Dogs can unfortunately also have gastroenteritis. This disease is characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which makes the affected animal weak and feel pain in the abdomen. In the case of our friends the dogs, it is important that it is treated in time since could be deadly.
Let's see what are the symptoms of gastroenteritis in dogs, and what we can do to help them regain their health soon.
What is gastroenteritis in dogs? Is the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (dog's stomach and intestines) which manifests itself mainly with vomiting and diarrhea. It can be acute (sudden onset), chronicle (persistent) or hemorrhagic when diarrhea appears with bright red blood and severe vomiting. The hemorrhagic form requires Inmediate attention due to the risk of severe dehydration, hypoglycemia and shock, being more frequent in small breeds.
Symptoms and treatment
The symptoms are practically the same as those we may have, and they are: vomiting, Diarrhea, apathy, dolor abdominal, lack of appetite. Dogs are animals that are active and that as long as they can eat, so in the event that there is a change in their routine, however small and insignificant it may seem, we have to take them immediately to the vet for treatment. more suitable as the case may be.
In addition, they can be observed fever or even hypothermia in advanced stages, dry mucous membranes, skin with little elasticity (signs of dehydration) and hunched postures due to painIf the diarrhea is liquid and sudden with Red blood, or vomiting is persistent, it is considered an emergency.
At home, however, we also have to make sure that:
- The dog has clean, fresh water every day, and what baby. In the event that he does not drink, it can be given with a syringe without a needle (60ml / kg), or given ice cubes to lick them -if it is spring or summer-.
- As his stomach is delicate, he cannot eat anything. The most recommended is that let's prepare boneless chicken broth. In this way, we will also make sure that you drink water.
- Both the feeder and the drinker they should be cleaned every day to prevent the proliferation of harmful bacteria.
As general measures, the veterinarian may prescribe antiemetics to control vomiting, gastric protectors, probiotics and a highly digestible gastrointestinal diet reintroduced in a progressiveIn moderate or severe cases, the intravenous fluid therapy and hospitalization speeds recovery.
common causes
- Infections bacterial (e.g., Clostridium perfringens) and viral (rule out parvovirus).
- Intestinal parasites such as giardia, hookworm or whipworm.
- Spoiled food, inadequate diets or sudden changes in feed.
- Toxic or foreign bodies that cause obstruction.
- Allergies or Food intolerances and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Stress or alterations in the microbiota; some dogs experience recurrences.
Veterinary diagnosis
To confirm the condition and rule out other pathologies, the veterinarian may perform blood test with electrolytes, tests of parvo virus, ultrasound abdominal and coprology with parasitological. The differential diagnosis includes obstruction intestinal, gastric torsion, pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Regurgitation or vomiting?
La regurgitation It is passive and without abdominal effort (e.g., water coming back after drinking quickly). threw up It is active, with contractions and content partially digested, sometimes with bile. Distinguishing it helps to guide the diagnosis.
Signs of urgency
Come without delay if there is blood in feces or vomit, incessant vomiting, intense pain, fever/hypothermia, marked apathy, signs of dehydration or if the dog is dog, I am or are immunosuppressed.
Prevention and monitoring
Keep the deworming a day, avoid sudden changes in diet, offer him quality food, they foresee that eat garbage on walks and reinforces the hygiene of feeder and waterer. After an episode, the following are useful: controls veterinarians and transitional dietary guidelines.
And if it doesn't improve ...
If the dog has had diarrhea and vomiting for several days or weeks, you should take him back to the vet for a complete analysis. There are some diseases that can be life-threatening, such as distemper or parvo virus. Don't let it pass.
Much encouragement..
The early diagnosis and proper support, most dogs recover in 24-72 horasThe key is to recognize the problems early. symptom, hydrate, offer bland diet and consult your veterinarian to rule out complications and prevent relapses.
