Gastritis in Dogs

Gastritis is a term used to describe inflammation or infection in the stomach. Viruses, bacteria, ingestion of eating spoiled food, or garbage can cause gastritis. Generally gastritis is not serious, depending on the cause. However, if symptoms last longer than 24 hours it is important to see your vet.

Symptoms of gastritis:

• Vomiting

• Can cause diarrhea

• Lethargy

• Inappetance

• Can cause a fever of over 101.5 degrees

How to treat gastritis at home:

You want to rest the digestive tract by withholding food, but not water. Water should be available but little amounts at a time. If the gastritis is mild, something to calm and coat the belly, for example: tagamet, pepcid, or pepto bismol,  may be helpful.

After a minimum of 24 hours, slowly start to allow the dog to eat food. You want to start with a bland, easily digestible diet of boiled chicken breast and white rice. Feed small amounts of this several times per day over the next few days. Water should still be available in small amounts. If symptoms have improved, after feeding the boiled chicken breast and rice for at least a week, gradually return to a normal diet.

If the vomiting, diarrhea, or fever do not improve after 24 hours, it is important to get to the vet. The dog may need to be observed, receive fluids for dehydration, or may need medications or it may not be gastritis but something else.

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