As a holistic veterinarian, I know how upsetting it can be to see your dog feeling unwell. Gastritis is a condition I often diagnose in my practice. It simply means inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause discomfort, vomiting, and changes in appetite.
There are two main types:
- Acute gastritis: sudden onset, usually lasting a short time.
- Chronic gastritis: long-term, persisting for weeks or even months.
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help you take quick action to support your dog’s recovery and long-term health.
Common Causes of Gastritis in Dogs
Many things can irritate a dog’s stomach. Some are more common than others:
- Medications: long-term or high doses of NSAIDs or corticosteroids.
- Dietary indiscretions: eating spoiled food, garbage, or foreign objects.
- Toxins and unsafe foods: onions, chocolate, certain plants, cleaning products, or antifreeze.
- Parasites: roundworms, whipworms, and other intestinal parasites.
Less Common Causes of Gastritis in Dogs
- Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
- Food or environmental allergies.
- Underlying health issues such as kidney or liver disease.
- Stress or anxiety.
Every dog is different. What triggers gastritis in one may not affect another. That’s why I encourage pet parents to pay close attention to any changes in behavior or appetite.
Symptoms of Gastritis in Dogs
Dogs can’t tell us when their stomach hurts, but their body language and habits give us clues.
Physical Signs
- Vomiting (sometimes with bile or blood)
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Gas or belching
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration (dry gums, increased thirst)
- Abdominal pain (restlessness, shifting positions often)
Behavioral Changes Associated with Gastritis in Dogs
- Lethargy or low energy
- Refusal of food or eating grass and non-food items
- Excessive drooling from nausea
- Irritability or aggression caused by discomfort
These symptoms overlap with many other conditions, so veterinary evaluation is always necessary.
How Vets Diagnose Gastritis
When I see a dog with possible gastritis, I begin with a physical exam and a thorough history: diet, behavior, recent exposures. Depending on the case, I may recommend:
- Bloodwork: checks for inflammation, infection, kidney or liver disease.
- X-rays or ultrasound: looks for blockages or foreign objects.
- Endoscopy: a small camera to view the stomach lining and take samples if needed.
Accurate diagnosis is important so we don’t just treat the symptoms but address the root cause.
Treatment Options for Gastritis in Dogs
Treatment depends on the cause, but the main goals are to reduce irritation, control symptoms, and restore comfort.
- Dietary changes: bland or prescription diets that are gentle on the stomach.
- Medications: acid reducers, stomach lining protectants, or targeted treatments for infection.
- Fluids: rehydration, either at home or in the clinic if vomiting has been severe.
- Hospitalization: in serious cases, especially if a toxin or obstruction is involved.
Holistic support can also make a big difference. For example:
- Probiotics to balance gut bacteria.
- Gentle herbal remedies to soothe the digestive system.
- Home cooked diets that are easy on the digestive tract
- A natual approach to healing leaky gut
If you’d like personalized guidance, I offer online holistic pet consultations where I create custom care plans for dogs with digestive issues.
Preventing Gastritis in Dogs
Prevention is always better than treatment. Simple daily steps can lower your dog’s risk:
Smart Feeding Habits
- Feed smaller meals more frequently to avoid overeating.
- Choose high-quality, digestible dog food without artificial additives.
- Avoid sharing highly processed human foods that may upset your dog’s stomach.
Other Prevention Measures
- Keep harmful substances and plants out of reach.
- Provide regular exercise to support digestion.
- Schedule routine checkups to catch problems early.
By being proactive, you can keep your dog’s stomach healthier and prevent unnecessary discomfort.
Final Thougths
Gastritis can be alarming, but with the right care most dogs recover well. If your pup is showing signs of stomach upset, don’t wait—early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference.
I’m here to support you with both conventional and holistic options, including customized nutrition planning. Together, we can help your dog feel comfortable and thrive again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms of gastritis in dogs can include vomiting (often with froth or bile), loss of appetite, dehydration, lethargy, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the dog may also have a fever or show signs of shock.
Gastritis in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors including ingestion of irritating or toxic substances, food allergies, infections, parasitic infestations, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain medications.
Gastritis in dogs is diagnosed based on clinical signs, a thorough medical history, and a physical examination. Additional diagnostic tests such as blood tests, urine tests, x-rays, ultrasound, or endoscopy may also be performed.
The treatment for gastritis in dogs depends on the underlying cause. It may include dietary changes, medication to reduce stomach acid and inflammation, antibiotics to treat infections, deworming medication for parasites, or surgery in severe cases.
While not all cases of gastritis in dogs can be prevented, some measures can be taken to reduce the risk. This includes feeding a balanced diet, avoiding giving your dog highly processed or highly fatty human foods that can irritate the stomach, and keeping harmful substances out of your dog’s reach.
