Dog Digestive Issues

A Guide to Digestive Conditions & Treatment for Dogs

What causes dog diarrhea, vomiting, and other signs of dog stomach issues?

What causes dog diarrhea, vomiting, and other signs of dog stomach issues? To understand the symptoms, you’ll first want to get familiar with how your dog’s body works. When your dog is struggling with digestive discomfort, the signs may not be pretty. Dog stomach issues can include uncomfortable symptoms for your pet and lead to even more unpleasant messes–making it essential for pet parents to investigate these issues early. Stomach issues in dogs can mean vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, pain, and discomfort, to more serious conditions such as drastic weight changes, fever, or internal bleeding.

Dog digestive issues aren’t uncommon in dogs. Switching your dog’s diet, stress, and food sensitivities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to possible causes of your dog’s upset stomach. To best help your pet, it’s important to know the common causes, signs, and how to treat their digestive symptoms at home.

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What Causes Dog Stomach Upset?

Which Dog Breeds Are Most At Risk for Digestive Issues?

Signs & Symptoms of Digestion Issues in Dogs

Dog Upset Stomach Complications and Diagnoses

Common Stomach Upset Treatments & Relief

At-Home Tips for Preventing Dog Stomach Upset

How Dog Anal Gland Issues Are Linked to Digestive Health

Contacting Your Vet If Digestive Problems Persist

What Causes Dog Stomach Upset?

What causes dog diarrhea, vomiting, and other signs of dog stomach issues? To understand the symptoms, you’ll first want to get familiar with how your dog’s body works.

Your dog’s digestive system is a complex collection of anatomy that stretches from the mouth to the anus. While dog digestive issues are most commonly connected to tummy pain and bowel movements, issues can start much earlier in the digestive tract.

Esophageal issues

Esophageal issues relate to the esophagus, which is where your dog’s food first enters the digestive system. The esophagus connects your dog’s mouth to their stomach and can be prone to issues like regurgitation, acid reflux, andmesophagitis.

Common causes of esophageal digestive issues in dogs can include:

Substances like food, water, or grass creating an obstruction in the esophagus
Diets high in fat that can cause acid reflux (when acids from the stomach reenter the esophagus)
Vomiting or an urge to vomit. Why is my dog vomiting? It could be caused by a dietary indiscretion–when your dog chooses to eat something it shouldn’t like rotten food, fecal matter, insects, or toxic substances
Repeated damage to the lining of the esophagus, causing chronic inflammation

Stomach issues

Stomach issues are issues that occur at the midway point between the esophagus and intestines. The stomach is where the first stage of your dog’s digestive activity occurs. Mucous lines the inner walls of your dog’s stomach to protect it from acids while food is being digested, while enzymes and hydrochloric acid work to break down the food your dog has eaten. Bit by bit, the stomach slowly releases small amounts of digested food into the intestines. Bacterial, viral, and parasitic issues can occur in the stomach, such as gastritis, which is inflammation of the stomach lining.

Common causes of dog digestive issues related to the stomach can include:

Consumption of overly acidic, spicy, or fatty foods
Chronic stress or anxiety, which can lead to ulcers and damage to the stomach lining
Eating substances not meant to be ingested–such as raw meat, spoiled food, or trash–can lead to stomach inflammation
Eating substances contaminated by parasites, bacteria, or viruses

Intestinal issues

Intestinal issues relate to both the large and small intestines–long, coiled systems that stretch between your dog’s stomach and their anus. The small intestine absorbs your dog’s digested food into the blood in order to collect and disperse nutrients throughout the body. The large intestine includes the colon, rectum, and anal canal and is where stool is formed and prepared to exit the body. This is also where water and electrolytes are extracted from digested food.

Common dog digestive issues in the intestines are gas and bloating, which can lead to irregular or especially foul-smelling flatulence. Colitis (inflammation of the intestines) can also occur, as can bowel obstructions, diarrhea, constipation, or digestive disorders.

Common causes of dog digestive issues related to the intestines can include:

Exposure to allergens, parasites, bacteria, or viruses
Food intolerances or sensitivities
Poorly digested food, or contaminated food
Foreign objects (non-food substances) becoming stuck within the small or large intestine
Polyps or tumors that obstruct the movement of stool through the intestines
Dog diarrhea causes such as illness, food intolerance, and parasites
Constipation due to a lack of fiber, swollen anal glands, or bowel obstructions

If symptoms in any of these areas of your dog’s digestive system are left untreated, issues can move further down the digestive tract and may also lead to complications related to anal gland health.

Which Dog Breeds Are Most At Risk for Digestive Issues?

Are some dog breeds prone to stomach upset? Depending on the breed of dog, a sensitive stomach could be to blame for your dog’s upset stomach–and could mean that certain symptoms are harder to ignore. So which dog breeds have the unfortunate distinction of dealing with gut distress?

Let’s cover the top breeds:

Golden Retriever Stomach Issues

Arguably the most amiable canine on Earth, Golden Retrievers are also the most opportunistic when it comes to snatching table scraps! This has led to a reputation for dog digestion issues, since they often eat foods not meant for them. Dietary indiscretions often spell trouble for this popular dog breed.

Boxer Stomach Issues

Boxers are an intelligent, highly energetic breed that unfortunately struggles with dog stomach upset symptoms. The connection between Boxers and dog digestive issues is so well-known that they inspired the titular “Boxer colitis”, an inflammatory bowel disease that is specific to Boxers and similar breeds.

German Shepherd Stomach Issues

This regal dog breed is at higher risk for food allergies and serious digestive problems. The German Shepherd’s barrel-chested anatomy makes it vulnerable to life-threatening bloat, as well as megaesophagus. The latter is a terminal disease caused by a combination of two conditions: excessive dilation and loss of motility within the esophagus.

Great Dane Stomach Issues

The king of canines is also at high risk for bloat and megaesophagus, due to its massive size and deep-chested anatomy. Pet parents of Great Danes often opt for preventative gastropexy surgery to reduce their dog’s chance of bloat.

Irish Setter Stomach Issues

What causes dog diarrhea? If you have an Irish Setter, it could be the breed’s predisposition to gluten intolerance (gluten-sensitive enteropathy, or GSE). Weight loss and skin problems may also be an issue for this breed, which are related to complications from food intolerance. If pet parents forgo the necessary treatments (e.g., a grain-free diet) for their gluten-intolerant Irish Setter, more serious digestive illnesses–such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)–can occur.

Miniature Schnauzer Stomach Issues

It’s not just big dogs that struggle with stomach upset; Miniature Schnauzers and some other terriers struggle with pancreatitis. One of the primary functions of the pancreas is to create enzymes that digest your dog’s food; with pancreatitis, the digestive system can’t properly digest food or absorb the nutrients needed to maintain health. Smaller breeds are also at a higher risk of dehydration related to diarrhea and other digestive problems, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Signs & Symptoms of Digestive Issues in Dogs

It can be hard to see your furry friend struggling with symptoms of digestive issues. Keeping a record of symptoms and their frequency can help you and your vet form a better treatment plan for your pet. Digestive issues in dogs can arise in a variety of symptoms which can provide you with more insight on the cause of the stomach issue.

These are the symptoms most commonly associated with dog digestive issues:

Loss of Appetite

One of the first signs of digestive upset could be your dog’s lack of appetite. They may refuse to eat foods they would normally devour, or eat significantly less than usual.

Excessive Drooling

When your dog is nauseous, their salivary glands go into overdrive to help lubricate and protect the esophagus from rising stomach acid. The result is excessive drooling or slobbering.

Regurgitation

Dogs who regurgitate their food may cough, hack, and wheeze until they spit up the substance that’s causing them discomfort. Constant regurgitation can also be linked to acid reflux and vomiting. If something they ate doesn’t get properly digested in the esophagus or stomach, it could very well make its way back up again.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a messy and unfortunate symptom of dog stomach upset, and it can happen to any pet. Liquid or watery stools mean your dog’s food was digested faster than normal, and that their body has not absorbed any water or nutrients. For this reason, dehydration can be a serious and life-threatening side effect of diarrhea.

Constipation

Many pet parents wonder, ‘Why is my dog constipated?’ Constipation can be caused by a number of factors, including lack of fiber, exercise, or hydration. Illness and medications may also cause constipation, which is defined as stool moving slower than usual through the digestive tract. Straining, hemorrhoids, and bloody stool can all be side effects of dog constipation.

Discolored Stool

Stool colors other than the standard chocolate brown can help reveal what’s causing your dog's tummy troubles. Green stool could mean your dog ate too much grass, or that the gallbladder is in distress. Yellow-orange stool could mean biliary (gallbladder) or liver issues. White, rice-shaped flecks in the stool can mean parasites are present. Gray stools also denote a biliary issue or issues related to the pancreas, while black or red-streaked stools are a sign of blood in the digestive tract.

Bloody Stool

Bloody stools are scary to see, but the color is important to note. Black, tarry stool is a sign of bleeding in the upper GI tract, while streaks or bright red blood in the stool can be caused by tears or hemorrhoids in the anorectal area.

Abdominal Pain and Bloating

When digestive issues cause gas to build up or stool to move too quickly (or too slowly) through the gut, your dog may suffer from abdominal pain. While some abdominal pain can pass quickly or coincide only with other symptoms, bloating can signal a serious, life-threatening condition.

Dog Upset Stomach Complications and Diagnoses

Nobody knows your dog better than you–that’s why when it comes to protecting their gut, you should trust yours! Some signs shouldn’t be ignored, and require immediate medical attention.

Excessive Vomiting

If your dog won’t eat or your dog can’t keep water down, it might be time to contact your veterinarian. Vomiting makes it difficult for them to keep anything down and means your dog could become severely dehydrated or malnourished. How much is too much vomiting? Twice in a 24-hour period, or if they vomit two or more days in a row.

Dehydration

Conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting, heatstroke, fever, and other illnesses can cause your dog to become dehydrated. Dehydration is dangerous for any dog, but puppies and small breeds may be more prone to dehydration-related fatalities.

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV)

Another serious digestive condition in dogs is gastric dilatation and volvulus, or GDV. Also referred to as ‘bloat,’ this condition shouldn’t be treated as a passing side effect of tummy troubles. GDV occurs when a dog’s stomach twists or flips, becoming stretched and rotated out of alignment within the digestive tract. Common causes include a combination of deep-chested anatomy, excessive gas from eating too quickly, exercise after eating or drinking, and stress. GDV is always an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Septic Shock

Septic shock happens when both sepsis and severe sepsis have gone untreated and is almost always fatal for dogs–even with treatment. Sepsis is an infection that causes aggressive inflammation in the body, with organ failure as a result of severe sepsis. Digestive-related causes of sepsis can include ruptured intestines or a ruptured stomach from GDV.

Cancer

Stomach and intestinal cancer are rare causes of dog gut issues, but should still be on any pet parent’s radar. Dogs experiencing dramatic and unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, severe cases of vomiting and diarrhea, and blood in the vomit should be evaluated by a veterinary professional as soon as possible.

Food Allergies

If your dog experiences vomiting, skin rash, or a sudden change in bowel habits, a food allergy could be to blame. Be sure to keep a record of any new foods or supplements your pet tries, as well as a timeline of when symptoms started to occur.

Common Upset Stomach Treatment Options for Dogs

While severe dog stomach issues aren’t common, it’s still good to treat any symptoms that arise–especially as a way to improve your dog’s comfort! You can help your dog deal with uncomfortable digestive issues at home with a few simple treatments:

Dog Diarrhea Treatments

The first strategy for diarrhea in dogs is usually a fast. Fasts can last anywhere from 12-24 hours to allow the gut to reset, but you’ll also want to make sure your dog gets plenty of water during that time. For dogs that can’t go without nutrients for that long–like puppies and senior dogs–discuss this option with your vet before proceeding.

Break your dog’s fast with both bland and probiotic-rich foods. Need help deciding what to feed a dog with diarrhea? Pumpkin, rice water, boiled rice, and cottage cheese are just a few options that fit the bill.

"Profivex aids in a healthy gut and may also help in reducing the clinical signs and severity of skin disease in atopic dogs. I use it as an additional anti-inflammatory supplement in refractory cases and in patients suffering from diarrhea caused by medication effects."

Joya Griffin DVM, DACVD, Animal Dermatology Clinic

Dog Vomiting Treatments

If your dog is vomiting, switch them to a bland diet and smaller meals until they improve. Wondering what to feed a vomiting dog? Foods like boiled chicken, rice, and sweet potato are all suitable for dog upset stomach treatment at home.

Dog Dehydration Treatments

If your dog is mildly dehydrated, have them drink small amounts of water every few minutes. You can also have them lick ice cubes to restore hydration. If your dog is showing signs of heatstroke, shock, or severe dehydration, take them to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately for intravenous rehydration.

Dog Constipation Treatments

The best treatments for a dog with constipation are adjustments to your dog’s diet and activity. Increasing fiber in tandem with hydration can help improve gut motility, as can daily exercise.

Dog Parasite Treatments

If your dog’s digestive system is disrupted due to the ingestion of a parasite, you’ll need to get a prescription treatment from your vet. An oral or injectable dewormer will help kill most parasites but may cause mild diarrhea in some dogs as a side effect.

At-Home Tips for Preventing Dog Stomach Upset

When it comes to helping keep your dog’s gut in balance, you’ll want to consider the recurring symptoms. Does your dog deal with frequent vomiting? They could be ingesting toxic substances from their environment. Is diarrhea a common issue? A food allergy or parasites could be to blame. Keeping a close eye on what they eat–and reducing their chance for dietary indiscretions–can help you identify what’s making your dog sick.

Another helpful tool for improving gut health is probiotics. Dog probiotics exist in many forms, and can be given to your dog for a few weeks or every day for regular maintenance. Probiotic powders can be mixed into your dog’s food, while tasty probiotic chews can be gobbled up between meals. Probiotics are especially helpful after a bout of diarrhea when the gut microbiome has been weakened or disrupted.

Your dog’s age may also play a role in how well they handle stomach issues. Puppies and senior pets can be especially susceptible to malnutrition after diarrhea or vomiting since they rely on regular intake of nutrients to stay healthy. Adding probiotic foods–like plain cottage cheese or yogurt–or supplements to their diet will be especially beneficial for dogs in these age groups!

How Dog Anal Glands Issues Are Linked to Digestive Health

Dog anal gland issues are often directly linked to digestive health because the consistency and frequency of a dog's stool can impact the functioning of their anal glands. These glands, located on either side of the rectum, are responsible for secreting a smelly substance used for marking territory and identification.

Healthy, firm stools help express the anal glands naturally during defecation. However, when a dog has digestive problems leading to soft or irregularly shaped stools, the anal glands may not empty properly, causing them to become impacted or infected. Chronic diarrhea or constipation, common symptoms of digestive issues, can exacerbate this problem, leading to pain, swelling, and even abscesses in severe cases.

A dog’s diet also plays a crucial role in maintaining both digestive and anal gland health. A balanced diet high in fiber can promote regular bowel movements and the formation of firm stools, aiding in the natural expression of the anal glands. Fiber supplements or specially formulated high-fiber dog foods can be beneficial in managing anal gland issues.

Addressing underlying digestive problems through proper nutrition, hydration, and, when necessary, veterinary intervention can also help prevent recurring anal gland issues. Monitoring your dog's digestive health and ensuring they have a well-balanced diet can significantly reduce the risk of anal gland complications, promoting overall well-being and comfort for your pet.

Contacting Your Vet If Digestive Problems Persist

Is my dog’s stomach upset an emergency? Many pet parents struggle with this question and worry about overreacting to run-of-the-mill symptoms. But if your dog’s symptoms don’t improve after trying home treatments for 24 hours, don’t wait–a call to the vet could save your pet’s life.

Wondering when to call the vet for dog vomiting? If your dog can’t keep food or water down, that’s a sign that your pet is struggling with potentially serious gut issues. It could also be a sign that a harmful parasite or pathogen is present in your dog’s digestive system.

What about calling a vet for your dog’s diarrhea? Diarrhea becomes dangerous when you see rectal bleeding or notice your dog showing signs of dehydration. More than a few days of loose stools can also put your dog at risk for anal gland issues, which can become troublesome if they aren’t regularly expressed.

Constipation is another symptom to watch since it can cause serious complications. It can be difficult for some pet parents to keep an eye on their pet’s poops–especially if their dogs relieve themselves without supervision. As a rule, constipation lasting between 48-72 hours should be considered a health risk to your pet, and warrants a call to your vet. Bowel obstructions can cause or be caused by constipation, and, in severe cases, can lead to intestinal ruptures and sepsis.

It’s not always an easy–or glamorous–job to monitor your dog’s digestive activity. However, the rewards of understanding their bowel habits will benefit both them and you, meaning you can live a longer, healthier life together!