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Gastrointestinal and stomach problems in dogs are common.
They can be mild and barely noticeable or extremely serious and life-threatening.
Most dog owners will have to deal with this, and a 2015 study showed that digestive issues are the most prevalent health problem in dogs.
Knowing how to recognize stomach problems in dogs can help you identify their severity and deal with them more efficiently.
Spotting signs of dog digestive problems can prevent this from becoming a more serious condition and save time, money, and even a dog's life.
11 Common Dog Stomach Problems
1. Vomiting
Although vomiting can often be a symptom of a more serious GI issue, it can also be caused by something fairly harmless.
The most common causes of vomiting in dogs include overeating, eating something that the dog cannot digest properly, sudden diet changes, ingesting inedible things, and medications.
Dogs may also vomit in a car as a result of motion sickness.
How to prevent it:
Preventing and addressing vomiting-related stomach problems in dogs is as simple as investigating potential causes.
If you're making changes to your dog’s diet, do that gradually (slowly changing food over 1-2 weeks).
Keep your dog away from inedible things, keep trash bins firmly closed, and pay attention to what the dog puts in his mouth when you walk him.
Make sure your pet doesn't have free access to dog food (keep all pet foods in air-sealed containers) or table scraps.
Do not give your dog any medications without consulting with a veterinarian first.
How to treat it:
Occasional vomiting in dogs is to be expected. Studies show that most cases are harmless and will pass quickly.
But if vomiting repeats or won't go away, it's a sign of a serious stomach issue.
Take the dog to see a vet to determine the cause.
The vet might prescribe a mild medication or antibiotics in more severe cases.
When your dog vomits only occasionally but you see a pattern, consider a diet change (the dog might be allergic to some ingredients or unable to digest them).
An elimination diet may be needed.
Feed your dog a bland diet of boiled rice and skinless chicken for 1-2 weeks, and ensure proper hydration.
2. Diarrhea
Like vomiting, the occasional bout of diarrhea in dogs is common and can be caused by either benign things or a serious health issue.
Diarrhea is most often associated with stomach upset in dogs and can be caused by your dog eating something indigestible, a foreign object, bacterial infections, allergies, medications, and even stress.
Diarrhea can also be a symptom of something more severe, so when it happens regularly, take your dog to the vet after the first few instances.
How to prevent it:
Similar to cases of vomiting, investigate potential causes.
Prevent the dog from having access to garbage or spoiled food.
Keep him away from the feces of other animals. Watch if your pet eats things while on the walk.
If you need to make changes to the dog's diet to ensure firm stool, do so gradually.
Try to keep your dog in a stress-free environment.
Stay up to date on your dog’s vaccinations to prevent viruses that can lead to diarrhea.
How to treat it:
Hydration is particularly important when a dog has diarrhea.
Provide clean water for your pet and encourage him to drink more (sometimes dogs refuse or forget).
Chicken or bone broth is good for keeping dogs hydrated and is more enticing for them.
Feed the dog boiled white chicken meat and rice, or try this homemade recipe.
You can also switch to dog foods made for diarrhea, which will be more gentle on a dog's stomach.
Take your pooch to the vet if diarrhea lasts more than a day.
3. Constipation
Constipation is the opposite of diarrhea – an inability for the dog to pass stools or pass dry and very hard stools.
Some of the common reasons for constipation in dogs include lack of fiber in their diet, lack of exercise, enlarged prostate glands, medication side effects, dehydration, and ingestion of inedible things.
How to prevent it:
Regular exercise is a good way to prevent constipation in dogs.
If your pup is moving a lot through the day, his organs will work more efficiently to process, digest, and release the food from the body.
Some owners inadvertently choose dog foods with little to no fiber and do not supplement that diet with extra fiber, which is often the cause of constipation in a dog.
Ensure your pet's food contains approximately 4% fiber, and encourage the dog to drink more water, especially in summer and after exercise.
Using high-fiber foods may prevent this but can also cause constipation, so diet change needs to be discussed with a vet.
How to treat it:
Similar to humans, stomach problems in dogs that result in constipation can be treated using stool softeners and laxatives, which are quick, short-term solutions.
You can also include digestive aids to help your pet process foods better.
Switching your dog to high(er) fiber dog food, which contains about 10% fiber compared to 2-4% in regular foods, may be recommended by your vet, as well as more water and exercise.
Veterinary treatment may include medication in more serious cases to improve the contractile strength of the dog's large intestine.
In some instances, it is necessary to perform an enema (performed only by a veterinarian).
4. Viruses
Viruses like canine distemper or canine rotavirus (intestinal viral infection) can cause dog stomach problems.
However, the most dangerous virus that affects dogs and often causes stomach aches and other dog digestive problems is parvovirus.
Studies also show there's a risk of co-infection of rotavirus and parvovirus.
Parvo in dogs most often affects unvaccinated puppies and adult dogs and results in more health problems than just stomach issues.
Parvovirus is transmitted by direct contact with either other infected dogs or their feces.
The most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite.
How to prevent it:
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent canine parvovirus and other viruses.
However, even vaccination does not guarantee complete protection from the disease.
On top of vaccines, maintain good hygiene and a regular grooming schedule because parvovirus is resilient and can survive for more than a year on some surfaces.
Use a bleach solution with water (1 part bleach, 30 parts water) to clean areas where your dog spends his time.
How to treat it:
Since canine parvovirus spreads quickly, a fast reaction is crucial.
By the time you've noticed stomach problems in a dog, the disease has likely progressed, so the dog must see a vet right away. In most cases of CPV, hospitalization will be necessary.
The treatment for parvo will consist of IV fluids and anti-nausea medications, supported by antibiotics, to avoid any secondary infections.
Keep your dog warm and away from other dogs until his infection is resolved.
5. Parasites
Intestinal parasites are a very common cause of stomach problems in dogs.
These are most often presented in the form of worms like hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, and tapeworms.
Other than worms, another parasite that attacks a dog’s GI tract is Giardia, which is a single-celled protozoan.
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of parasite present, but some common signs are diarrhea, mucus in stools, vomiting, and weight loss.
How to prevent it:
All dogs must be treated with dewormers.
If you live in an area where parasites and worms are especially common, giving your dog preventive medicine is essential.
If you do this, give it year-round and be consistent. The newest types of heartworm meds will prevent most other types of worms in dogs.
Keep your yard clean of any feces, and don’t let your dog eat poop when you take him out on the walk.
Don’t let your dog drink standing water since many parasites thrive in those conditions.
Take your dog’s feces for an exam from time to time since some parasites can go unnoticed and without any symptoms.
How to treat it:
Treating internal parasites in dogs will depend on the type of parasite or worm.
For example, roundworms and hookworms can be treated with products containing pyrantel pamoate.
Make sure to deworm a dog regularly and take your pup to the vet to get the proper therapy after you notice serious symptoms.
6. Bacterial Infections
Different types of bacteria can attack the dog's insides: E.coli, Salmonella, Helicobacter, and Campylobacter are most common.
They often cause stomach problems in dogs with symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and lethargic behavior.
Bacterial infections in dogs are usually caused by contaminated water, feces, dairy, or undercooked meat (typically from raw feeding).
Bacterial infections are more common in dogs that spend time in shelters or spend a lot of time with other animals in the same area.
Puppies and senior dogs have a higher chance of infection since their immune systems are not as strong as adult dogs.
How to prevent it:
Prevention of canine bacterial infections is similar to that of viruses – avoid stagnant water sources, don’t let your pet eat feces and, keep him away from trash, watch what he's consuming when on your walks and whom he interacts with (unvaccinated stray dogs, for example).
Keep your dog's water and food bowls clean, and feed the dog a well-balanced diet to ensure a strong immune system.
Be particularly careful with dairy and raw meat. If switching to a raw food diet, make sure you understand how to prevent bacterial infections.
How to treat it:
The usual therapy for bacterial infections and associated stomach problems involves antibiotics and dietary changes.
However, you cannot do this by yourself, and you need to take your pup to the vet to get the right treatment plan.
It will differ depending on the type of bacteria and your dog's current health condition, age, and size.
7. Inflammation of the Large Intestine (Colitis)
Inflammation of the large intestine or colon in dogs (also known as colitis) can be caused by stress, bacterial or parasitic infections mentioned above, injury and trauma, and through ingestion of contaminated foods.
The primary symptom of a dog's stomach problems associated with colitis is diarrhea, and often bloody diarrhea.
Straining to defecate and mucus in stools are also common signs, while vomiting occurs in 1/3 of the colitis cases in dogs.
How to prevent it:
The best prevention is to keep your dog away from common sources of bacteria and parasites, similar to the tips provided above.
Again, prevent your dog from ingesting any foreign objects, contaminated foods, or inedible things.
Don’t make sudden changes to the dog’s diet instead, do it gradually.
How to treat it:
Colitis is treated by dealing with the underlying cause.
However, there is also a non-specific treatment, which includes the dog fasting for a day or two, feeding a hypoallergenic or low-residue diet, and increasing the amount of dietary fiber in a dog’s diet.
If the cause is known, your vet will prescribe the appropriate treatment. You can also try a homemade diet alongside an elimination trial – here's a recipe to try.
8. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (and Syndrome)
Inflammatory bowel disease in dogs (IBD) is a name for a group of digestive system diseases that all have similar symptoms, causing a mountain of stomach problems in dogs and leading to inflammation without a specific, known cause.
Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome in dogs (IBS) is a different but related condition, shares some similar symptoms and is often stress-induced.
IBS in dogs is far less serious and more easily treatable than IBD, which is a broad term that displays many symptoms.
Signs of IBD in dogs include diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and inflammation of the intestines.
This is a hard condition to diagnose since the symptoms are common for many other stomach problems and don’t have a known cause, but one common way to diagnose IBD is a biopsy of the affected organ.
How to prevent it:
Since the causes of IBD in dogs will be unknown, there is no way to prevent the onset of the disease.
Your best chance is to use all the above prevention tips for other stomach problems in dogs and hope for the best.
IBD is not too common in dogs (IBS is seen more often than IBD), so after you notice any dog stomach ache symptoms, it's more likely to be a condition that's not IBD.
How to treat it:
According to research, there is no way to cure IBD in dogs, but it is possible to control it through diet changes and medications prescribed by a vet.
Use the above-mentioned treatment tips for other stomach issues and develop a management plan with your veterinarian.
Adjust the diet and discuss stomach aid supplements with your vet.
9. Malabsorption
Malabsorption in dogs is a condition that leads to poor absorption of a specific nutrient or nutrients.
This condition results from interference with absorption, digestion or both.
Interference with food digestion is usually caused by the lack of certain pancreatic enzymes (called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency).
In contrast, absorption failure is mostly caused by small intestinal disease in dogs.
Symptoms of malabsorption include long-term diarrhea, changes in a dog's appetite, and consistent weight loss.
Sometimes, anemia, dehydration, or fluid retention, as well as other mentioned stomach issues, can also be present.
How to prevent it:
There is no way to prevent malabsorption in a dog that would be caused by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or small intestinal disease.
However, since viruses and bacterial infections can also cause this condition, preventing these problems using the above-mentioned tips may also prevent malabsorption.
How to treat it:
Treatment involves dealing with the cause directly, but only in those cases where the actual cause can be identified; almost all treatment plans will include dietary changes.
For example, there is research on canine malabsorption caused by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which usually requires giving your pup enzyme supplements and dietary changes like feeding the dog a low-fiber diet.
10. Bloat
While bloat in humans is often harmless, it can be fatal in dogs.
Canine bloat, also known as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, or GDV is a condition that is not completely understood by scientists yet.
However, it's known to be a serious disease in which the dog's stomach twists and fills with gas and can lead to death in a matter of hours.
Large breeds with deep chests are more susceptible to canine bloat, but this condition can affect any breed and result in stomach problems along with its unique set of signs.
Bloat symptoms include retching without vomit, a hard and swollen belly, drooling, and other signs of distress in the dog.
How to prevent it:
Although the causes of Gastric Dilatation Volvulus in dogs are not understood yet, there are a few things veterinarians recommend to prevent the condition, like sticking to low-fat foods and feeding the dog smaller meals more often as opposed to one or two large meals throughout the day.
It is also recommended to avoid exercising the dog straight after a meal.
Maintaining a healthy weight is also advisable since overweight and extremely underweight dogs are more prone to canine bloat.
How to treat it:
Take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice any of the bloat symptoms since time is of the essence.
Treatment will usually involve the release of the built-up gas and giving IV fluids.
Once the dog is in a stable condition, surgery is necessary to remove damaged tissue and prevent further attacks.
11. Gastrointestinal Ulcers
Gastrointestinal or stomach ulcers are lesions or sores that occur on the dog's stomach lining, which serves as protection from gastric acid.
The most common symptoms of stomach ulcers are weakness, decreased appetite, and pain in the abdomen.
Chronic diarrhea and vomiting can also be present, and they can gradually transfer into symptoms related to the above-mentioned stomach problems in dogs.
There are many causes of GI ulcers in dogs, including allergies, viral or bacterial infections, ingesting foreign objects, and stress.
How to prevent it:
Feeding your dog multiple times a day in small portions is a good way to relieve any GI irritation and possibly prevent ulcers.
Some foods for GI problems will work better, but you must discuss this with a veterinarian.
Keep your dog away from stress since that can also contribute to gastrointestinal ulcers as well as IBS.
How to treat it:
Treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers will depend on the severity of this condition.
For example, if the ulcer has perforated the dog's stomach wall, surgery might be necessary.
IV fluids are often administered if signs of dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhea are present.
In less severe cases, anti-acid medication and dietary changes (low-fat and bland foods) are common ways to fight ulcers and find and treat the underlying cause.
There are also a few natural remedies you can use, like aloe vera, licorice root, alfalfa, and slippery elm.
You can switch to well-balanced homemade dog foods and try a recipe like this for sensitive stomachs or a recipe for digestive disorders, both of which will be more gentle on a dog's stomach and not agitate his ulcers.
Common Dog Stomach Problems – In Summary
Stomach problems in dogs are very common, and almost every pet owner will have to deal with them at some point in a pet's life.
Fortunately, most dog digestive problems are minor and usually are not a cause for concern.
It is best to take the dog to the vet if you notice symptoms of stomach issues that last longer or are more serious than occasional vomiting or diarrhea.
A quick reaction and a proper diagnosis with a treatment plan will make a big difference.
READ NEXT: Veterinarian’s Guide on Buying and Using Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
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