Pekingese Diarrhea, Gas & Vomiting: 5 Vet-Informed Remedies

Introduction

When your Pekingese is dealing with diarrhea, gas, vomiting, or an upset stomach, it’s natural to feel worried and want to help them feel better fast. These tiny, regal dogs can be surprisingly sensitive to digestive issues, and there are many potential causes—from viruses and parasites to food intolerances, sudden diet changes, medication side effects, stress, and even swallowing foreign objects. According to iHeartDogs, diarrhea can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your Pekingese’s gut, including beneficial bacteria that support healthy digestion. The good news is that there are several gentle, vet-informed remedies and supplements you can try at home to soothe their tummy and support recovery. In this article, we’ll walk you through five practical approaches: a short fast, a bland diet, multi-strain probiotics, prebiotic supplements or pumpkin, and digestive enzymes. We’ll also answer common questions about gastroenteritis, gas, bloating, and vomiting. Always remember that if your dog’s symptoms are persistent, severe, or accompanied by other concerning signs, you should contact your veterinarian.

Fast Your Pekingese for 12-24 Hours

One of the first things you can do when your Pekingese has an upset stomach is to give their digestive system a break. According to iHeartDogs, fasting your Pekingese for 12-24 hours can allow the gastrointestinal tract to heal and reset. This short fast gives the gut a chance to rest and recover from whatever might be irritating it—whether that’s a fatty meal, a mild infection, or a reaction to a new food.

However, fasting doesn’t mean withholding water. Hydration is critical, especially when your dog has diarrhea or vomiting, because they can lose fluids quickly. But you must be careful not to let them drink too much at once. iHeartDogs advises maintaining hydration without letting them gulp large amounts, which could trigger more vomiting. Offer small, frequent sips of water throughout the fasting period. You can also offer ice chips if your dog tolerates them. For more on why hydration matters, see hydrating dry dog kibble.

Before you start a fast, consider your dog’s age, size, and overall health. Puppies, very small dogs, and those with chronic conditions may not be good candidates for fasting. If you’re unsure, check with your vet first. The goal is to give the gut a rest, not to cause additional stress or weakness. During the fast, keep a close eye on your Pekingese for any signs of worsening condition, such as lethargy, repeated vomiting, or bloody diarrhea. If you notice these, stop the fast and contact your veterinarian immediately. Always note the color and consistency of your Pekingese’s poop or vomit and take a picture to show the veterinarian, as iHeartDogs recommends. After the fast, you can gradually reintroduce food, starting with a bland diet.

Give Your Pekingese a Bland Diet for a Few Days

Once the fasting period is over, the next step is to offer a bland, easy-to-digest diet. According to iHeartDogs, a bland diet of boiled, unseasoned, skinless white meat chicken shredded over plain white rice is recommended after a fast. This combination is gentle on the stomach and provides protein and easily digestible carbohydrates. For dogs on grain-free diets, you can substitute mashed overripe banana or canned pumpkin instead of rice.

When reintroducing food, start small. iHeartDogs suggests feeding a few spoonfuls of the bland diet every 2-3 hours and gradually increasing the quantity over 24 hours. This slow approach prevents overwhelming the digestive tract. After 24 hours, if your Pekingese is doing well, you can begin to reintroduce their normal food. Do this gradually by mixing: first, use a 75% bland diet and 25% regular food mix; then move to 50/50; and finally, 75% regular food and 25% bland diet. This stepwise transition helps your dog’s gut adjust without triggering another episode of diarrhea or vomiting.

It’s important to use only plain, unseasoned ingredients. Avoid adding salt, oil, butter, garlic, onions, or any spices, as these can further irritate the GI tract. Also, make sure the chicken is skinless and boiled, not fried or roasted with oil. If your Pekingese has a known allergy to chicken, you can use another lean protein like turkey or lean beef, but check with your vet first. During this bland diet phase, continue to monitor your dog’s stool and overall demeanor. If diarrhea persists or worsens, or if new symptoms appear, contact your veterinarian. Remember, a bland diet is a temporary measure—usually for a few days—not a long-term solution. For long-term management, see our guide to the best dog food for sensitive stomachs.

Use a Multi-Strain Probiotic for Diarrhea or Gas

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore the natural balance of your Pekingese’s gut. According to iHeartDogs, diarrhea can disrupt the balance of bacteria in a Pekingese’s gut, including beneficial bacteria that support healthy digestion. A high-quality multi-strain probiotic can help replenish these good bacteria and support normal stool quality.

One product that combines probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics with pumpkin is Pupkin™ Probiotics, Prebiotics & Postbiotics for Dogs with Pumpkin, Gut-Soothing Bone Broth & Mushrooms. This supplement is designed to support healthy digestion and normal stool quality. The inclusion of pumpkin adds fiber, while bone broth and mushrooms provide additional gut-soothing benefits.

Probiotics are also useful for preventing diarrhea when transitioning your Pekingese to a new food. iHeartDogs recommends giving a probiotic for a week before introducing the new food, then slowly increasing the new food while continuing the probiotic until the transition is complete. This can help avoid the digestive upset that often comes with sudden diet changes. For more on avoiding food-related issues, read dangerous mistakes with your dog's food.

Another important use for probiotics is when your dog is taking antibiotics. Antibiotics destroy both good and bad bacteria, so giving a probiotic while taking an antibiotic helps replenish good strains of bacteria in the gut. This can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Additionally, probiotics can help reduce a Pekingese’s gas, improving home air quality—a welcome benefit for any dog owner. When choosing a probiotic, look for one specifically formulated for dogs, with multiple strains and a guaranteed potency. Always follow the dosage instructions on the label, and consult your vet if you’re unsure.

Give Your Pekingese a Prebiotic Supplement or Pumpkin

Prebiotics are non-digestible ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines; they are essentially food for probiotics. According to iHeartDogs, canned pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filler), slippery elm, chia seeds, and plantains are forms of prebiotics with reported natural GI-healing benefits. Each of these has unique properties that can help your Pekingese’s digestive system.

Pureed pumpkin is packed with fiber, which helps bulk up stool. This can be especially helpful for dogs with diarrhea, as it can firm up loose stools. Slippery elm is said to coat and soothe mucus membranes, including the GI tract, providing a protective layer that can reduce irritation. Chia seeds are packed with fiber and absorb excess water, which can help with both diarrhea and constipation by regulating moisture in the gut. Plantains have antimicrobial properties, which may help combat harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. For more gut-friendly ingredients, see superfoods to feed them now.

You can incorporate these prebiotics into your Pekingese’s diet in several ways. Canned pumpkin puree can be added to their food—start with a teaspoon for small dogs and adjust as needed. Slippery elm is available as a powder; mix it with water to form a paste and offer it orally, or sprinkle it over food. Chia seeds can be ground and sprinkled on meals, but be sure to soak them first to avoid choking. Plantains can be mashed and mixed into food, but use them sparingly due to their sugar content. Always introduce new supplements slowly and one at a time to monitor for any adverse reactions. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, consult your vet before adding any new prebiotic.

Try Giving Your Pekingese Digestive Enzymes to Improve Digestion

Digestive enzymes help Pekingese break down and absorb protein, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber; incomplete digestion can cause runny stools. According to iHeartDogs, key digestive enzymes include protease (breaks down proteins into amino acids), amylase (breaks down starches into carbohydrate molecules), lipase (breaks down fats), and cellulase (breaks down fiber from plants and grains). Without sufficient enzymes, your dog’s body may struggle to process nutrients, leading to loose stools, gas, and other digestive discomfort.

Any good digestive enzyme supplement for dogs should include all 4 enzymes: protease, amylase, lipase, and cellulase. When shopping for a supplement, check the label to ensure it contains these four key enzymes. Some products may also include additional ingredients like probiotics or prebiotics for a more comprehensive approach. Digestive enzymes are typically given with meals to help break down the food as it’s eaten. They come in powder, capsule, or chewable form. Follow the dosage instructions based on your dog’s weight, and introduce them gradually.

Digestive enzymes can be particularly helpful for Pekingese with chronic digestive issues, such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, though this should be diagnosed by a vet. They can also support dogs recovering from a bout of diarrhea or vomiting by ensuring they extract maximum nutrition from their bland diet. However, enzymes are not a cure-all; they address incomplete digestion but won’t resolve underlying issues like infections, parasites, or food allergies. If your Pekingese’s symptoms persist despite enzyme supplementation, consult your veterinarian. Always choose a reputable brand and avoid human enzyme supplements unless specifically approved by your vet. For a deeper dive into diet and digestion, read raw dog food vs. dry kibble.

Additional FAQs About Your Pekingese’s Gastroenteritis, Gas, Diarrhea, Bloating, or Vomiting

What causes diarrhea and vomiting in Pekingese?

According to iHeartDogs, causes of diarrhea and vomiting in Pekingese include viruses (e.g., parvovirus in puppies), eating inappropriate foods (especially fatty foods), food allergies or intolerances, swallowing foreign objects, sudden food changes, medication side effects (especially antibiotics), intestinal parasites, poisons or toxins, pancreatitis, chronic disease such as IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), and stress (boarding, vet visits, rehoming; shelter dogs particularly prone). Identifying the cause is key to effective treatment. Stress-related gut issues may benefit from calming support; see pet anxiety supplements for dogs.

When should I call the vet?

If diarrhea or vomiting is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian. Also, always note the color and consistency of your Pekingese’s poop or vomit and take a picture to show the veterinarian. This information can help your vet make a faster diagnosis.

Can I prevent digestive issues?

While not all causes are preventable, you can reduce risk by transitioning foods slowly, using probiotics during transitions, avoiding fatty table scraps, and managing stress. Probiotics can also help with gas and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Are home remedies enough?

Home remedies like fasting, bland diets, and supplements can be effective for mild, temporary issues. However, they are not a substitute for veterinary care. If your dog doesn’t improve within 24-48 hours, or if they worsen, seek professional help.

Summary Table: Quick Reference for Pekingese Digestive Remedies

Remedy	Best For	How to Use	Key Cautions
12-24 Hour Fast	Mild upset stomach, diarrhea	Withhold food, offer small sips of water	Not for puppies, tiny dogs, or chronic conditions
Bland Diet	Recovery after fast	Boiled chicken + white rice, small frequent meals	Avoid seasonings; temporary only
Multi-Strain Probiotics	Diarrhea, gas, antibiotic use	Follow label dosage; give during food transitions	Choose dog-specific product
Prebiotics/Pumpkin	Diarrhea, constipation, gut healing	Add pumpkin puree, slippery elm, chia, plantains	Introduce slowly; watch for reactions
Digestive Enzymes	Poor digestion, chronic issues	Give with meals; ensure 4 key enzymes	Not a cure-all; vet diagnosis needed

Source: iHeartDogs