Gastroenteritis in Dogs

Gastroenteritis is a disease in which the dog's intestinal lining and stomach are inflamed. This is a digestive disorder that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. This condition is observed in dogs of all age groups. Every dog breed is susceptible to gastroenteritis.

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis in Dogs

Persistent vomiting, dehydration and watery diarrhea are the common symptoms of gastroenteritis. Although occasional vomiting is common in dogs, severe or frequent vomiting is certainly not normal and may be the onset of gastroenteritis. In case the dog's vomit contains blood or there is presence of blood in the stool, then it means that the dog is suffering from hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. This is an indication that the dog is bleeding internally and immediate veterinary care is a must. Other symptoms that help recognize gastroenteritis in dogs are as follows:

• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Grumbling noises in the stomach
• Depression and listlessness (lack of energy or enthusiasm)
• Sometimes bile is noticed in the vomit

Causes of Gastroenteritis in Dogs

Improper diet and infections are largely responsible for causing gastroenteritis in dogs. Eating spoiled food or ingestion of foreign objects often causes acute vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Bacterial, viral or fungal infections can also lead to gastroenteritis. Certain medications such as corticosteroids and anti-cancer drugs can cause inflammation in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Abdominal disorders like pancreatitis and peritonitis and metabolic disorders such as liver or kidney disease can cause gastroenteritis.

Diagnosis for Gastroenteritis in Dogs

Diagnostic tests are needed only when the dog has severe diarrhea and vomiting. In many cases, symptoms of gastroenteritis are short lived and do not require any elaborate diagnostic tests. However, if the symptoms continue for 2-3 days or the dog experiences diarrhea or vomiting that contains blood, then the following diagnostic tests are performed.

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Stool examination
• Routine urine examination
• X-rays or ultrasound of abdomen
• Blood biochemistry profiling.

Treatment for Gastroenteritis in Dogs

In most cases, dogs with gastroenteritis do not require any treatment as the bouts of vomiting or diarrhea subside within a day or two. However, this is not the case in puppies or smaller dogs. Dogs suffering from severe or hemorrhagic gastroenteritis that lasts for more than 24 hours, require immediate veterinary attention. Intravenous fluid administration is recommended to replenish lost fluids. Veterinarians may also advice avoiding oral food intake for several hours. Once the condition stabilizes, a bland diet may be introduced. When the dog stops vomiting, the normal diet may be restarted. Antibiotics are administered intravenously to control the gastrointestinal infection. Certain drugs are prescribed to stop diarrhea and vomiting. These medicines can relieve the symptoms of gastroenteritis, thereby providing some amount of comfort to the dog. Oral medicines must not be given without consulting a veterinarian as they may irritate the already swollen intestinal lining.

Maintaining a proper diet is one of the best preventive measures to avoid gastroenteritis in dogs. Prevent the exposure of your dog to garbage and trash cans. The dog's environment must be kept clean to reduce the chances of infection. These preventive steps can keep your dog healthy and fine for all the years to come.