Here Are Some Signs, Symptoms And Treatment For Gastritis In Dogs

Here Are Some Signs, Symptoms And Treatment For Gastritis In Dogs

It’s not unusual for a dog to vomit occasionally, usually from eating something less than favorable. But throwing up an also be a sign of a more serious problem, especially if it keeps happening. The culprit in this case might just be gastritis.

Definition

Gastritis refers to stomach wall inflammation. Most cases resolve within 24 hours after acute swelling, but chronic conditions can also develop where the issue lasts for months at a time, possibly pointing to something more serious.

Symptoms

Dogs who experience gastritis may show symptoms like:

  1. Vomiting
  2. Diarrhea
  3. Lethargy
  4. Appetite loss
  5. Tar-like stools
  6. Bloody stools
  7. Increased thirst
  8. Abdominal pain
  9. Depression

Causes

Non-chronic gastritis is often just caused by a dog eating something they shouldn’t, like food gone bad or something random they found on the floor. They may also face issues due to eating too much.

But chronic gastritis often points to much more serious problems at hand, such as:

  1. Fungal infection
  2. Viral infection
  3. Poisoning
  4. Foreign items within the stomach
  5. Pancreatitis
  6. Tumors

Effects

Most dogs recover from non-serious gastritis on their own, or with a little extra care from their Moms and Dads. They just need to throw up until the irritant is gone.

However, in chronic gastritis, the long-term effects can vary greatly depending on the underlying cause. Speak to your vet about possibilities.

Diagnosis

Repeated vomiting over a number of days with no signs of recovery is more than enough reason to bring a dog to the vet. Consider certain topics before going, such as what your dog has eaten, if they have been near anything that they could have eaten when they shouldn’t, what their bowel movements are like, and if they have a history of illness.

A vet may perform a physical exam in order to test for common gastritis symptoms. Urinary, blood, ultrasound, and x-ray tests may also be conducted.

Treatment

Dogs will typically receive an IV drip to keep themselves hydrated after all that vomiting. They may also be given prescription antiemetics to prevent vomiting, and they may be placed on a strict diet.

Prevention

To prevent gastritis, keep harmful foods, waste, objects, plants, and chemicals out of reach. You should also make sure that your dog is up-to-date on necessary preventative care.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay

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