Gastroenteritis in dogs

Gastroenteritis is a common condition where the stomach and intestines become inflamed, leading to vomiting and diarrhoea. Any dog can develop gastroenteritis, and while mild cases usually settle down within a couple of days, some causes and complications are life-threatening.

Here we explain the possible causes, symptoms and what to expect if your dog develops gastroenteritis.

Gastroenteritis can be caused by many different things, some of which include:

• eating spoiled food or inedible items
• viruses or bacteria from contaminated water, food or infected dog poo
• parasites like worms
• fungal infections
• the gut twisting or folding in on itself can both cause or be a complication of gastroenteritis
• tumours and cancer
• endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes
• toxins from products like household cleaners and weed killers
• other conditions like kidney disease, liver disease

Dogs with gastroenteritis can show some or all of the following symptoms:

• tender or painful abdomen
• vomiting food, fluid or bile
• diarrhoea can be soft, mucousy or watery
• gurgling and squeaking sounds coming from the stomach
• eating less or a complete loss of appetite
• feeling lethargic

See a vet as soon as possible if your dog is in pain, has multiple symptoms, can’t keep down water or is rapidly getting worse.

Diagnosis

Often, an examination and your dog’s symptoms are enough to suggest gastroenteritis. But knowing the cause can be critical, so your vet will ask about their behaviour and activities over the last few days and may suggest further tests.

Depending on the suspected cause and the severity of your dog’s gastroenteritis, treatment options include:

• a period of fasting or change in your dog’s diet
• hospitalisation and intravenous fluids to keep them hydrated
• anti-sickness medication (if appropriate)
• antibiotics (if bacteria is the cause)
• gastrointestinal protectants
• parasite medication (if parasite infection is the cause)
• surgery

You may be able to care for your dog at home if they have milder vomiting or diarrhoea but are otherwise bright and happy. At-home care can include:

• smaller meals more frequently throughout the day
• a bland diet (ask your vet for guidance)
• clean water or pet-safe electrolytes, little and often
• plenty of calm and quiet rest time
• a slow reintroduction to their normal food

If you’re at all worried about your dog or they’re declining quickly, bring them in to see the vet.

Prognosis

Many simple cases of gastroenteritis clear up within a few days with the proper treatment. But a small number of dogs will develop complications, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s recovery

Always bring your dog to the vet if they’re not improving or show signs of getting worse. A vet can check for other problems using:

• X-rays
• ultrasounds
• blood tests
• urinalysis
• stool samples

Any dog can develop sudden onset bloody diarrhoea and vomiting, but smaller breeds are more prone to getting this severe form of gastroenteritis. The symptoms, which are similar to those of parvovirus include:

• vomiting, which may contain blood
• diarrhoea, which may contain blood and look like jam
• lack of appetite
• feeling lethargic
• a painful abdomen
• pale gums
• weakness or collapse

Diagnosis

The potential for fatal complications makes rapid diagnosis and treatment essential. Your dog’s symptoms and an examination are often enough to suggest haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. But additional testing, such as X-rays, ultrasound, and blood, faecal or gut samples may be necessary to check for underlying causes.

Your dog is likely to be admitted into a vet hospital for treatment and may need a few days there to recover. They may also be kept in isolation if an infectious cause is suspected. Treatment for HGE includes:

• anti-sickness medication
• fluids via an IV drip
• antibiotics if needed
• a period of fasting or change in your dog’s diet
• gastrointestinal protectants
• parasite medication (if parasite infection is the cause)
• surgery

Prognosis

With rapid hospitalisation, many dogs with haemorrhagic gastroenteritis stabilise quickly and can return home within a few days. However, some cases require additional tests and long-term treatment.

“I see two types of owners: those who’ve never heard the term ‘gastroenteritis’ and panic, and those who have heard it and brush it off as nothing to worry about. The truth lies somewhere in-between.

“Most of the time it’s just a short bout of vomiting and diarrhoea, the gut clears irritants in spectacular fashion and then settles. But there are more sinister causes, and even mild cases can develop serious complications like dehydration, pancreatitis or an intussusception.

“Even if it seems mild, I prefer owners to call for advice, especially if their dog is very young, geriatric or on medication. Sometimes it’s enough to briefly withhold food to give the gut a rest, then offer small, easy-to-digest meals to fuel repair. But be wary of internet ‘remedies’ – you risk making things worse, and often they only seem to work because your dog was recovering anyway.

“If simple care isn’t enough, the hospital is the best place for your dog. And if something doesn’t feel right, never feel embarrassed about going to the vet after trying home care first. Sometimes things outside your control can turn a simple gastroenteritis into something more serious.”

Dr Nicole Olewinski – BVSc MRCVS

When getting a Petgevity Lifetime Plus dog insurance quote, tell us about your dog’s gastroenteritis and any other conditions they’ve had in the past two years.

If your pup can be covered, you can be confident of a fair price without any hidden costs*.

Find out more about our dog insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.