So, you come home to find your pup lethargic and not acting themselves. After a few moments, you notice they are dry heaving overtop your favorite rug. They were fine this morning so what could have happened in between?
Did they eat something they shouldn’t? Do they have a virus? Do they have some type of tummy bug? In this article, we are going to go over some gastrointestinal problems in dogs so you can understand better.
Dogs Can Get Stomach Bugs
Dogs can get all kinds of different bacteria, viruses, and general upset from spoiled food items and the environment. Anything our dog ingests has the potential to upset them if they have sensitives, allergies—or they just ate something that shouldn’t be in the belly.
Different stomach upsets may have similar signs, making it hard to figure out what bug you’re dealing with.
What Is Gastroenteritis? 7 Possible Causes
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It can have several causes, so it is merely a sign of an underlying condition. It can cause a series of signs, but usually the most obvious are vomiting are diarrhea.
While tummy upset can stem from a variety of issues—here are a few major reasons.
1. Bacteria
Bacteria can get into the gut via consumption or ingestion. Certain bacteria are harmless while others, like Salmonella, cause gastroenteritis. Raw food is one such source of bad bacteria1. These microscopic troublesome critters can really wreak havoc on the system. Usually, bacteria infections require antibiotics to get your dog’s body back in order although sometimes a combination of the immune system and healthy gut bacteria can resolve the issue.
2. Viruses
Viruses are living organisms that infiltrate your dog’s system and cause overall upset. Many stomach bugs are viruses and generally must run their course. Antibiotics usually don’t work for viruses. Instead, they often have to run their course with supportive care as needed. Canine parvovirus and canine enteric coronavirus are two viruses that cause gastrointestinal upset, with parvovirus being much more serious and potentially deadly.
3. Parasites
We are advised to treat our dogs for parasites for a reason—they are a real problem. Intestinal worms can cause gastroenteritis. It is imperative that we treat our dogs with regular parasite prevention—ridding them of ticks, fleas, and worms. You can get these treatments online or at your vet or local shelter. Some of them may differ in effectiveness, so make sure to check reviews and ask for recommendations.
