Included in this article:
Gastrointestinal problems in dogs
Loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting – when our beloved furry friends suffer from gastrointestinal problems, it is easy to recognize because the symptoms are the same as in humans.
Our dogs come into contact with germs, bacteria and viruses every day. They are curious and it can easily happen that the dog eats something on a walk that was not intended for its stomach. In the best case scenario, these contacts have no consequences, as our four-legged friends' own immune system registers and fights the harmful germs. If the symptoms get worse or even last longer than 24 hours, you should have them checked by a veterinarian.
In this article, we will show you how to recognize gastrointestinal complaints, what the causes are, when you absolutely need medical support and how you can alleviate your animal's symptoms.
How to recognize gastrointestinal problems in your dog
Gastrointestinal problems can be a symptom of various diseases – so you should not take them lightly.
Typical symptoms:
- restlessness
- Frequent licking of the snout
- loss of appetite
- tiredness and fatigue
- frequent burping
- flatulence
- bloated stomach
- stomach noises
- weight gain or loss
- sensitivity to touch (especially on the abdomen)
- Diarrhea
- Vomit
If your dog often goes into the so-called prayer position , this may indicate that he is trying to avoid stomach pain.
In the case of diarrhea and vomiting, it usually helps to put your pet on a zero diet for 24 hours - please make sure that he drinks plenty of water. If the symptoms persist for longer than 24 hours, you should seek advice from your vet.
In addition to visible and audible symptoms, dogs with stomach problems often suffer from:
- stomach or abdominal pain
- Pain in the last thoracic and vertebral joints
- hollows in the spine
If you see these warning signs, you should go to the vet immediately:
- Severe vomiting and/or vomiting with blood
- blood in the stool
- Fever
Causes of gastrointestinal complaints in dogs
Some causes of an upset stomach are harmless and can be quickly remedied. Observe your dog and take him to the vet if the condition worsens.
Typical causes:
- Stress – triggered by small changes in routine (lots of visitors, encounters with other dogs, loud noises, etc.)
- changes in diet
- Food that is too cold - Tip: Take the food out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before feeding.
- Previous allergies, illnesses or operations
- overexertion
- food intolerances
- worm infestation/parasites
- infections with bacteria or viruses
- Food mites – can get into the dog's food via house dust. Tip: Only store as much food as your dog can eat within 4 weeks to prevent mite infestation.
- Certain medications can irritate the stomach - please inform your veterinarian if you experience any intolerances. Do not stop giving the medication on your own.
If you suspect the following causes, you should go to the veterinarian immediately:
- Poisoning – Tip: Watch your dog closely when you go for a walk. Has he perhaps eaten poison bait?
- In the worst case, swallowed foreign bodies can lead to intestinal obstruction.
- Serious illnesses such as gastritis (inflamed stomach lining) or intestinal inflammation can also cause gastrointestinal problems.
What helps with gastrointestinal complaints?
Fortunately, gastrointestinal problems in dogs are usually resolved quickly. To alleviate the symptoms, you should follow these tips :
- If your dog has diarrhea and vomiting, put him on a zero diet for 24 hours and make sure he drinks plenty of water.
- Adjust the food in consultation with the veterinarian.
- Ensure a balanced amount of exercise and relaxation.
Preventing gastrointestinal complaints: this is how it works
Malnutrition and overeating are among the most common causes of stomach problems in your four-legged friend.
Therefore, an individual nutritional strategy is the most important means of preventing this.
This is what characterizes good dog food:
has a high proportion of animal ingredients (meat) (more meat than plant parts)
- is free of unnecessary additives
- avoids sugar
- is predominantly natural
If you know that your dog has a sensitive stomach, you can use special dog food for dogs with sensitive stomach and intestines . It should be as easy to digest and easily digestible as possible - meats such as chicken, turkey and pork liver are recommended. If your dog suddenly no longer tolerates normal food, you should discuss a change in diet with your vet.
You should also note the following:
- Adequate fluid intake: Always provide your dog with plenty of fresh water and make sure he drinks enough.
- Exercise and activity play a role alongside
Proper nutrition plays an important role in the health of the animal. Long walks and sporting activities are very popular with most four-legged friends
Upset stomach vs. gastric torsion
Can you tell the difference between an upset stomach and gastric torsion in your dog? If left untreated, gastric torsion can, in the worst case, lead to the death of the dog. If you notice the following symptoms in your dog after eating or going for a walk, you should go to a veterinary clinic immediately:
- restlessness
- Pains
- shortness of breath
- Strangle
- excessive salivation
- If necessary, try to vomit
- Bloated, hard stomach
- circulatory problems
- panting
- Pale oral mucosa
The symptoms may initially resemble an upset stomach, but this is an absolute emergency that requires immediate veterinary treatment.
What is gastric torsion in dogs?
In the case of gastric torsion (torsio ventriculi), the organ overstretches and then rotates on its own axis. This causes blood vessels and nerves in the stomach to be clamped off and the blood supply to be partially interrupted. The dog can die within a few hours from circulatory collapse because its body is no longer receiving enough oxygen and blood. Gastric torsion often affects large breed dogs such as the German Shepherd, Boxer and Great Dane.
What causes gastric torsion in dogs?
The causes of gastric torsion are usually not clearly identifiable – but there are factors that promote it . These include:
- Gobbling down food too quickly
- Only one large portion of food daily
- Romping around immediately after eating
- Excessive stress
- Frequent swallowing of air
- Weak gastric bands in older dogs
Tips: Anti-gulping bowls prevent your dog from eating too quickly. Allow your dog to rest after eating.
Treatment of gastric torsion in dogs
Only quick action will help - so go to a veterinary clinic immediately if you suspect this. Gastric torsion can only be treated surgically.
What soothes the intestines?
Many herbs can relieve symptoms of minor ailments as home remedies or – after consultation with the veterinarian – as a supportive measure.
Here are some examples:
- Fennel: Fennel can help your dog with mucous membrane irritation or coughing - for example as a tea for colds. But the bulb is also popular as a feed and impresses with its high vitamin C content.
- Chamomile: Chamomile has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect - dried chamomile or chamomile tea quickly relieves gastrointestinal complaints.
- Marjoram: Marjoram helps with flatulence and other gastrointestinal complaints.
You should remember this
You should remember this
Dr.Clauder's for stomach and intestines
Puppies, older or sick dogs often have a weaker immune system and have little to counteract the effects of harmful germs, bacteria or viruses. We can actively support our pets in building up their own immune system. Even in healthy dogs, strengthening the immune system helps to prevent possible diseases of the gastrointestinal tract as best as possible.
Food emergency? The nutrition hotline helps
If you have any questions about animal nutrition, we will be happy to help you. Call us during our service hours or send us an email with your request:
- Telephone: 0800 / 474 476 0
- Email: hotline@dr-clauder.com
These are our service times:
- Monday and Wednesday 3 - 9 pm
- Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Friday 3 - 7 pm
- Sunday 3 - 5 pm (every 1st Sunday of the month)
Also take a look at the FAQs: Maybe the answer to your question is there?
