How to recognize, treat and prevent dog gastroenteritis.
Gastroenteritis is a general term that applies to any inflammation of the intestinal lining or stomach. The causes can vary greatly – ranging from anxiety or a change of diet to parasitic infection to severe disease.
Usually, if there are severe digestive system problems involved, you’ll see other symptoms along with the gastroenteritis.
Dog Gastroenteritis Symptoms
The first indicator that a dog has gastroenteritis will usually be acute vomiting or diarrhea, along with dehydration, depression, blood in the stool or vomit, and lethargy.
Bear in mind though that, just because your dog vomits or has diarrhea, does not mean he has gastroenteritis. What we are talking about here are symptoms that persist over a number of days, indicating a more serious disease or infection.
Causes of Dog Gastroenteritis
Gastro can have any number of causes, including diet, allergens, swallowing something toxic, parasites, or infection.
Other issues could be blockages or obstructions, kidney or liver problems, bowel disease, ulcers, cancer, pancreatitis, or other abdominal problems.
Dog Gastroenteritis Treatment and Prevention
The most common treatment for gastroenteritis is to ensure that the dog gets the nutritional electrolytes needed and is kept hydrated. Food is usually withheld for 24 hours and the dog is then placed on a bland diet of rice and boiled chicken to “re-set” the digestive system.
There are also drugs that soothe the digestive tract and others to stop vomiting and diarrhea.
The easiest way to prevent your dog contracting gastroenteritis is to feed a healthy, balanced diet. Don’t feed table scraps and make sure that the dog can’t raid the garbage, or get at foods that may be unhealthy for him.
Also be sure to regularly treat your dog for worms and other internal parasites.
Dog gastroenteritis can be serious, so if your dog displays any symptoms get him to the vet as soon as possible.
