Dogs, just like us, get upset stomachs. They can have colitis, gastroenteritis and even irritable bowel syndrome. There are significant differences, however, between us and our dogs when it comes to gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. One of the main differences is recognition. We notice our symptoms fairly quickly, and are able to communicate them in order to get help. Dogs, however, are not that fortunate. By the time Fido loses his cookies on our antique Persian rug, his disorder has already progressed to what could be a critical level. How do we recognize GI disorders in our dogs, and when should we call our vet?
Categories of Gastrointestinal Disorders – There are two major categories of GI disorders in dogs – acute and chronic. Acute are those that come on suddenly and unexpectedly, usually from something recently ingested. Chronic are those that recur on a regular basis and require on-going treatment.
Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Distress – Because our dogs aren’t able to tell us that they have a tummy ache, we need to observe their behaviors to determine when there is a problem. Some of the tell-tale signs of distress are:
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Excessive thirst
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Growling stomach
- Excessive flatulence
- Constipation
- Bloody or mucus-filled stools
- Distended abdomen
When You Can Treat at Home – If your dog exhibits mild and isolated symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea, remove all food and water immediately. If, after six hours, symptoms do not return, you can begin to give small amounts of clear liquids every two or three hours. If your dog remains symptom-free for 24 hours, you can begin feeding small amounts of bland food such as rice and boiled chicken. If symptoms recur at any time, call your vet right away.
When Veterinary Care Is Indicated – When any of these symptoms is severe or persists for more than a day, or when your dog exhibits multiple symptoms at one time, you should seek professional help immediately. For example, according to WebMD.com, “A sudden bout of flatulence, accompanied by abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, or diarrhea, is an indication to seek veterinary attention.” Also, repeated vomiting, diarrhea or any blood present in either the vomit or stool is cause for serious concern, and you should call your vet right away.
Although common, gastrointestinal problems in dogs can be quite severe and even life-threatening. When in doubt, call your vet. They will ask you to describe your dog’s symptoms, and may advise you to bring him in, just to be safe.
Sources:
“GI Problems in Dogs,” ProfessorsHouse.com
“Diarrhea and Vomiting,” VeterinaryPartner.com
“Flatulence (Passing Gas) in Dogs,” WebMD.com
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