All About Pets • Volume 3 • Issue 3 • May–Aug 2023 8 Sources: Wag Labs Inc. Digestive problems in dogs. https://wagwalking.com/condition/digestiveproblems. Accessed April 10, 2023. Merck Manual. Introduction to digestive disorders of dogs. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/introduction-to-digestive-disorders-ofdogs?_sm_au_=iVVmD75pksBWWQmnf1HqkKQJBMVpq. Accessed April 10, 2023. Causes The major cause for digestive problems in dogs is frequent changes in their diet. In addition, consumption of unhygienic food and food infected by bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, parasites such as Giardia, and viruses such as canine parvovirus and canine distemper result in digestive issues in dogs. Symptoms Common symptoms of digestive problems in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, hematochezia (the passage of blood in the feces), colic, anorexia, gastric dilatation and volvulus, gastroenteritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnosis If any of the aforementioned symptoms are seen in your dog, consult a veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian will examine the dog and collect information pertaining to diet habits, feeding history, changes in diet, and vaccination. If the veterinarian suspects bacterial infection, blood tests and urine tests will be recommended. In case of parasitic infections, fecal examination will be recommended. If there is an intestinal obstruction, an X-ray and ultrasound will be prescribed. Treatment Appropriate treatment is planned after the diagnosis of the condition. In case of viral infections such as parvovirus, fluid therapy is suggested to prevent dehydration due to diarrhea. If there is persistent vomiting, antiemetics are prescribed. In case of bloody diarrhea, antibiotics are prescribed to stop the secondary bacterial infection. In case of parasitic infections, administration of anthelmintic and antiprotozoal agents is considered. In case of gastric dilatation and volvulus, decompression is done using trocarization and indwelling catheters. Inflammatory bowel disease can be treated with supportive care using anti-inflammatory drugs and w-3 fatty acids. Preventive Measures Following appropriate hygienic methods is very important for controlling the issues and infections of the digestive system. Allocate a clean place for your dog and sanitize the place regularly. Further, vaccination helps prevent infections such as those caused by canine parvovirus and distemper virus.
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