Is your dog not feeling so well? Could he be suffering from one of the many digestive problems in dogs? If he's vomiting or you notice problems with his stools, he may be suffering from issues with his gastrointestinal or digestive system.
Gastrointestinal problems in dogs happen for a variety of reasons, and any one of them may cause your dog to not feel well. Did he eat something new? If he ingested something other than dog food, he may be allergic, intolerant, unable to digest it, or even worse, it could have given him an infection. Also, some breeds, such as German shepherds, Great Danes, and Schnauzers, are more prone to digestive issues.
Here are seven digestive problems in dogs you should be aware of. It is important to learn about what could make your dog sick, so you can prevent it. Also, if gastrointestinal problems in dogs are already plaguing your pet, you'll learn what you can do to help.
You may notice that your dog is having loose, liquid stools. Diarrhea is a common ailment for dogs and other animals and is caused by many different things. Here's a list of a few different reasons diarrhea occurs:
Malabsorption is a type of digestive problem in dogs. If your dog is experiencing small intestine malabsorption, it means he either isn't digesting his food, or he isn't absorbing the vitamins and minerals after digestion.
Colitis, an inflammation of the membrane lining of the colon, is among the common digestive problems in dogs. It also inflames the large intestine, so your dog may experience painful stools or diarrhea. The inflammation and irritation can be either chronic or acute.
Whipworms can be the cause for colitis. Also, if your dog is suffering from tumors or polyps, they may also irritate the colon, causing colitis. A change in food, ingesting something other than food, or an allergy to a specific food is often the culprit for a colitis attack.
Usually a temporary issue, acute gastroenteritis causes inflammation in the stomach or intestines. It usually occurs when a dog eats high-fat or spoiled food. It can also occur if a dog eats anything poisonous or something he is allergic to. Internal parasites can be a harbinger to gastroenteritis. Stress is another trigger.
Similar to acute gastroenteritis, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is usually a temporary issue, but it can be fatal if untreated. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis causes severe vomiting and bloody stools, usually in diarrhea. It can be brought on by ingestion of foods or substances that your dog shouldn't be eating or is allergic to, as well as pancreatitis and other autoimmune illnesses.
Pancreatitis is an infection or inflammation of the pancreas. The reasons why pancreatitis occurs are unknown, though high-fat food may be to blame. Other issues that may cause the condition include trauma to the pancreas, infections, or a disease.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs when your dog's pancreas fails to produce enough digestive enzymes. Weight loss, an increase in appetite, and large, soft stools are the major symptoms. If you've noticed an extreme weight loss in your dog, he may not be producing enough enzymes in his pancreas.
Digestive problems in dogs can appear suddenly, so always be on the lookout for ways to protect your pet. The best way you can take care of your dog is knowing what his normal behavior and health looks like. How many times a day does your dog normally defecate? What do his stools generally look like? While gross to think about, and even more so to monitor, it can be a very vital piece in maintaining your dog's health. Talk to your vet more about what a dog's stool should look like when healthy to better understand what to look for if you notice abnormalities in your dog's behavior. Does he ever throw up? While vomiting doesn't always scream a larger digestive issue, it is one of the more common signs that something is wrong. If you notice this happening frequently, it is a good time to get your pup to the vet to have him checked out. How much does he eat and drink? These are all questions you need to know the answer to, so that you can identify when something is wrong.
Make sure your dog receives well-balanced nutrition and doesn't come in contact with any food he shouldn't be eating. At the same time, don't let your dog swallow anything he isn't supposed to, even if it's not food. Certain plants or foreign objects will make your dog extremely ill.
Healthy and easily digestible dog food will go a long way for an anxious dog's belly. Also, regular preventative trips to the veterinarian will keep you on top of any health issues your dog may be facing.
A dog suffering from a gastrointestinal or digestive issue needs to stay hydrated, especially if he is vomiting or has diarrhea. One thing to keep in mind: If you notice that your dog begins drinking less frequently and less water or he is lapping it up in an extreme amount, it's a sign that something is amiss. Being well-hydrated is a key to keeping your dog healthy.
Gastrointestinal problems in dogs can be upsetting for the entire family. Your once happy, playful dog is suddenly lethargic, withdrawn, and possibly vomiting or ill with diarrhea. Because stress can cause digestive problems, try to keep your dog calm and well-adjusted. In times of high stress, you may notice your dog having more stomach issues. Find coping mechanisms that work for your dog, such as petting him or scratching his belly.
If you even suspect that your dog is suffering from a digestive or gastrointestinal issue, contact your vet immediately. Many of these conditions are serious, and your dog will need to be monitored closely, and possibly be treated with medications.
In the case that your dog is suffering at night or on the weekend, don't wait until the vet office is open. Consider visiting an urgent care facility.
Erin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform—and even transform—its intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print, and includes interviews, ghostwriting, blog posts, and creative nonfiction. Erin is a geek for SEO and all things social media. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Reach out to her on Twitter @ReinventingErin or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com.
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
Chicken & Rice Stew with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs.
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Supports energy level, joint health, and beautiful coat in large breed mature dogs
Supports healthy brain, eye, muscle, bone & immune system development in growing puppies
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Learn how to recognize signs of depression in your dog, the underlying reasons he might be feeling down, and what you can do to help lift his spirits.
Wondering what's the best time of year to adopt a dog? Learn how to choose the right season to welcome a new furry friend into your home.
Learn some common reasons why your puppy is whining, crying, and whimpering, as well as helpful ways to change his behavior through training.
Find out why crate training your puppy should be a necessary step in your home obedience teaching. Learn about all of the benefits of kennel training.
Learn why small dog breeds often live longer than large breeds, including the average life expectancy for each, and tips for helping your dog live longer.
While feeding your dog table food or scraps might seem innocent, it can actually be harmful for them. Learn reasons to avoid feeding scraps to your pup.
Get helpful tips and advice on how to properly leash train your new puppy to help make your walks together safer and more enjoyable.
First-time foster parents: Learn about the process of fostering a puppy or dog, including how to prepare, challenges & rewards that come with it.
Learn the benefits of starting to train your puppy at an early age, preventing a wide variety of problems and promoting good behavior.
Learn basic steps & precautions for treating a cut on your dog, including what you can put on the cut, and when you should take them to the vet.
Learn what to look for when choosing the best dog food for your pup. Healthy ingredients, your dog's age & his physical condition are important factors.
Constant halitosis, or bad breath in dogs can be a sign of health problems. By understanding the causes, you can tame the odor and enjoy more puppy kisses.
Learn what heart disease and heart conditions are for dogs, their causes, how to spot the symptoms, and what to do if you suspect it in your dog.
Learn how to help your puppy learn good behaviors by starting with proper table manners. Follow these helpful feeding tips.
Learn about alternative proteins in dog food, such as salmon, duck and turkey - and why it might be a good idea to try one for your dog.
Learn about the top digestive & gastrointestinal problems in dogs, such as diarrhoea & malabsorption, and find out how you can help your pet feel better.
If your dog is often in or around water, a dog life jacket can help keep them safe. Learn which dogs might need one & key features to help you choose.
Learn reasons why crate training an older dog might be a good idea, as well as an effective method for getting him comfortable and used to his new crate.
Nutrition is one of the most important components of keeping your dog healthy, so choosing a well-balanced dog food full of nutrients is key. Learn more.
Are you paying enough attention to dog oral care? Learn some great ways to keep your dog's teeth & gums healthy, including a guide for brushing his teeth.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2024 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool