So, you come home to find your pup lethargic and not acting themselves. After a few moments, you notice they are dry heaving overtop your favorite rug. They were fine this morning so what could have happened in between?
Did they eat something they shouldn’t? Do they have a virus? Do they have some type of tummy bug? In this article, we are going to go over some gastrointestinal problems in dogs so you can understand better.
Dogs Can Get Stomach Bugs
Dogs can get all kinds of different bacteria, viruses, and general upset from spoiled food items and the environment. Anything our dog ingests has the potential to upset them if they have sensitives, allergies—or they just ate something that shouldn’t be in the belly.
Different stomach upsets may have similar signs, making it hard to figure out what bug you’re dealing with.
What Is Gastroenteritis? 7 Possible Causes
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It can have several causes, so it is merely a sign of an underlying condition. It can cause a series of signs, but usually the most obvious are vomiting are diarrhea.
While tummy upset can stem from a variety of issues—here are a few major reasons.
1. Bacteria
Bacteria can get into the gut via consumption or ingestion. Certain bacteria are harmless while others, like Salmonella, cause gastroenteritis. Raw food is one such source of bad bacteria1. These microscopic troublesome critters can really wreak havoc on the system. Usually, bacteria infections require antibiotics to get your dog’s body back in order although sometimes a combination of the immune system and healthy gut bacteria can resolve the issue.
2. Viruses
Viruses are living organisms that infiltrate your dog’s system and cause overall upset. Many stomach bugs are viruses and generally must run their course. Antibiotics usually don’t work for viruses. Instead, they often have to run their course with supportive care as needed. Canine parvovirus and canine enteric coronavirus are two viruses that cause gastrointestinal upset, with parvovirus being much more serious and potentially deadly.
3. Parasites
We are advised to treat our dogs for parasites for a reason—they are a real problem. Intestinal worms can cause gastroenteritis. It is imperative that we treat our dogs with regular parasite prevention—ridding them of ticks, fleas, and worms. You can get these treatments online or at your vet or local shelter. Some of them may differ in effectiveness, so make sure to check reviews and ask for recommendations.
Other parasites, like Giardia, are not covered by parasite prevention and can be picked up in the environment. In these cases, fecal testing and appropriate veterinary treatment are needed to clear the infection.
4. Medications
If your dog is on a new medication, some can absolutely cause some stomach upset. Often these medications can be hard on the system. If you are concerned, you can read the side effects on the bottle or call your vet for advice.
5. New Foods
If you have introduced new foods to your dog’s diet and notice some major stomach problems, it might be the food. Switching foods too quickly or introducing new food to a sensitive pup can trigger systemic reactions.
Make sure you transition food slowly to avoid any stomach upsets. Dogs’ healthy gut bacteria adapt to new food, and it may take a week to transition most dogs properly2. If your dog seems sensitive, go slower. If they don’t recover, discontinue the new recipe and consult your vet.
6. Ingestion of Spoiled Material
Clearly, if your dog eats spoiled food, they won’t be feeling too hot. Say they got into the trash or snatched up a fly-covered piece of food on the sidewalk during an evening stroll—they might have some GI upset later.
Spoiled food can contain mold or toxins that can make your dog seriously sick. Some examples include botulinum, mycotoxins, and aflatoxins. The way it affects your dog’s system can depend on the amount consumed, their age, and overall health status.
7. Food Allergies
What is interesting is that allergies are not all sneezes and snotty noses. They can also manifest as gastrointestinal upset—particularly when they relate to food. If it seems like your pup’s tummy is always gurgling and such, it might be a reaction to food.
If you suspect that your dog might have food allergies, keep in mind that you might have to go through extensive food trials to uncover the reason.
Your veterinarian may be able to conduct allergy tests to identify the trigger. Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that can be transmitted from pets to humans, although this is rare. Some common transmissible diseases between people and pets include Campylobacteriosis, Leptospirosis, and Salmonella. These bacteria can be passed through fecal matter, urine, contaminated water, or contaminated food. If you suspect your dog has a stomach bug, it’s important to schedule a vet appointment for proper diagnosis and treatment. Dehydration can be a serious concern, so even if the issue seems minor, supportive care may be necessary. Remember to seek professional help if needed. following sentence:
The cat was curled up on the windowsill, basking in the warmth of the afternoon sun.
The cat lay curled up on the windowsill, enjoying the afternoon sun’s warmth.