Bichon Frise (detailed introduction)

What to do if Bichon Frise dog has indigestion?

Don't laugh, dogs can have indigestion just like humans. Once indigestion occurs, dogs can vomit and have diarrhea, feeling very uncomfortable. Below in the dog knowledge section, we will introduce the symptoms of indigestion in Bichon Frise dogs and what to do if your dog has indigestion.

1. Why does the Bichon Frise dog have indigestion?

Generally speaking, Bichon Frise indigestion is related to improper feeding and management, mainly inconsistent hunger and fullness, or overeating.

Sometimes it is because the owners are rather lazy, not paying attention to exercise the little Bichon Frise, and when watching TV or browsing dog-selling websites, afraid the dog will disturb them, they buy a bunch of dog food, treats, cream cakes... letting the dog eat non-stop. Such dogs are very prone to indigestion. Sometimes it is because the owner is too much doting on the dog.

Being busy, having to work without time to take care of the Bichon Frise, the owner gives the dog one big meal in the morning to stuff it full, then after work feeling pity and love for the dog, makes a bunch of tasty food, like bones, meat chunks, again feeding the dog to fullness. This also easily causes indigestion in dogs. Poor food quality, food too cold in winter, food kept too long and spoiled in summer, unclean or infrequently disinfected utensils are also causes of illness in dogs.

2. Symptoms of Bichon Frise dog indigestion

Once a Bichon Frise dog has indigestion, it generally shows symptoms similar to humans: vomiting and diarrhea.

Initially the vomit consists of chyme, then foam-like mucus and gastric juice. Depending on the pathological nature, the vomit may contain blood, bile and mucosal fragments.

Loose stools initially are a mixture of water and feces, later becoming watery, sometimes mixed with tissue fragments and blood. Bichons with indigestion may show mild abdominal pain, crouch in a cold, dark place, tense abdomen, have mild yellowish-white tongue coating, rapid dehydration, dark yellow urine. The illness course generally lasts about 2 to 5 days before recovery.

3. Treatment methods for Bichon Frise indigestion

If the Bichon has indigestion, the owner should stop feeding for one day, then after 24 hours feed the dog easily digestible liquid foods such as vegetable soup or porridge.

Food should be cooked thoroughly, with a variety of types, combining coarse and fine grains, e.g., alternating rice, noodles, corn, sweet potatoes, celery, carrots, cabbage, cooked meat, bone broth, ensuring balanced nutrient intake for growth and development. Processed cooked meat products like ham sausages should not be fed frequently.

It is appropriate to give fruits, which is especially important for puppies.

Food must be kept fresh to prevent freezing and spoilage. Feeding utensils should be cleaned and disinfected after each use and not shared with other dogs. Prevention mainly relies on correct feeding and management methods.

Feed at regular times and fixed amounts. For puppies under one year old, feed 4-5 times a day, adults 2-3 times. If dehydration is severe, intravenous sugar-salt solution, saline, or compound sodium chloride can be given. With these treatments and strengthened care, the dog can recover in 2-3 days.

ps: If fasting doesn’t improve the condition significantly, owners can give the Bichon certain digestive and stomach-aiding medications, such as lactobacillus, gastric enzyme compounds, Shimu sheng (a traditional medicine). If diarrhea or watery stools contain mucus or blood, oral administration of gentamicin and berberine is recommended.