Gastrointestinal disorders in dogs

Canine gastrointestinal problems can be tricky to catch and scary to deal with. Like us, dogs can suffer from any number of problems related to digestive upsets; the difference is, we know pretty quickly when something is wrong. With dogs, it can take a while for us to become alerted, and they may already have ruined the new carpet before any real signs are shown.

This guide explains the difference between acute and chronic gastrointestinal problems in dogs, including the signs to look for, treatment options, and how to keep your dog comfortable.

In this article:

1. Acute vs. chronic gastrointestinal problems
2. What is gastroenteritis in dogs?
3. Symptoms of gastrointestinal issues in dogs
4. Causes of gastrointestinal problems in dogs
5. Gastroenteritis in dogs: how is it treated?
6. Prevention of gastrointestinal disease in dogs

Acute vs. chronic gastrointestinal problems

In dogs, a gastrointestinal problem will be either:

• Acute: a sudden stomach upset, often caused within a few hours of eating something unusual or irritating.
• Chronic: a longer-term condition, where symptoms last weeks or keep coming back, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

A simple short-term problem (like eating rubbish on a walk) can sometimes turn into a chronic issue if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to monitor your dog’s symptoms carefully and seek vet advice if they don’t improve.

What is gastroenteritis in dogs?

Gastroenteritis in dogs is the medical term used to describe the inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It’s one of the most common causes of sudden vomiting and diarrhoea. Dogs with gastroenteritis may also seem lethargic, refuse food, or have a painful tummy.

There are different types, including:

• Simple gastroenteritis: usually short-lived, caused by eating something that upsets the stomach.
• Infectious gastroenteritis: triggered by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
• Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE): a more severe form, with sudden vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. This requires urgent veterinary care.

Symptoms of gastric problems in dogs

Dogs can’t tell us when their tummy hurts, so it’s important to look out for signs that something isn’t right. Some symptoms may only last a short while, while others can point to longer-term problems.

Short-term (acute) symptoms

These often come on suddenly and may clear up within a day or two, but they can also be a warning sign of something more serious:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea (sometimes with blood or mucus)
• Gurgling or rumbling stomach noises
• Eating grass to try to make themselves sick
• Excessive drinking (especially when followed by vomiting)
• Bloating or a swollen belly
• Restlessness, whining, or signs of tummy pain

The RVC VetCompass study (2021) found that diarrhoea and vomiting are among the most common reasons dogs are taken to the vet, but in most cases the cause is non-specific and not life-threatening. However, puppies and older dogs are more vulnerable to dehydration and complications, so they should always be checked sooner if you notice these signs.

Long-term (chronic) symptoms

If these signs last for weeks or keep coming back, they may suggest an ongoing gastric issue or gastrointestinal disease:

• Weight loss
• Ongoing or repeated vomiting and diarrhoea
• Poor appetite or refusing meals
• Lethargy, low energy, or changes in behaviour

Your vet will be able to run some tests to diagnose your dog’s stomach problems and prescribe any medications and recommend further treatments.

Causes of gastrointestinal problems in dogs

Gastrointestinal problems in dogs have many possible triggers. These include:

• Dietary indiscretion (scavenging, eating spoiled food, or raiding the bin)
• Sudden diet changes or food intolerances
• Parasites (worms, giardia)
• Infections (bacterial or viral)
• Toxins or foreign objects (plants, human medicines, bones, toys)
• Stress (kennel stays, moving home, or travel)
• Underlying diseases such as pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver disease, and cancer
• Severe causes like chronic diseases are more rare, but it’s always a good idea to get your dog checked out if their GI symptoms are persistent

Is gastroenteritis in dogs fatal?

In most cases, gastroenteritis is mild and dogs recover within a few days. But in severe cases - especially haemorrhagic gastroenteritis - fluid loss can lead to life-threatening dehydration if not treated quickly.

Is gastroenteritis in dogs contagious?

Some forms of gastroenteritis caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites can be contagious between dogs. For example, parvovirus spreads easily in unvaccinated puppies. Other causes, like eating spoiled food, are not contagious.
It’s always safest to keep a sick dog away from other pets until you know the cause.

How long does gastroenteritis last in dogs?

Mild gastroenteritis usually improves within 24 - 72 hours with supportive care. If symptoms persist beyond this, or your dog is very unwell, they may need further tests and treatment at the vets.

Treatment for gastroenteritis in dogs

The treatment of gastric problems in dogs depends on the cause and severity of the issue. However, your vet will likely recommend:

• Short-term fasting (to rest the gut)
• Rehydration with fluids (oral or intravenous for severe cases)
• Bland diet (chicken, white fish, or prescription GI diets)
• Anti-sickness medication
• Worming or parasite treatments if needed
• Hospitalisation for severe cases (especially with HGE)

Treating gastroenteritis in dogs at home

Home treatment for gastroenteritis in dogs at home is possible for mild cases. Try the following tips:

• Withholding food for 12 hours, then introducing a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice
• Encouraging water or offering rehydration solutions (vet-approved)
• Making sure your pooch gets plenty of rest and comfort

In most cases, this should help your dog feel better, but if they don’t show any improvement or develop new symptoms, then you should be cautious.

Prevention of gastrointestinal disease in dogs

You can’t prevent all tummy troubles, but you can lower the risk by:

• Feeding a consistent, balanced diet
• Avoiding table scraps and toxic food
• Using slow feeders to stop gulping food
• Keeping rubbish, medications, and toxins out of reach
• Staying up to date with worming and vaccinations
• Reducing stress during changes or travel

Conclusion

Gastrointestinal problems in dogs can range from a simple tummy upset after scavenging on a walk to more serious and chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Most cases are mild and can be treated at home and prevented with a good diet and staying on top of worming and vaccinations, but if you’re ever worried about your dog’s stomach problems, the safest step is to contact your vet.

Remember that out-of-hours vet consultation services like Joii Pet Care are available if you need quick, expert advice for your poorly pooch.

Want to learn more about how to keep your dog happy and healthy? Check out the guides below or browse all resources on the Dog Advice hub.

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