Gastroenteritis Symptoms in Dogs

By Susan Posted in Dogs Illness /
Nicholas head wit bonie 300x252 Gastroenteritis Symptoms in Dogs

Frequently had gastroenteritis

Dogs can get a tummy ache too. Only it is a bit more severe.
Gastroenteritis, which interestingly enough is the same term used for humans,
is associated with severe and rapid onset of vomiting and diarrhea. This can be
very severe in both humans and dogs, causing severe dehydration. Dehydration in
dogs can be fatal if not treated.

The cause is usually an over zealous eater. A dog will eat
about anything, and they will overeat if they like it. Sudden dietary changes
can also lead to problems. They may ingest a foreign material or spoiled food.
They can even eat medications that have been accidentally dropped into their
reach.

There are many medical conditions that can also lead to
acute vomiting and diarrhea such as pancreatitis, peritonitis, metabolic
disorders like diabetes, kidney and liver disease and bowel obstructions. Thus
you can certainly see the importance of having your veterinarian check your dog
if you should notice the vomiting and diarrhea.

Acute vomiting and diarrhea in dogs usually resolve quickly
and really do not require much to diagnose it, It will usually resolve in a day
or two if you are monitoring the intake. But if it persists for longer than a
couple days, or if you should notice blood in the stools or vomit, testing will
become necessary.

When you take your dog to the vet, go ahead and bring a
stool sample with you, It will speed things along. They also may check urine,
so if you are clever at catching a specimen, go ahead and bring that too. They
will draw some blood to check for anemia or infection or electrolyte imbalance.
They may even do abdominal x-rays or ultrasound. All of these will determine
either what the cause is or at least things that can be treated.

Of course treatment will include replacing lost fluids with
IV therapy and correcting electrolyte imbalance if necessary. The Veterinarian
can prescribe medication to control nausea and stop diarrhea, thus allowing the
dog to catch up a bit. You actually need to restrict the oral intake of your
dog, allowing the stomach and intestinal tract to heal while they are being
rehydrated. After 24 hours a bland diet and water can be reintroduced. If
tolerated, continue another couple days before returning to the normal diet the
dog was on before the symptoms began. If at any time vomiting or diarrhea
returns, go back to the bland diet, if they are not able to handle that either,
please return to your veterinarian.

Remember your dog depends on you for their very life. Make
it a good one. Help them when they need it. Be wise with your observations and
choices. Act quickly when you realize something has gone wrong. You and your dog will be long life companions.

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20 Responses to “Gastroenteritis Symptoms in Dogs”

  1. renaissance costume Says: April 14th, 2010 at 10:02 am

    I always learn something new

  2. Amelia Gray Says: May 3rd, 2010 at 11:07 am

    Whenever i have diarrhea, i just take some Diatabs or Imodium tablets and it gives me some relief after a few minutes.’;.

  3. Susan Kaul Says: June 11th, 2010 at 1:55 am

    immodium works for dogs too.

  4. Susan Kaul Says: June 11th, 2010 at 1:56 am

    Glad you were able to stop by.

  5. Madeline Morgan Says: August 12th, 2010 at 11:03 pm

    one time i got diarrhea attack while riding on a long bus trip, it really sucks:,’

  6. Spoon Rest · Says: November 14th, 2010 at 12:41 pm

    i always look for those calcium fortified dog foods because they make my dog healther –.

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    I will keep coming back to read and learn from this site. Thanks.

  10. Marcia Reimer Says: August 27th, 2011 at 5:49 pm

    Glad to read this. I had my dog at the vet for this today, my own vet was on vacation so I went to someone else. Kind of thought I might have been taken for a ride, but reading this confirmed that what the doctor did was correct.

  11. Susan Kaul Says: August 31st, 2011 at 9:20 pm

    Thanks so much

  12. Susan Kaul Says: August 31st, 2011 at 9:23 pm

    I am so happy this was helpful for you. I am glad you are reassured. And I hope your dog will be okay.

  13. pamela Says: January 29th, 2012 at 10:28 am

    I have 1 query. about a year ago, i had a puppy who got gastro and the vet prescribed me sorbitol and few days later, he passed away. i want to know if the prescription was the right one?

  14. Susan Says: January 30th, 2012 at 12:35 am

    Pamela, I am so sorry for your loss, I am not a Vet, but in human medicine, Sorbitol side effects include abdominal pain and diarrhea which of course are the symptoms of Gastroenteritis. So it is not making sense to me, but it could be different in veterinary medicine. Please ask your vet to explain his decision to treat your puppy this way. I have emailed you further. Most sincerely, Susan

  15. Kat Says: January 31st, 2012 at 11:04 am

    @Pamela: Perhaps it was Parvo? Can have similar symptoms to gastroenteritis in the beginning. If there was foul smelling diarrhea, then it was likely parvo. Sorry to hear about your loss. :(

  16. georgina Says: July 3rd, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    my 11 year old yorkie does not have any symptoms but blood in the stool, normal stool otherwise, still drinking and eating normally

  17. Susan Says: July 4th, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    You must take bleeding seriously. There are a number of reasons that can cause this. You might try hamburger and rice for a soothing gentle diet, but you really need to take her to the vet if this persists.

  18. georgina Says: July 5th, 2012 at 8:09 am

    thanks for your prompt reply, there was never any vomiting or diahria, this morning their was no blood in her stool but i’ll keep an eye on this,

  19. georgina Says: July 5th, 2012 at 8:11 am

    thanks for your prompt reply, there was never any vomiting or diahria, this morning no blood in stool, i will keep looking for it.

  20. Susan Says: July 5th, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    You are so welcome, and I am so happy that she is doing better. I know that is a huge relief for you.

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