If you’ve ever had an upset stomach, you know that ginger ale is a popular home remedy. The combination of soothing ginger with carbonation, along with a boost of hydration, can work wonders on a tummy ache.
But what about our furry friends? As a dog owner, it should come as no surprise to you that pets sometimes get upset stomachs, too.
The question is, do the same remedies for humans, such as ginger ale, work for our canine companions as well?
In this post, we will explore whether or not ginger ale is something dogs should drink, and what else you can safely serve to your pup for stomach pain.
How Can I Tell If My Dog Has a Stomachache?
There are many signs and symptoms that your dog may be having trouble with his stomach. If he’s acting lethargic, such as sleeping more than normal or doesn’t want to go for a walk or exercise, this could be a sign of illness like a stomachache.
Eating grass is another sign of stomach problems in dogs – they will often chomp down on grass or other plants to make themselves throw up. Sometimes this solves the problem, especially if something they ate isn’t sitting well.
Vomiting and diarrhea are other symptoms you should be aware of. You may also be able to detect other visible symptoms, such as a bloated or distended belly, or hear stomach growling and gurgling.
So, Can Dogs Drink Ginger Ale?
No, you shouldn’t give your dog ginger ale ever, whether he has a stomachache or not.
Ginger ale is really just soda, which isn’t good for dogs. The main stomach-soothing property of ginger ale is ginger, and most modern ginger ales contain very little actual ginger.
Instead, they contain large amounts of sugar and artificial flavorings, and sometimes even types of artificial sweeteners that are toxic for dogs.
Years ago, ginger ale contained more actual ginger, which is why we still associate ginger ale with health.
But giving your dog ginger ale is just like giving him Coca-Cola. The high amount of sugar and calories, not to mention potentially toxic artificial ingredients, could actually make him sicker.
Even though it may make humans feel better, avoid treating your dog’s stomach pain with ginger ale.
What About Fresh Ginger?
Since the ginger in ginger ale isn’t harmful to your dog, giving him plain, real ginger is the best way to go.
Ginger root, which is similar to turmeric, has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for nausea and stomach discomfort. It’s also good for decreasing inflammation, making it a helpful treatment for arthritis, aching joints, and even cancer.
You can treat your dog with ginger by using fresh, grated ginger root. You’ll need to skin the ginger and mince, grate, or grind the yellow part into tiny pieces or a powder.
Be sure to give just half a teaspoon to small dogs under 35 pounds, and ¾ to a full teaspoon for large dogs over 35 pounds. You can mix the ginger in or sprinkle it over their regular dog meal, wet or dry.
To be on the safe side of things, always start with a very small dose to help your dog adjust to the new food.
Alternatively, you can make a ginger tea for your good boy by boiling a few slices of ginger in water, then mixing the liquid with his food.
If your dog doesn’t take to the flavor of ginger, this is a great way to serve it to him in a more mild-tasting form.
What Else Can I Give My Dog for Stomach Pain?
There are a few other easily accessible home remedies for your dog’s stomachache besides ginger.
It’s important to keep a sick dog hydrated, especially if he’s vomiting, but he may be refusing water, or too much water can induce more vomiting. Instead, try to feed him ice chips to keep him hydrated and soothe his tummy.
Bone broth is a great remedy for dog stomach pain and inflammation. It’s best to use homemade bone broth, so be sure to make it in advance and keep it on hand.
You can make bone broth by simmering meat (with the bones in), water, and apple cider vinegar together in a crockpot.
Once the meat falls off the bone, remove the meat from the pot and continue to simmer the bones in the liquid so that the marrow and minerals seep out of the bones and into the broth.
Once it’s cooled, you can feed it to your dog. You can even skim the fat off and freeze it into cubes to keep for when your pup doesn’t feel well, or as a healthy treat.
If you don’t have time to make your own, you can always buy a pet-safe bone broth. Just be sure to get the low-sodium kind.
Canned pumpkin is another great remedy for stomach pain in dogs. Make sure you buy plain canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin pie mix, as those can have added sugars and spices that could make your dog sicker.
Simply feed half a spoonful of pumpkin to small dogs and a full spoon for larger dogs. You can work your way up to slightly larger portions if you’d like.
You can even top the pumpkin with fresh ginger root for added benefits!
Can I Give Ginger Treats for My Dog?
Sure! You can either buy special dog treats, or you can make your own.
To make an easy and healthy ginger treat for your dog, combine three cups of flour, one egg, half a cup of pumpkin, one teaspoon of coconut oil, half a teaspoon of ground ginger, and one-fourth cup of water in a mixing bowl.
You can add more water if needed to reach the right consistency.
Roll the dough out until it’s flat and use a cookie cutter to cut into shapes, then transfer to an ungreased cookie sheet.
Cook in a preheated oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit until the treats are lightly browned on the bottom and they’re firm (the tops may crack). Allow to cool before storing or serving to your dog.
