Here’s what you need to know about this condition, what it can do to your pup, and what you can do to help
Is your pup throwing up or acting like they have an upset tummy? Did you catch them digging in the trash can or eating something they shouldn’t have? Gastritis could be the cause of your pup’s discomfort.
Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach and is very common in dogs. It can be caused by various things, but is usually closely related to diet and the digestive system. Gastritis can only be diagnosed by a vet after testing, but you can do your part as a pet parent by recognizing the warning signs early.
This condition isn’t usually dangerous when treated early, but it can be very detrimental to your dog’s health if left unchecked. Untreated gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers and polyps; it’s important to get your dog help if symptoms last longer than a day or two.
Many pet parents can’t tell the difference between gastritis and gastroenteritis. The two words are very similar, and the symptoms can overlap, too. Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and bowel, but not the stomach lining. Both conditions have similar symptoms, but gastroenteritis is typically accompanied by diarrhea, and gastritis isn’t.
Both acute and chronic gastritis can be mild or very serious. For example, a dog that consumed a poisonous plant will have acute gastritis that can be very serious. Similarly, a dog with a mild food sensitivity will have chronic gastritis that isn’t necessarily life-threatening.
Acute gastritis is commonly brought on by exposure to viruses, bacteria, fungi, spoiled food, and household or outdoor plants. Eating hair or string and swallowing bad things like cleaning agents or human medications can also cause acute gastritis in dogs.
When a dog has acute gastritis, symptoms appear quickly and may disappear quickly, too. Mild cases of acute gastritis usually resolve themselves after a day or so, but if your dog’s symptoms don’t clear up, head to the vet.
🚨 If your dog consumed something toxic, like antibiotics or household cleaners, call the ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 and your vet immediately.
Chronic gastritis is a long-term illness that requires ongoing treatment. If your dog’s gastritis symptoms last more than 24 hours or keep coming back despite treatment, it’s considered chronic.
Chronic gastritis tends to be caused by long-term exposure to any common acute causes, liek certain infections, chemotherapy, food allergies, or certain illnesses. This type of gastritis should be taken very seriously. It’s diagnosed by a veterinarian after blood and urine tests are completed.
🚨 If your dog doesn’t recover on its own within 24-36 hours, take them to the vet.
Vomiting is the big, waving red flag for gastritis. If your dog vomits up their food, it’s possibly being caused by gastritis, but it’s not the only explanation. Here are other symptoms of gastritis you should be on the lookout for besides sudden vomiting:
👉 Don’t mistake bilious vomit for “regular vomit” (vomit containing food). Yellow, thin vomit could be a sign of bilious vomiting syndrome rather than gastritis.
Vets will run tests on urine, fecal matter, and sometimes blood to diagnose gastritis in dogs. Gastritis is diagnosed using abdominal x-rays, blood tests, and urinalysis; severe or chronic gastritis may take more tests. Your vet will know how many tests are necessary to make a complete and accurate diagnosis.
Mild gastritis doesn’t always require veterinary treatment, but it’s still a good idea to bring your pup in to rule out any serious issues that may be occurring. If your dog gets mild gastritis, it should be much better by the next day. However, if your pup is getting sick over and over again, or isn’t improving, it’s time to see the vet.
Gastritis can be cured with proper treatment. If your vet diagnoses your pup with gastritis, they’ll recommend two types of treatment: symptom management and medical treatment.
If your dog has a mild case of gastritis, they’ll generally start feeling better after one day, though their full energy levels might take two to three days to come back. Your vet may advise you to keep an eye on your dog at home.
Vomiting might look worrisome, but it’s part of a dog’s natural response to sickness and is the main way they remove the substance that is making them sick. Still, though, vomiting takes a toll on your pup’s body by draining fluids and preventing food digestion. Here’s how to help your sick dog recover from home:
Recovery from severe cases of chronic gastritis can take anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on the severity of the case. Sometimes, the symptoms may never fully disappear, but with proper treatment, your dog can still live a semi-normal life.
Medical treatment for gastritis (whether acute or chronic) in dogs includes:
Sometimes, gastritis can be prevented if you’re able to keep your dog away from any substance that causes the condition. Other, more complicated causes of gastritis (chemotherapy, kidney disease, IBS, etc) are out of a pet parent’s control. Hhere are some tips for preventing gastritis.
👉 Check out our guide on what to give your dog for an upset tummy for other helpful tips.
