Reading the title, many might immediately guess what we are thinking of, but it could also easily happen that for now you are waiting sceptically to see where we want to get with this.

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Therefore, we will not waste time, and we will immediately show what connection there could be between rainy weather and stomach problems occurring in dogs.

Rainy weather can bring many challenges / Photo: welovedogz.hu

This is why stomach upset is more common in dogs during rainy weather

If it rains even for just a day or two, the family’s presumably hairiest and certainly most restless member has to be separated from their favourite places, the park and the dog run. Then when they finally meet again, it is possible that the great joy will be followed by sorrow, because in the exciting and tempting puddles something is just waiting to cast its net over them.

Indeed, numerous microscopic dangers hide in that very attractive and very brown stagnant rainwater. And these somethings will be the ones causing stomach upset and stomach problems. The sudden rain can wash everything – dog faeces, pesticides, herbicides and parasites – into these puddles. In flood-affected areas, like riverbanks, the situation can be even more dramatic. What outwardly looks like a convenient and probably tasty thirst-quencher is inwardly full of stomach-upsetting bacteria and (chemical) substances.

Giardia and E. coli infections can also easily strike at such times, which are accompanied by stomach cramps, vomiting, and intense diarrhoea. Therefore, it is very important both for your pet’s and your own interest that you do not let your dog drink from puddles! Places where many dogs pass through, or which are near rainwater drainage systems, are the most dangerous. We also do not recommend public wells, precisely because many animals of unknown health status might visit them. The best is always to have a bottle of water and a small bowl with you, from which you can easily let your pet drink fresh, clean water.

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What should you do if stomach problems have already developed?

If you think that your dog has stomach problems, it is important to stabilise and soothe their digestive system. According to veterinarian Dr Chris Brown, at such times it may be worth giving them a probiotic made specifically for dogs several times a day; this not only soothes the intestines but can also introduce good bacteria. Beyond that, it is recommended to withhold food from the dog for 12–24 hours, but if their condition does not improve afterwards, you should definitely visit the veterinarian!

An innocent-looking puddle can hide serious dangers

If the dog vomits, often our first instinctive reaction is to give them a big bowl of cool water, but this will most likely trigger further vomiting. Although it removes the acidic taste from their mouth, the sudden intake of liquid causes the stomach to swell, and they often again unleash the fox that wants to escape.

Thus, after vomiting, try to take the dog’s water away for about 1–2 hours. You can leave a small amount at the bottom of the bowl so that they can refresh themselves and to avoid the possibility of dehydration. As Dr Brown also describes, don’t worry, the dog will not suffer any harm in that little time without drinking! (Provided, of course, that they can rest in a calm state during this period.) With this simple step, however, you can save them from being trapped in the vicious cycle of vomiting.