Gastroenteritis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Laura Evans | November 4, 2022
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If your dog is suffering from vomiting, diarrhea, or a combination of both, your poor canine might have a case of Gastroenteritis.
What’s Gastroenteritis? What Causes Gastroenteritis in Dogs? And What Should you do about it? This is what this article is all about.
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What Is Gastroenteritis In Dogs?
Gastroenteritis in dogs is an Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (including the stomach as well as intestines). In simple terms, gastroenteritis is an upset stomach. This type of disease is sometimes referred to as “the dog stomach bug” by pet owners, however there are other potential reasons besides a viral infection.
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and/or other symptoms may be present.
If your dog has bloody diarrhea or vomit, go to the emergency vet immediately, as these are signs of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS). If you are not sure, call your vet, or out of hours, a 24/7 pet helpline.
What Causes Gastroenteritis In Dogs?
Dogs’ frequent vomiting and diarrhea can be caused by a wide variety of conditions.
The most frequent causes include:
- Dietary indiscretion
- Bacterial infection, such as clostridium, campylobacter, salmonella, or E. coli
- Viral infection, such as parvovirus, coronavirus, or distemper
- Food allergies
- Foreign bodies, such as string or thread
- Poisoning/toxins
- Endocrinological Disorders
- Tumors/cancer
- Liver, pancreas, or renal disease
Signs And Symptoms Of Gastroenteritis?
The vomiting and diarrhea that characterize gastroenteritis in dogs typically occur in spurts. In particular, after the stomach has been completely emptied, the vomit may contain frothy, yellowish bile. After consuming food or water, many owners notice their dog dry heaves or gags. Multiple episodes of profuse diarrhea each day are typical. Diarrhea could be as runny as soft-serve ice cream. Picking up a dog by the belly can be painful for some, and some dogs may even try to avoid it. When a dog has gastroenteritis, it usually becomes less active (lethargic) and stops eating. There is often a slight temperature as well. If nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea last longer than 24 hours, dehydration can set very rapidly.
Other symptoms include:
- Constipation that is either explosive or very frequent
- Stale poop
- Large amounts of watery feces
- The presence of blood in the stool
- Lethargy
- Restlessness
- Stomach ache
What best describes your dog’s gastroenteritis?
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How Is Gastroenteritis Treated?
Rather than treating the underlying cause of viral gastroenteritis, the emphasis of treatment is on relieving the symptoms. The loss of fluids through vomiting and diarrhea means that your dog needs to be rehydrated and have his or her blood electrolytes balanced. The vet may suggest giving your dog a day without food to give his digestive system a break. Afterward, you can start feeding your dog bland, soft foods and move up to his regular diet. In severe circumstances, your veterinarian may recommend medication to lessen your dog’s nausea and vomiting. Most canine instances of viral gastroenteritis resolve at home without medicine so long as the dog drinks enough water. Contact your vet or, a 24/7 pet helpline for step-by-step home remedies.
Can Gastroenteritis Kill Dogs?
Yes. Gastroenteritis can often become acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) when left untreated. This is the most acute form of gastroenteritis in dogs and can lead to life-threatening dehydration if not treated quickly.
If you worry about your dog, call your vet, or a 24/7 pet helpline, and put your mind at ease; It’s better to be safe than sorry.
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