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My dog is drooling and licking. What to do for his upset tummy?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | 7 years and 7 months old

Hi. My dog started licking and swallowing about 2 hours ago. The licking and swallowing has almost stopped...but he's drooling A LOT. Otherwise he is completely fine. Breathing normally, eating and drinking (he eats even if he has an upset tummy). I THINK he may have a bit of an upset tummy. He sometimes does this then vomits, but not today. Is there something I can try for his tummy before going to the vet? Pepto or something. He has no other health issues. Very healthy.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on December 5th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is a classic sign of nausea so I do think there is something going on. The question is how serious that is. There are several conditions that may result in nausea such as gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal foreign body, pancreatitis, among many other reasons. We cannot prescribe medications without an actual evaluation of the patient in person. For that reason, if this continues, I would recommend you check in with a veterinarian for an examination and possibly diagnostics. Do not feed him for the next several hours to rest his belly for a bit and see if this goes away on its own. If it persists, consider having him evaluated. Best of luck!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 21st, 2018

    Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. It does sound like he could be nauseous. I don't feel that this is cause for concern just yet. This is something that can probably be monitored for the next 48 hours. I would recommend initiating a bland diet of chicken and rice. If he worsens and the vomiting does not resolve or he develops new symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea, and appetence or abdominal pain than I would have him seen by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate Diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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