Gastrointestinal problems in dogs can manifest in various ways and may be caused by a range of factors such as diet, infections, allergies, or underlying health conditions.
Gastrointestinal Issues in Dogs:
Common gastrointestinal issues in dogs include:
Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by dietary indiscretions, infections, or certain medications.
Colitis: Inflammation of the colon, leading to diarrhea, constipation, or bloody stools.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by a high-fat diet or other factors, leading to digestive enzyme imbalances.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, usually related to immune system abnormalities.
Parasitic Infections: Worms or other parasites can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Food Allergies or Sensitivities: Some dogs may have adverse reactions to certain ingredients in their food.
Foreign Body Ingestion: Dogs may ingest objects that can cause blockages or irritation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Bacterial or Viral Infections: Infections such as gastroenteritis can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Veterinarian Recommendations:
If you suspect your dog has gastrointestinal problems, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. The vet may recommend:
Dietary Changes: Switching to a bland or hypoallergenic diet may help identify food allergies or sensitivities.
Medications: Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or medications to control vomiting and diarrhea may be prescribed.
Parasite Control: Deworming medications or other treatments may be necessary.
Fluid Therapy: Dehydration is a common concern with gastrointestinal issues, so fluid therapy may be administered.
Monitoring and Diagnostic Tests: Blood tests, fecal examinations, imaging studies, or endoscopy may be needed to determine the underlying cause.
Hospitalization: In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for intensive care and monitoring.
Prevention of gastrointestinal problems includes providing a balanced and appropriate diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and avoiding access to harmful substances. Always seek professional veterinary advice for the specific needs of your dog.
SYMPTOMS OF DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS IN DOGS:
Gastrointestinal problems include stomach (gastro) or intestinal disorders or other digestive problems. Here are the most common signs you’ll see if your pup has an upset stomach:
- Vomit.
- Diarrhea, with or without blood or mucus.
- Constipation.
- Increased gas or flatulence.
- A lack of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Fever.
- Dehydration.
- Abdominal pain.
- Abdominal enlargement/distension.
- Distress or inability to get comfortable.
WHAT CAUSES GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS IN DOGS?
There are dozens (maybe even hundreds) of causes of stomach/intestinal disorders in dogs.
Digestive problems can present in a variety of ways, including overt symptoms (like vomiting) or subtle changes in behavior that may be harder to detect. Digestive health problems can appear suddenly or be more chronic and subtle in nature.
Below we will cover some of the most common causes of digestive problems in dogs.
Dietary indiscretion or diet-related causes of digestive disorders:
A feeding indiscretion means that the dog ate something that he shouldn’t have eaten, such as garbage, table scraps or something that he picked up from the ground during a walk. This is one of the most common causes of stomach upset and can range from mild, transient symptoms to severe vomiting and diarrhea requiring medical attention.
Digestive problems can also occur during a food change, even when switching to a healthy food. For this reason, all dietary changes should be made slowly over 1-2 weeks to give the body time to adapt.
Stress-induced diarrhea:
Believe it or not, stress can cause stomach upset in dogs. This is one of the most common causes of diarrhea during travel, boarding, or significant lifestyle changes. If your puppy is prone to this problem, it may be helpful to discuss preventative treatments with your vet before any boarding, travel, or major changes at home.
Infectious causes of stomach/intestinal problems in dogs:
Young puppies are more prone to infectious diseases – particularly viruses like Parvovirus, which can be fatal – as their immune systems are not yet fully developed. So it’s always a good idea to schedule a vet visit as soon as possible for a puppy with gastrointestinal problems. But dogs of any age are susceptible to certain bacterial, viral, or even fungal infections (depending on geographic location).
Intestinal parasites such as worms, coccidia or Giardia are also very common in dogs. Fortunately, most parasites respond well to treatment, but if left untreated they can cause more serious illness.
Inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract:
Some dogs can develop food allergies or sensitivities or even inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Not all causes of these conditions are known, and diagnosis may involve a trial of feeding a specific type of food with limited ingredients.
Once diagnosed, treatment often involves strict adherence to a diet that works best for that individual dog, as well as certain supplements or medications to manage symptoms.
Toxic ingestions:
Some foods (like chocolate) or other substances (household chemicals, poisons, or even some types of plants and flowers) can cause digestive upset if your dog eats them. Additionally, many of these toxins cause additional effects on the body (such as tremors, changes in heart rate, etc.), and some can be fatal.
Many human medications can also be toxic to pets. Additionally, some non-toxic medications (such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatories) prescribed to pets for other medical conditions may carry the risk of certain side effects, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or even stomach ulcers.
Treatment for digestive problems in dogs:
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause. For example, a dog with intestinal parasites will be dewormed, while a dog with an intestinal blockage usually requires surgery. In other words, treatment varies depending on the cause of the digestive disorder.
Additionally, supportive care is usually needed. Supportive care is anything directed at relieving symptoms, preventing complications (such as dehydration due to vomiting), and helping a puppy feel more comfortable.
Examples of common supportive care treatments include:
- Anti-nausea drugs.
- Antacids and stomach/intestinal protectors.
- Medicines to relieve diarrhea.
- Probiotics formulated for pets.
- Fluid therapy (for dehydration and electrolyte replacement).
- A bland diet (chicken and rice are common) or a special diet for sensitive stomachs.
Treat dog stomach problems at home:
If you have an adult dog who is otherwise healthy, acting normal, withholding food and water, and exhibiting only mild digestive symptoms, it’s usually fine to try a few simple home treatments for a day or two. Just be sure to schedule a vet visit if your pup gets worse or if his symptoms don’t improve.
Here are some things you can try:
- A bland diet. Plain, lean chicken and rice is a common option, and many dogs love the taste. Cooked sweet potatoes can also add fiber, which can help firm up loose stools.
- Always keep plenty of water available, so your puppy can stay hydrated.
- Let your dog rest.
- Consider adding probiotics formulated for pets.
- Withholding food for a few hours (up to a maximum of 24 hours) can help the digestive tract “rest.”
However, this method is not safe for all dogs (and can be especially risky for puppies, small breeds, and some other dogs), so it’s best to consult your vet first.
Conclusion:
Gastrointestinal problems in dogs are a serious concern if severe. You should visit your veterinarian if your dog has gastrointestinal issues. Also, note the diet of your dog from which it got gastric problems.