Gastrointestinal Problems in Dogs

Identification

• Identifying gastrointestinal problems in dogs may not be as easy as you might think. You need to know your dog's behavior really well in addition to their eating habits. When you know these things you will be more likely to notice eating of grass, abdominal noises, vomiting and diarrhea, excessive drinking, increased body temperature or bloating. These are the general signs of gastrointestinal problems in dogs and could be related to too much acid in the stomach, eating unfamiliar or low-quality foods, or even eating foreign objects or substances. Of course, other problems could be disease related.

Misconceptions

• There is a misconception that if you allow a dog to eat grass it will eventually vomit whatever it is that is causing the gastrointestinal problems. Dogs will, when feeling ill, eat grass and generally this will cause them to vomit. If they vomit twice and seem to feel better it was probably acidic and is nothing to worry about. But, lack of vomiting or continued eating of grass is not healthy and the dog will need care. Simply assuming that the problem will cure itself with grass eating is not enough.

Types

• There are many types of gastrointestinal problems in dogs. Dogs are like people and can get conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, colitis, ulcers and more. The symptoms may be the same for many conditions and this is why it is important to seek help for your pet if it has gastrointestinal problems for more than a day or two or seem chronic in nature.

Time Frame

• The time frame associated with gastrointestinal problems is really important. Dogs are a lot like people in that they can have an upset stomach for seemingly no reason for a couple hours and then it passes. If gastrointestinal problems continue for more than a day or two, even if mild, it really is time to call your veterinarian and have your dog looked at. If the behavior is unusual and your dog is not able to hold down food or water for more than six to eight hours or is unresponsive, it is a good indication that there is something more serious than a little stomach bug.

Risks

• The risks associated with gastrointestinal problems in dogs involve waiting too long to take a dog to the doctor. It's better to be cautious and take your pet in to see a vet than to wait too long. Waiting too long can result in the dog becoming even more ill or possibly even death depending on the issue.