Gastritis in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

As dog parents, we all know that our pups can occasionally get upset stomachs. Sometimes it’s nothing more than a one-time issue after eating something they shouldn’t have, but when vomiting and stomach issues occur more regularly, it could point to a bigger problem. One of the most common digestive conditions in dogs is gastritis.

What Is Gastritis in Dogs?

Gastritis in dogs is the inflammation of the stomach lining, and it can appear as either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

Acute gastritis often comes on suddenly and is usually triggered by something your dog ate, such as spoiled food, garbage, or even a new type of treat that didn’t agree with your pup. It typically lasts less than seven days.

Chronic gastritis, on the other hand, develops gradually and may be linked to food sensitivities, long-term exposure to irritants, or other health conditions. No matter the type, gastritis can make your dog uncomfortable and can sometimes lead to dehydration if not treated properly.

Causes of Gastritis in Dogs

There are many different reasons why a dog might develop gastritis. The most common of gastritis is when a curious pup eats something they shouldn’t, like garbage, table scraps, or spoiled food.

Dogs may also develop gastritis if they swallow foreign objects such as bones, toys, or household items that irritate the stomach lining. Certain medications, particularly NSAIDs and some antibiotics, can also upset a dog’s stomach.

Infections, whether bacterial, viral, or parasitic, may lead to inflammation of your dog’s stomach, and some dogs suffer from food allergies or sensitivities that can cause ongoing irritation. In more complicated cases, chronic conditions like kidney or liver disease or pancreatitis may contribute to persistent stomach problems that look like gastritis.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Because gastritis affects the stomach directly, the signs usually revolve around digestion. Vomiting is one of the clearest indicators, and it may include bile, foam, or undigested food.

Dogs with gastritis often lose interest in food, act nauseous by drooling or licking their lips excessively, and may appear lethargic or low in energy.

Some dogs may develop diarrhea, while others simply seem uncomfortable, restless, or sensitive when their stomach is touched. If the vomiting is frequent, your dog can quickly become dehydrated, which can make the situation more serious.

A single episode of vomiting might not be concerning, but repeated vomiting paired with these other symptoms is a strong signal that something more is going on and you need to take your dog to the vet.

How Vets Diagnose Gastritis

When you bring your dog to the vet, the first step is usually a physical exam and a thorough conversation about your pup’s recent diet, activities, and behavior. From there, your vet may recommend diagnostic tests to get a clearer picture.

Bloodwork can also help rule out organ issues or infections, while X-rays and ultrasounds can reveal whether a foreign object is stuck in the stomach.

Fecal tests are often run to check for parasites, and in chronic or severe cases, an endoscopy or biopsy may be needed to examine the stomach lining directly. These tests are the best way to determine whether your dog’s gastritis is a simple, short-term condition or a symptom of a more serious problem.

Treatment For Gastritis in Dogs

The treatment plan for gastritis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your dog’s symptoms. For mild, acute cases, your vet may recommend temporarily withholding food to your dog to give your pup’s stomach time to rest, followed by feeding a bland or prescription diet that is easy to digest.

Hydration support is often important, especially if your dog has been vomiting repeatedly, and in some cases fluids may need to be given under the skin or intravenously.

Medications such as anti-nausea drugs, stomach protectants, or antacids may also be prescribed to help reduce irritation and improve comfort. If parasites or bacterial infections are the cause, specific treatments like de-wormers or antibiotics may be necessary.

In more serious situations, particularly if a foreign object is blocking the stomach, surgery might be the only solution. For chronic gastritis, long-term management often includes specialized diets, ongoing medication, and regular checkups to keep your dog’s symptoms under control.

Caring for a Dog With Gastritis at Home

Once your dog has been seen by a veterinarian and diagnosed with gastritis, there are steps you can take at home to help them heal and prevent flare-ups:

• Follow your vet’s dietary recommendations which often means sticking to bland, highly digestible food and avoiding fatty treats, table scraps, or sudden changes in diet.

• Feed smaller, more frequent meals to your dog instead of one or two large ones to help reduce the strain on your dog’s stomach.

• Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water to help prevent dehydration, which is especially important if vomiting has been an issue.

• Keep trash cans secure and monitoring what your dog eats outdoors can go a long way in preventing future episodes of gastritis.

When to Call the Vet

While a single upset stomach usually isn’t cause for concern, it’s important to seek veterinary care if your dog’s vomiting continues or becomes severe, if you notice blood in your dog’s vomit or stool, if they refuse food and water for more than a day, or if they show signs of weakness or pain.

Final Thoughts on Gastritis in Dogs

Gastritis in dogs can certainly be uncomfortable for your dog, but with the right care and attention, most pups recover well. In many cases, it’s triggered by something simple like eating spoiled food or garbage, but sometimes it can point to a more chronic or serious condition. By paying attention to your dog’s symptoms and taking preventative steps, you can keep their digestive system healthy and their tail wagging.