Gastritis in Dogs: What You Should Know
If you have noticed that your dog is having stomach problems, you may want to look out for signs of gastritis. In dogs, gastritis is the general term used to describe general inflammation in the lining of the stomach. Symptoms can run from mild to severe, and depending on the severity may require treatment by your veterinarian.
Acute Gastritis
Acute gastritis may come on suddenly and lasts less than a week. Acute gastritis is usually brought on by poor eating decisions, such as eating spoiled food, greasy or rich human food, or ingestion of chemicals such as fertilizer, or common household medications such as aspirin or antibiotics.
Chronic Gastritis
Chronic gastritis can last from 2-3 weeks. Any stomach issues lasting beyond this time frame should immediately be checked by a veterinarian to rule out such diseases as stomach cancer. Chronic gastritis can be caused by long-term exposure to the same triggers for acute gastritis, but may also be caused by inflammatory bowel disease, or some cases, stomach cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gastritis in dogs vary. You may notice that your canine companion is listless or sleeps more than usual. While out for walks, he may attempt to eat grass, or may suffer from constipation or diarrhea. Stool color can often be very dark, like tar. Your dog may have several vomiting spells, and blood can be present in both the vomit and the stools. You may notice that your dog has lost his appetite, and in cases of chronic gastritis, your dog may lose weight.
There are other illnesses that might accompany severe acute or chronic gastritis in your dog. Such systemic failures include ulcers, kidney failure and liver disease. If your dog shows severe signs of gastritis, seek veterinary care immediately.
You can help prevent acute gastritis by not allowing your dog to eat table food. You should also keep household garbage out of reach of new puppies or dogs who are curious and exploratory by nature. While the signs of gastritis in dogs vary from mild to life-threatening, you should consult your veterinarian should you feel concerned about your dog’s health.
