How to treat colitis in dogs: symptoms, remedies, and diet
How to treat colitis in dogs: symptoms, remedies, and diet
Written by Silvia Capelli
September 6, 2023
What is colitis in dogs?
Colitis in dogs is an inflammatory condition of the colon, which is the final part of the large intestine. It is characterized by inflammation and irritation of the colon's mucosa, which can cause various gastrointestinal symptoms.
Colitis can be classified into two main forms: acute colitis (when it's an occasional episode) and chronic colitis (when the condition is frequent or ongoing). Both forms involve inflammation of the colon but differ in the duration and severity of symptoms.
We will explain in detail the two forms, the causes, symptoms, and remedies for treating both forms.
Acute Colitis in Dogs
Acute colitis is characterized by a sudden onset and severe symptoms, which appear rapidly.
What are the causes of colitis in dogs?
The causes of colitis in dogs, both acute and chronic, can vary and may include:
Acute Colitis
Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause an inflammatory reaction in the colon, leading to acute colitis. Infections can be contracted through consuming contaminated food or water or contact with infected feces of other animals.
Food Poisoning: Ingesting toxic or spoiled food can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause acute colitis.
Dietary Changes: A sudden change in diet, especially when new foods are introduced, can cause intestinal disorders and colitis.
Stress: Stressful events such as moving, changes in the home environment, introduction of new animals, or traumatic events can trigger acute colitis in dogs.
Medications: Some medications can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause acute colitis as a side effect.
What are the symptoms of acute colitis?
This form of colitis can be triggered by infections, food poisoning, stress, or changes in diet. The symptoms of acute colitis may include:
Severe and frequent diarrhea, sometimes with blood or mucus.
Intense abdominal cramps.
Tenesmus, or the feeling of needing to defecate continuously without being able to do so completely.
Vomiting.
Loss of appetite.
Fatigue and weakness.
Chronic Colitis
Chronic colitis in dogs is characterized by more prolonged and recurrent symptoms, which may be continuous.
This form of colitis can last for weeks or months and may be caused by underlying conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases, food allergies or intolerances, autoimmune disorders, or structural problems of the colon.
What are the causes of chronic colitis in dogs?
The causes of chronic colitis in dogs can include:
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic conditions that involve ongoing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. These include idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease, lymphoplasmacytic colitis, and eosinophilic colitis.
Food Allergies: Some dogs may develop allergies or intolerances to certain food ingredients, which can lead to chronic colitis.
Autoimmune Disorders: In some conditions, a dog's immune system may mistakenly attack its own intestinal tissue, causing chronic inflammation and colitis.
Chronic Intestinal Parasites: Certain intestinal parasites, like Giardia or Trichuris, can cause chronic inflammation in the dog's colon.
Chronic Infectious Diseases: Some bacterial or viral infections can cause persistent chronic colitis.
Ischemic Colitis: This is a condition where blood supply to the colon is reduced, causing inflammation and damage to the intestinal tissue.
What are the symptoms of chronic colitis in dogs?
The symptoms of chronic colitis can vary and include:
Chronic or intermittent diarrhea.
Weight loss.
Lack of appetite.
Fatigue.
Dry skin or itching (in case of food allergies).
How to treat colitis in dogs?
The treatment for colitis in dogs includes therapies that can vary depending on the type of pathology:
Acute Colitis
Rehydration: In cases of acute colitis with severe diarrhea, the dog can dehydrate quickly. Therefore, the vet might recommend administering fluids intravenously or subcutaneously to restore the water balance.
Antidiarrheal Medications: The vet may prescribe medications to control diarrhea and reduce inflammation of the colon. However, some antidiarrheal drugs are not suitable for all dogs and can be used only after a thorough evaluation.
Antibiotics: If acute colitis is caused by a bacterial infection, specific antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
Bland Diet: During the recovery period, it may be necessary to feed the dog a bland, easily digestible diet to avoid further irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Rest and Stress Reduction: The dog may benefit from a period of rest and a calm, quiet environment to facilitate healing.
Chronic Colitis
Elimination or Hypoallergenic Diet: If chronic colitis is caused by food allergies or intolerances, the vet might recommend an elimination or hypoallergenic diet to identify the responsible foods and prevent relapses.
Immunosuppressive Medications: In some cases of chronic colitis caused by autoimmune diseases, the vet may prescribe immunosuppressive drugs to reduce inflammation.
Fiber Supplements or Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria: Fiber supplements can be helpful in regulating intestinal transit and improving colon health. Probiotic lactic acid bacteria, on the other hand, can help rebalance the intestinal flora and improve digestion.
How long does colitis last in a dog?
The duration of colitis in a dog can vary depending on the underlying cause, the severity of the symptoms, and the timeliness of the treatment.
Acute colitis can last from a few days to several weeks. Most cases of acute colitis respond well to treatment, and the symptoms can improve within a few days with appropriate care.
If the colitis is caused by an infection or a temporary inflammation, once resolved, the dog can return to normal quickly.
Chronic colitis can last for months or even the lifetime of the dog. In these cases, the symptoms may be less severe compared to acute colitis, but can occur intermittently or persist over time.
Managing chronic colitis may require long-term treatment and regular monitoring by a veterinarian.
What can a dog with colitis eat?
A dog with colitis needs a gentle and easily digestible diet to alleviate irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and promote healing.
The homemade diet for dogs with colitis should include boiled lean protein, boiled simple carbohydrates, and some cooked vegetables.
Below are some foods that are generally well tolerated by dogs with colitis:
Boiled white rice: Cooked white rice is easily digestible and can help stabilize the dog's stools.
Boiled or steamed chicken breast: Lean chicken breast is a source of lean protein that can be easily assimilated by the dog.
Boiled or steamed turkey: Turkey is another lean meat option that can be included in the diet of a dog with colitis.
Boiled or steamed zucchini: Zucchini is a low-fiber vegetable and well tolerated by dogs with gastrointestinal disorders.
Cooked pumpkin: Cooked pumpkin is a source of soluble fiber that can help regulate intestinal transit.
Boiled potatoes: Boiled potatoes are another source of easily digestible carbohydrates.
Cooked apple pulp: Cooked apple pulp without seeds is a source of fiber that can help regulate stools.
Avoid adding spices, oils, or seasonings during food preparation, as they can further irritate the dog's gastrointestinal tract.
It is important to feed these foods in small portions and in cooked form to improve digestibility.
If you prefer to feed kibble, choose a specific product for dogs with intestinal problems, you will find them in all tastes and prices.
During the recovery period, it is advisable to feed a dog with colitis small frequent meals rather than a large amount of food at once.
Make sure the dog always has access to a source of fresh water to prevent dehydration.
Can I use lactic acid bacteria for colitis in a dog?
Administering lactic acid bacteria to dogs with colitis can be very useful when dealing with diarrhea.
Lactic acid bacteria can have a positive effect on the intestinal microflora of dogs, contributing to the reduction of acute intestinal absorption disorders.
What if the dog with colitis has blood in the stool?
If the blood in the stool is not due to skin lesions caused by defecation, your dog may suffer from hemorrhagic colitis.
Hemorrhagic colitis, also known as hemorrhagic colon syndrome or ulcerative colitis, is a severe form of colitis characterized by ulcers and bleeding in the colon.
Other articles that might interest you
When to give lactic acid bacteria to the dog - Complete guide and advice
Hemorrhagic Colitis in dogs: a serious disease you need to know about
What is the difference between lactic acid bacteria and probiotics for dogs?
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Disclaimer
The information on our site is of a general nature and does not in any way replace the opinion of a veterinarian or industry experts. Always turn to the veterinarian for any doubts.
