Gastritis in dogs is a very painful condition for our four-legged friends, and it can sometimes appear suddenly.
The symptoms are not always easy to decipher, and it's crucial to pay close attention to your pet's behaviour, so you can intervene promptly and provide relief to a suffering dog.
Let's try to understand how gastritis presents itself in dogs, and comprehend the causes so as to quickly identify the symptoms and consequently choose the most appropriate therapy immediately.
What is gastritis in dogs?
Gastritis in dogs is an inflammation of the dog's stomach lining, attacking the stomach tissue.
It's a common condition that can be caused by various factors.
The inflammation can be of two different types:
Acute gastritis, with sudden and temporary onset
Chronic gastritis, when it persists over time or occurs at regular intervals
If, however, you are looking for information on reflux gastritis, read here!
What are the causes of gastritis in dogs?
The causes of gastritis in dogs can vary and may include:
Acute gastritis:
Improper diet: Incorrect feeding, consuming expired or toxic food can irritate the stomach lining and trigger gastric inflammation.
Food intolerances: Some dogs may develop sensitivities or intolerances to certain ingredients in food, causing inflammatory reactions in the stomach.
Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can affect the dog's stomach and cause gastritis.
Medication: Prolonged use of certain drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids, can irritate the gastric mucosa and cause inflammation.
Stress and anxiety: Stressful situations, trauma, environmental changes, or emotionally intense events can affect the dog's digestive system and contribute to the development of gastritis.
Poisoning: Ingestion of toxic or harmful substances, like poisonous plants or chemicals, can cause acute gastric inflammation.
Improper eating behaviour: Excessive ingestion of grass or non-edible objects can irritate the stomach lining and lead to gastritis.
Chronic gastritis:
Bacterial or viral infections: Certain bacteria or viruses can infect the dog's stomach, causing inflammation (e.g., Parvovirus or Helicobacter).
Medications: The prolonged use of certain medications, such as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), can damage the gastric mucosa and lead to chronic gastritis.
Systemic diseases: Some diseases or conditions, such as chronic renal insufficiency or liver problems, can affect the health of the stomach and cause chronic gastritis.
Parasites: Some parasites, like hookworms, can cause gastrointestinal inflammation, including gastritis.
Presence of tumors or neoplasms: The presence of certain tumors can cause chronic gastritis in dogs, for example:
Gastric adenocarcinoma: This is the most common type of malignant stomach tumor in dogs. It originates from the glandular cells of the inner layer of the stomach wall.
Gastric lymphoma: Lymphoma is a malignant tumor that can develop in the gastrointestinal tract, including the dog's stomach.
Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of carcinoma can occur in the dog's stomach lining.
Leiomyosarcoma: This is a rare and aggressive tumor that can affect the stomach and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor): These tumors originate from the cells of the autonomic nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract and can also appear in the dog's stomach.
What are the symptoms of gastritis in dogs?
The symptoms of gastritis in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the inflammation and the underlying cause. Some of the most common symptoms of gastritis in dogs include:
Vomiting: The dog may vomit frequently, sometimes with the presence of bile or blood.
Reduced appetite: The dog may show less desire to eat or refuse to eat altogether.
Abdominal pain: The dog may exhibit discomfort or sensitivity to touch in the abdominal area.
Lethargy: The dog may appear less active or weaker than usual, showing a lack of energy.
Increased salivation: The dog may produce excess saliva due to gastric discomfort.
General weakness: Gastritis can cause a general feeling of malaise in the dog.
Weight loss: In severe or prolonged cases of gastritis, the dog may lose weight due to decreased appetite and the inability to keep food in the stomach.
Diarrhea: In some cases, gastritis may be accompanied by episodes of diarrhea.
Behavioral changes: The dog tends to isolate itself, becomes more introverted, and does not play or want to go out or engage in physical activity.
Tremors: The dog feels pain and does not understand what is happening, consequently trembling uncontrollably.
Obviously, symptoms can vary from case to case, particularly in the case of acute gastritis attacks or chronic gastritis.
It is also important to note that some of the symptoms listed above can be indicative of other medical conditions, so it is essential to consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.
How to know if a dog has gastritis?
Obviously, the first thing to do is to identify the symptoms, which can be difficult as they can be similar to those of other gastrointestinal diseases, such as pancreatitis.
To diagnose gastritis in a dog, the veterinarian can use a combination of tests and diagnostic procedures to assess the condition of the stomach and identify the underlying cause:
Medical history and physical examination: The veterinarian will gather information about the dog's medical history and conduct a full physical exam to detect signs of abdominal discomfort and other abnormalities.
Blood tests: Blood tests can provide information on any signs of infections, inflammation, or electrolyte imbalances associated with gastritis.
Stool examination: This test can be performed to rule out the presence of parasites or intestinal infections.
Abdominal radiographs: Radiographs can help detect abnormalities in the abdominal area, such as the presence of foreign objects or other pathologies that can cause gastritis.
Abdominal ultrasound: Ultrasound can provide a better visualization of the stomach and assess any structural or inflammatory abnormalities.
Endoscopic examination: Endoscopy allows for direct examination of the gastric mucosa to detect signs of inflammation, ulcers, or other abnormalities. During the procedure, the veterinarian can take tissue samples for biopsy analysis.
Histological examination of biopsies: If tissue samples are taken during endoscopy or surgery, the biopsies can be analyzed under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis of gastritis and identify the underlying cause.
How is gastritis treated in dogs?
Treating gastritis in dogs depends on the type of condition and the severity of the case.
Acute Gastritis:
Treatment for acute gastritis in dogs focuses on managing symptoms, healing the damaged gastric mucosa, and eliminating the underlying cause of the inflammation.
Fasting: In cases of acute gastritis, the veterinarian may recommend fasting the dog for a short period (usually 12 to 24 hours) to allow the stomach to rest and reduce irritation. However, fasting should be done under veterinary supervision, especially in puppies or older dogs.
Low-fat, easily digestible diet: After the fasting period, the dog can gradually be fed a low-fat, easily digestible diet to avoid further stress on the stomach. The veterinarian might suggest using specific therapeutic diets for gastrointestinal problems.
Medications: The veterinarian may prescribe medications to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and treat any bacterial or parasitic infections present. These medications can include anti-inflammatories, antacids, gastric mucosal protectors, and, in some cases, antibiotics.
Fluid therapy: In cases of severe acute gastritis that may cause dehydration, the dog may require fluid therapy to restore fluid and electrolyte balance.
Additional therapies: The veterinarian might recommend the use of probiotics to restore the balance of intestinal flora and support the dog's gastrointestinal health.
Eliminating the underlying cause: If acute gastritis is caused by an infection, intoxication, or other specific causes, treatment will aim to eliminate that underlying cause.
Chronic Gastritis:
Common treatments for chronic gastritis in dogs include:
Appropriate diet: A low-fat, easily digestible diet can help reduce stress on the stomach and promote healing of the gastric mucosa. You might need to opt for dog food for gastrointestinal disorders that should become part of your furry friend's lifelong feeding routine. Or you could try our homemade diet for a dog with gastritis!
Medications: The veterinarian may prescribe medications such as anti-inflammatories, antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or gastric mucosal protectors to reduce stomach inflammation and irritation.
Antibiotics: If chronic gastritis is caused by bacterial infections or parasites, the veterinarian may prescribe specific antibiotics or antiparasitic medications.
Nutritional support: In some cases, additional nutritional support may be necessary for the dog, such as using vitamins, probiotics, or supplements to improve gastrointestinal health.
Treating underlying causes: If chronic gastritis is caused by an underlying disease, such as kidney disease or pancreatic insufficiency, treatment will also aim to manage that condition.
Stress management: If stress is a triggering factor for the dog's chronic gastritis, the veterinarian might suggest ways to manage and reduce stress in the dog's environment.
Can gastritis in dogs be prevented?
Yes, in many cases, certain preventive measures can be taken to help reduce the risk of dogs developing gastritis.
These measures are more about common sense than strict guidelines, and they are quite simple to follow, even though we all know how difficult it is to say no to a dog begging for food when we eat:
Balanced Diet: Ensure that your dog follows a nutritionally balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, and health status. Avoid giving your dog spicy, fatty human foods, and other items that might irritate the stomach.
Proper Feeding: Divide your dog's food into smaller meals throughout the day, rather than feeding a large amount at once. This can reduce stress on the stomach and aid in digestion.
Avoid Sudden Diet Changes: If you need to change your dog's diet, do it gradually to allow the digestive system to adjust to the new diet.
Maintain Hygiene: Ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean water, and that their environment is clean and free of materials that might be accidentally ingested.
Limit Stress: Reduce your dog's stress levels and provide a calm, relaxed environment. Stress can negatively affect gastrointestinal health.
Avoid Exposure to Toxic Substances: Keep your dog away from toxic or poisonous substances, like toxic plants, dangerous household chemicals, or harmful substances outdoors.
Regular Parasite Control: Keep your dog free from internal and external parasites, as parasitic infestations can contribute to gastritis.
Health Monitoring: Regularly visit the veterinarian for health check-ups and ensure you follow the vaccination schedule recommended by the veterinarian.
Avoid Excessive Exercise After Meals: Wait at least an hour after meals before engaging your dog in vigorous exercise or intense physical activity.
Avoid Inappropriate Medications: Do not give your dog human medications without a veterinarian's advice, as some medications can harm the stomach.
Additional Articles of Interest:
Grain-Free Dog Food: Not All That Glitters Is Gold!
Feeding the Senior Dog: How to Keep Them Healthy
Diet for Diabetic Dogs: Is Diet Really Important?
Author's Note:
All readers are invited to share their experiences on this topic in the comments section. Any information shared about health, behavior, products, and tips on training or diet will help create a great community of owners who not only love dogs but also know how to best manage them.
If this post has been helpful and you want to learn more about dog care, well-being, and training, we are happy to help. Find here many useful pieces of information to better understand your beloved friend.
Disclaimer:
The information on our site is general in nature and does not replace the advice of a veterinarian or industry experts. Always consult a veterinarian for any doubts.
