Most dogs with gastroenteritis will have intermittent episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. The vomit may contain foamy, yellowish bile, especially after emptying the stomach. Many owners observe dry heaving or gagging after their dog eats or drinks.
With proper treatment, your dog's stomach virus should subside within three to seven days. If symptoms last longer than two weeks, call or visit your veterinarian. To learn more about the symptoms your pet may be experiencing and get advice from our in-house vet, review Gastroenteritis in Dogs.
Food may be withheld for a couple of days to let your dog's stomach settle, but most vets will advise the feeding of bland and digestible meals little and often. An antidiarrheal medication may be given to help calm the problem, as well as some probiotics.
Gastroenteritis can be highly contagious and can spread through the dog community quickly. The virus is passed through saliva, vomit and faeces. The virus can pass through direct contact with another dog or through dogs licking or sniffing surfaces (e.g. poles/fences) or drinking from shared water bowls.
Gastroenteritis ranges from mild (lasts one to two days) to severe (lasts for more than two days, diarrhoea and/or vomit may contain blood, and they may become very poorly). If your dog's diarrhoea or vomit contains blood we call the condition haemorrhagic gastroenteritis which is usually more serious.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
If your dog vomits three or more times over a period of eight hours, you should be worried. If there is any blood in either, you should take your dog to the vet immediately.
Vets often suggest a bland diet to treat a dog's upset stomach. Rice and chicken, or a more specific diet, removes the irritating substances from food to help your dog's digestive system rebalance itself.
Thankfully, most upset stomachs should clear up within 48 hours. However, digestive issues can continue longer if the underlying cause is a long-term problem – examples can be chronic stress, a food allergy (if no dietary changes have been made), or an untreated health condition.
A bland diet for dogs with gastroenteritis includes food like unseasoned, boiled chicken. Rehydration options include adding an electrolyte supplement to your dog's water or giving your dog Gatorade or Pedialyte. Your veterinarian can recommend which rehydration option would be best for your dog.
Causes of Gastroenteritis in Dogs
Ingestion of spoiled or raw foods, or of non-food items. Viruses (parvovirus, distemper, etc.) Intestinal parasites. Changes in intestinal flora.
Your vet will usually prescribe medication to stop the vomiting/diarrhoea, followed by a strict bland diet to allow your pup's stomach to return to normal. A more serious bout of gastroenteritis, such as haemorrhagic gastroenteritis, may be treated with an intravenous drip to rehydrate your dog.
Canine influenza, also known as the dog flu, is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by specific Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs, and is different from the seasonal influenza viruses that spread annually among people, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Infectious diseases, such as gastroenteritis, can be spread from animals to humans.
Gastrointestinal viruses are those that affect the stomach and intestines. They are typically very contagious and are spread through dog to dog contact. These types of viruses can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue and lack of appetite. The viruses cause similar symptoms to the human "stomach flu bug."
In many cases, gastroenteritis in dogs often resolves within a few days but this depends on the underlying cause. Keep an eye on your dog and contact your vet if you have any concerns.
When should I take my dog to the vet for vomiting and diarrhea? If their symptoms haven't improved within 12-24 hours you should bring them to the vet. You should bring them sooner if they're displaying other symptoms such as; severe tummy pain, not drinking, lethargy or if there is blood in the vomit or feces.
Most cases of gastroenteritis resolve with supportive care, either at home in very mild cases or in the hospital in more serious cases. Recovery time usually is within a few days but sometimes can last a week or more.
Soothing Food Ingredients to Give Your Dog
Ingredients like rice, yogurt, cooked chicken, bone broth, and pumpkin puree are beneficial for balancing out the gut bacteria and improving digestion. Broths and soups are full of beneficial nutrients like bone marrow, protein and minerals, and are also very hydrating.
First, they may lose energy. A dog acting lethargic may be trying to minimize discomfort. They may also stay in a scrunched-up or tense position, similar to how humans will clutch their stomach. Finally, your dog may start stretching its front paws out repeatedly in a doggie bow.
What are the clinical signs of pancreatitis? The most common clinical signs include nausea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. During an attack, dogs may take a 'praying position', with their rear end up in the air and their front legs and head lowered onto the floor.
Paracetamol is a very popular painkiller in humans, however it can be toxic or fatal in small animals. Dogs are less sensitive to paracetamol than cats. A 20kg dog would need to ingest over seven 500mg tablets in order to suffer toxic effects.
Generally, there are three primary ways that you can tell when a dog needs your help: physiological changes, behavioral changes, and signs of pain or discomfort.