Common Dog Digestive Diseases & Treatment Plans

Section 1: Gastritis

Gastritis in dogs often occurs alongside enteritis, known as gastroenteritis, and is typically triggered by improper diet. This can include consuming moldy or rotten food, or foods that are difficult to digest. Medications used to treat skin conditions or rat poison, which are quite irritating, can also lead to gastritis in dogs. Certain infectious diseases such as canine distemper and canine hepatitis can also result in gastritis, as can parasites that migrate from the intestines into the stomach.

The symptoms of an affected dog include vomiting, decreased or loss of appetite, lack of energy, abdominal pain, and thirst. In severe cases, blood may be present in the vomit. The primary treatment for gastritis is to stop vomiting and to feed the dog easily digestible, thin foods. Enemas or the use of 2050 milliliters of castor oil or paraffin oil can help clear the gastrointestinal tract and restore normal digestive function.

Section 2: Bloat

Bloat is more common in puppies during weaning and is often caused by overeating, consuming indigestible foods, or eating things that are prone to fermentation, such as corn flakes or oatmeal without sufficient water. The main symptoms of bloat in dogs include a lack of interest, restlessness, groaning, and bloating. In severe cases, it can lead to asphyxiation. The primary treatment involves using a stomach tube to decompress the stomach or administering apomorphine or carbamylcholine by subcutaneous injection to induce vomiting. If the stomach contains foreign objects that cannot be removed, surgery may be necessary.

Section 3: Constipation

Constipation occurs when the contents of the intestines and feces become trapped, ultimately blocking the intestinal lumen, and is more common in middleaged dogs. Constipation in dogs is often due to a longterm diet of dry food with limited water intake, or when food contains dirt and sand, or when a highfiber plantbased diet is fed. Symptoms include difficulty defecating or blood in the stool, with the dog showing signs of discomfort and a decrease in appetite. Treatment options include using soap water or liquid paraffin for enemas, or using saline or oilbased laxatives.

It is crucial for pet owners to be particularly attentive to their dog's diet, ensuring both cleanliness and digestibility to protect the dog's gastrointestinal health. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to consult an online veterinary expert.