Gastritis in dogs is not an uncommon occurrence. Whether your dog has eaten something questionable he found or has an upset stomach from a virus, several treatments are available to relieve his gastritis.
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Symptoms
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Gastritis symptoms in dogs often include vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite.
Causes
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Understanding the cause of the dog's gastritis is the first step to treating him. Gastritis in dogs can be caused by a disease of the immune system, dietary allergies, the ingestion of toxins (such as fertilizers), ingestion of a foreign object, cancer, infection or a virus.
Medication
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A veterinarian may choose to treat the gastritis with medication. Antiemetics, for example, fight against stomach upset. Antacids help reduce the acid production in the dog's stomach and provide soothing relief.
Surgery
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If the source of the gastritis is a stomach blockage (such as an object the dog may have swallowed), it may have to be surgically removed.
Food
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Depending upon the cause of the stomach upset, a veterinarian may recommend that a bland diet be instituted after a time of fasting. Bland foods, such as white rice with small amounts of cooked chicken, are ideal and should be continued until the gastritis has subsided.
Be sure that the dog has ample water available at all times, so as to eliminate risk of dehydration.
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