If your dog is vomiting frequently, it could be suffering from gastritis, which is inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastritis can be acute, with a sudden onset often caused by ingesting something toxic, or chronic, indicating a more serious underlying issue. Symptoms of gastritis may include blood in the vomit, unusual stool, and a reduced appetite. To diagnose gastritis, your vet will conduct various tests to determine whether it’s acute or chronic and will provide appropriate treatment. The outcome will depend on the underlying cause of the gastritis.

What is Gastritis?

Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach and its lining, often marked by vomiting and loss of appetite. Normally, the stomach’s mucosal lining safeguards against acidity, detergents, bacteria, and temperature changes, while also repairing any damage.

Gastritis can be acute, with sudden symptoms triggered by a specific cause, or chronic, where symptoms persist and require thorough diagnostics. When the lining becomes inflamed, it fails to protect the stomach from harmful substances, causing a distressed gastrointestinal reaction. This irritation can lead to increased damage from stomach acid, resulting in vomiting. If not treated, gastritis may progress to ulcers and infections.

Symptoms of Gastritis in Dogs:

• Vomiting.
• Feeling nauseous.
• Irregular stool.
• Reduced appetite.
• Pain.
• Fatigue or depression.
• Increased thirst and/or dehydration.

Vomiting:

The main symptom of gastritis is vomiting, which can vary in both intensity and frequency. Unlike a mild stomach upset, gastritis-related vomiting might be black, bloody, contain bile, or appear frothy. If the gastritis is due to ingesting something irritating, the vomit may include the ingested food or foreign objects. Additionally, many dogs with gastritis show signs of nausea, which may manifest as excessive drooling or grinding of the teeth.

Abnormal Stool:

Gastritis can lead to blood in your dog’s stool, often presenting as diarrhea. The stool may also appear black and tarry. If you see blood in your dog’s stool, it’s important to consult your vet right away, as it could indicate hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome.

Decreased Appetite:

If your dog has gastritis, it may experience a reduced appetite (anorexia) and become lethargic. Along with vomiting, the lack of appetite can result in weight loss.

Pain:

Gastritis can lead to intense abdominal pain in dogs, which might make them arch their back. Additionally, your dog’s stomach may be sensitive or tender when touched.

What Causes Gastritis in Dogs?

Acute gastritis is a frequent problem in dogs, typically resulting from dietary indiscretion, where your dog consumes something it shouldn’t have.

Foreign Matter:

If your dog ingests a foreign object that isn’t food, it can irritate the stomach lining and lead to gastritis. Such foreign items can include clothing, rocks, plastic, bones, and paper.

Food:

Certain foods are unsuitable for dogs and can lead to gastritis if ingested. These include grapes, avocado, chocolate, nuts, and coconut. Even an excess of regular dog food can cause inflammation and gastritis. Additionally, if your dog has an allergy to an ingredient in its food, it can result in recurring inflammation and potentially chronic gastritis.

Toxic Ingestion:

If your dog consumes toxic substances, particularly those containing chemicals or human medications, it can develop gastritis. Keep your dog away from items like Advil, cleaning products, mulch, and cat litter. Additionally, certain plants, such as daffodils, bluebells, and tulips, are toxic to dogs and can cause stomach inflammation.

Systemic Disease:

Secondary gastritis can also arise from systemic illnesses not related to ingesting harmful substances. Conditions such as pancreatitis, liver disease, or viral and bacterial infections can lead to serious stomach inflammation.

How Do Vets Diagnose Gastritis in Dogs?

Clinical signs of gastritis include vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. To diagnose gastritis, your vet will consider various factors. Initially, you will provide details on any suspected causes, such as if your dog has eaten mulch or swallowed a sock. The vet will then perform appropriate diagnostic tests, including x-rays, blood work, urinalysis, and stool samples, based on the information provided. If an allergic reaction to something in your dog’s regular diet is suspected, a diet trial may be necessary, involving the gradual removal of certain ingredients to identify the cause.

Treatment & Prevention:

Once your vet determines the cause of the inflammation, it will be removed from your dog’s diet or made inaccessible. In many cases of acute gastritis, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and can resolve without extensive medical intervention. Your vet might recommend withholding food for 24-48 hours and then reintroducing bland, easily digestible foods once vomiting subsides. If this approach is insufficient, antibiotics and anti-vomiting medication may be prescribed. Should your dog become dehydrated from frequent vomiting or struggle to keep water down, hospitalization for IV fluids might be necessary. If the gastritis is linked to a more serious underlying condition, your vet will develop a treatment plan that addresses both the primary illness and the secondary gastritis.

The best way to prevent acute gastritis is to minimize the risk of your dog ingesting harmful substances. However, despite taking all precautions, dogs can still develop gastritis, and the exact cause is not always identifiable.