Gastroenteritis in Dogs

(Article compiled by Laura Kathryn on 6-12-2025. See ShilohShepherd.co for more dog health articles)

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Gastroenteritis in Dogs

Gastroenteritis in dogs is a common condition that involves inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining. It can manifest as acute (sudden and usually short-term) or chronic (lasting more than two weeks) digestive upset. 

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis in Dogs:

The main symptoms of gastroenteritis are vomiting and diarrhea. 

• Vomiting: May contain foamy, yellow bile or undigested food.

• Diarrhea: Can be watery, loose, or contain mucus or blood.

• Lethargy: Reduced energy and a lack of interest in normal activities.

• Abdominal pain: Dogs may show sensitivity to touch around the belly.

• Decreased appetite: Reluctance to eat.

• Dehydration: Indicated by dry or tacky gums and increased thirst.

• Fever: Mild to moderate fever may be present.

• Increased salivation: Excessive drooling. 

Causes of Gastroenteritis in Dogs:

Various factors can trigger gastroenteritis, including: 

• Dietary indiscretion: Eating spoiled or inappropriate food, garbage, or foreign objects.

• Infections: Viral infections (like parvovirus) and bacterial infections (like Clostridium perfringens).

• Intestinal parasites: Worms (roundworms, hookworms, etc.) and protozoa (Giardia, Coccidia).

• Sudden dietary changes: Abruptly switching dog food.

• Food allergies or sensitivities: Reactions to specific food ingredients.

• Toxins: Ingestion of poisonous substances. - See Intoxication in Dogs article.

• Other medical conditions: Pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, certain types of cancer. 

Diagnosis:

When diagnosing gastroenteritis in dogs, a Veterinarian will use a combination of methods used to investigate and rule out potential underlying causes. The diagnosis of gastroenteritis is often one of exclusion, meaning other serious conditions need to be eliminated first. 

1. Medical History and Physical Examination:

• Gathering a thorough medical history, including diet, any recent changes, exposure to toxins or sick animals, and previous episodes of vomiting and diarrhea.

• Performing a detailed physical exam to assess the dog's overall condition, checking for dehydration, abdominal pain, fever, and other abnormalities. 

2. Diagnostic Tests:

• Blood Tests: These tests can help assess the severity of dehydration, check for infection, and evaluate organ function. Examples include a complete blood cell count (CBC) to check for signs of infection and a serum biochemistry profile to check for electrolyte imbalances.

• Fecal Tests: Analyzing a stool sample can help identify parasites (like Giardia) or bacteria that could be causing the gastroenteritis. Fecal tests can also detect viral agents, but they are not always reliable. Different types of fecal tests exist, including fecal floats and fecal smears.

• Imaging:

  • Abdominal X-rays: These can help visualize the stomach and intestines and detect potential obstructions like foreign objects.

  • Abdominal Ultrasound: This can help visualize the intestines, looking for inflammation, structural changes, or masses.

• PCR Tests: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are highly sensitive for detecting genetic material of various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites in fecal samples.

• Endoscopy: This involves inserting a flexible scope into the gastrointestinal tract to visualize the lining and obtain biopsies if needed. It's particularly useful for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

• Diet Trial: If a food allergy is suspected, a diet trial with a new protein source can help determine if it resolves the symptoms. 

In summary, a definitive diagnosis of gastroenteritis often requires a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and potentially imaging or endoscopic procedures to rule out other serious conditions with similar symptoms. 

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. 

• Fluid therapy: To combat dehydration and restore electrolyte balance.

• Dietary management: A bland, low-fat diet may be introduced after an initial period of withholding food.

• Medications: Anti-nausea medications, antidiarrheals, antibiotics (if bacterial infection is suspected).

• Probiotics: To support gut health and aid recovery.

• Surgery: May be necessary in cases of foreign object ingestion or intestinal obstruction. 

Prevention:

• Balanced diet: Avoid sudden food changes.

• Supervision: Prevent dogs from scavenging or consuming harmful substances.

• Vaccinations and parasite control: Keep your dog up-to-date with vaccinations and worming treatments.

When to Seek Veterinary Care:

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog displays symptoms of gastroenteritis, especially if there's blood in the vomit or stool, persistent vomiting, severe lethargy, or signs of dehydration.