 hours
Blood in vomit or stool
Signs of severe dehydration, like sticky gums or sunken eyes
Complete loss of appetite for over a day
Older dogs just don’t bounce back from illness the way younger pups do. They can get dehydrated much faster, too.
Seek emergency care if your dog seems to be in serious pain. Watch for panting, restlessness, or a hunched posture.
These signs might point to a blockage or something else urgent. If your dog tries to vomit but nothing comes up, that could be bloat.
Bloat is a life-threatening emergency. Don’t wait—get help right away.
Questions to Ask at Your Next Vet Visit
Come with details about your dog’s symptoms. Jot down when the digestive problems began and how often they show up.
Ask your vet these questions:
„Could my dog’s medication be causing stomach upset?“
„Should I switch to a senior-specific diet?“
„How often should we do checkups given these digestive issues?“
„Are there warning signs I should watch for at home?“
If you can, bring a fresh stool sample. Your vet can check it for parasites or other hidden issues.
Let your vet know about any changes in your dog’s routine, diet, or behavior. Even small changes might help your vet figure out what’s really going on.
