Our dogs make out us unconditionally . And while we love them right back , it can be knotty to cover with a doggy whose digestive system is on the fritz .
intestinal flu in dogs is a common condition that is challenging to manage and can make dogs finger icky . If left untreated , stomach flu can come on to a life - threatening condition scream Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome ( AHDS ) , formerly known as haemorrhagic gastroenteritis .
There ’s a lot to talk about with gastroenteritis , so let ’s plunk right in so that you’re able to determine all you need to know to make your pup ’s tummy feel better .
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What Is Gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines . It is categorized as either acute or chronic . Acute intestinal flu pass off suddenly , while chronic gastroenteritis can take weeks or even months to develop .
Symptoms of Gastroenteritis in Dogs
stomach flu in dogs has many symptoms , butdiarrheais the primary one . We ’ll center on that first .
When heel have gastroenteritis , their dirt will change in consistence over time . The poop will be soft and wet ab initio , then become increasingly watery , perhaps with mucus . Dogs may also strain to poop and have john accidents in the star sign .
The diarrhea is often frequent , in turgid amounts , and may be explosive . Sometimes , the diarrhea will be flaming . Bloody looseness is a aesculapian emergency that guarantee an quick trip to the hand brake hospital .
Dogs with gastroenteritis may alsovomitoccasionally , especially after eating a meal . The emetic may be yellow from bile that is produced in the liver . As with diarrhea , bloody puke is a aesculapian emergency and requires immediate treatment .
Other symptom of gastroenteritis in dogs are lean below :
Dehydration is especially concern in puppies and older dogs , who can become rapidly desiccate because of looseness - associated smooth loss .
Surprisingly , some dog with gastroenteritis can appear just o.k. , aside from looseness . Do n’t be fooled , though . Gastroenteritis needs straightaway diagnosis and intervention .
Because intestinal flu can progress to AHDS , it ’s dependable to know the symptoms of AHDS :
AHDS requires straightaway pinch veterinary care .
What Causes Gastroenteritis in Dogs?
A dog ’s digestive scheme has a microbiome , a aggregation of all micro-organism in the bowel which help with digestion . Anything that interrupt the normal gut microbiome can make intestinal flu .
The list of causes of stomach flu is long :
It is not rare for the suit of a bounder ’s intestinal flu to remain unknown .
Diagnosing Gastroenteritis in Dogs
If your dog has symptoms of gastroenteritis , do n’t delay in making an appointment withyour vet . And remember — if your dog-iron has bloody looseness or upchuck , take them to the emergency veterinary clinic flop off .
intestinal flu is a diagnosis of exclusion , meaning that other diseases that could be causing your weenie ’s symptoms need to be ruled out first . Excluding other disease have a lot of investigator workplace by you and your vet .
With so many potential causes of gastroenteritis , your veterinarian will ask you numerous questions , such as those list below :
Your veterinarian will also examine your hotdog from point to toe , bear close attention to your pup ’s abdomen and check for polarity of drying up .
Next , your veterinary surgeon will run several diagnostic psychometric test to get a effective mind of what ’s going on . These may admit :
Treatment for Gastroenteritis in Dogs
The primary treatment goals for gastroenteritis are to stop the diarrhea and vomit , restore hydration , and restore the proper Libra of electrolytes ( e.g. , sodium and K ) . Variousmedicationsare useable to call these discussion end :
Gastroenteritis can be treated at home . However , stern case of gastroenteritis require in - hospital treatment , including endovenous fluid therapy .
Proper nutrition is critical when treating gastroenteritis in dogs . Your veterinarian will likely commend withholding food from your detent for up to 48 hour to repose his digestive system . If your frank is no longer vomiting , you could then start feeding him abland dietin small-scale , frequent sum of money . A bland dieting for bounder with intestinal flu let in food like unseasoned , boiled chicken .
Rehydration options include add up an electrolyte supplement to your dog ’s water or giving your dog Gatorade or Pedialyte . Your vet can recommend which rehydration option would be best for your dog .
Regarding recovery time , acute gastroenteritis often adjudicate quickly , but inveterate gastroenteritis takes longer to treat .
Treatment for AHDS is aggressive . Unfortunately , AHDS is so severe that dogs can still knuckle under to the disease despite the aggressive treatment .
Gastroenteritis is a common disease in dogs that can be challenging to name and treat . If your dog is showing any signs of gastroenteritis , make an appointment with your veterinary so that your hotdog ’s tummy wellness can get back on rail as soon as possible .
Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome in Dogs . Merck Veterinary Manual .
stomach flu in Dogs . PetMD .
