If your dog has been suffering from vomiting, diarrhea or a combination of both, your poor pooch just might have a case of gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis in dogs is a common condition that typically involves diarrhea and may be accompanied by vomiting. It can also have a bloody component referred to as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) or Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS). Though common, gastroenteritis can be frustrating, scary and — depending on its cause and its effects on the individual dog — challenging to manage.
Types of Gastroenteritis in Dogs
Gastroenteritis has many faces. It can present as diarrhea alone (anywhere from mildly soft stool to watery feces) or diarrhea with vomiting. Less often, it can manifest as vomiting alone, though if the condition is confined to the stomach itself, veterinarians may refer to it as gastritis.
Gastroenteritis is further separated into two types — acute and chronic. Acute gastroenteritis comes on suddenly. Chronic gastroenteritis occurs over the course of weeks, months or even years. Acute gastroenteritis usually goes away by itself; in other cases, it will progressively worsen until veterinary treatment is provided.
Causes of Gastroenteritis in Dogs
Gastroenteritis in dogs can have many potential causes. Anything that alters a dog's microbiome significantly can lead to the condition. Here's a list of possible causes:
- Ingestion of spoiled or raw foods, or of non-food items
- Viruses (parvovirus, distemper, etc.)
- Intestinal parasites
- Changes in intestinal flora
- A food allergy or sensitivity
- Gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers
- GI cancers
- Foreign bodies
- Intestinal obstruction
- Genetic disease or predisposition
Unfortunately, it's usually difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the condition. However, this doesn't mean that your dog can't be cured. In fact, most veterinary treatment is successful.
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Signs of Gastroenteritis in Dogs
Gastroenteritis in dogs typically starts with soft stool that becomes progressively wetter. Later on, you may notice mucus in the stool, your dog straining to produce a bowel movement and/or defecation in the house. Here are other common signs:
- Explosive and/or frequent bowel movements
- Tarry feces
- Large volumes of watery stool
- Blood in feces
- Lethargy
- Restlessness
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea (drooling, swallowing frequently)
- Vomiting
Dogs may display one or many of these signs, depending on the disease's severity and progression.
When to Take Your Dog to the Vet
Many dogs with gastroenteritis will appear surprisingly normal. They may show no signs other than a change in the quality, quantity, frequency or location of their stool. Dogs with HGE will have more obvious signs as mentioned above.
Since it's difficult to know whether a dog's condition will progress dangerously, veterinary care should be considered in all cases of diarrhea, especially for puppies, geriatric dogs or small breed dogs at higher risk of dehydration. Veterinary care is absolutely necessary if your dog shows signs of vomiting, nausea, blood, pain or lethargy.
Though common, gastroenteritis can be frustrating, scary and — depending on its cause and its effects on the individual dog — challenging to manage.
How Gastroenteritis is Managed in Dogs
Calling your vet should always be your first consideration if you suspect an issue with your dog's digestive health. They can let you know the best recommendations for your dog and if your pet needs to be examined right away. In addition to medications or treatments for gastroenteritis, your vet may recommend supportive care measures such as:
- Feeding therapeutic food that is highly digestible and easy on the GI tract
- Add an electrolyte supplement to their drinking water, for enhanced hydration
Limiting strenuous activity such as exercise for a few days
The Role of Nutrition in Gastroenteritis
The role nutrition plays in gastroenteritis can't be overstated, especially given that inappropriate dietary choices are at the heart of many cases. You should feed your dog regular meals consisting of food known not to upset their stomach. Try not to change their food too quickly or add new ingredients suddenly or in large quantities.
Vets will typically recommend food low in fat and high in digestible fiber to treat (and prevent) most cases of gastroenteritis. If your dog has a food sensitivity or allergy, their vet may prescribe a hydrolyzed-protein or novel-protein diet.
Gastroenteritis is a pain for everyone — not least your pup. Thankfully, veterinary care can be successful in treating the condition.
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