Overview of Canine Gastrointestinal Diseases

Canine gastrointestinal diseases can be due to several very different conditions, such as colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or parasitic infections.  They can be the result of simply consuming something disagreeable to a much more serious digestive disorder.  

Canine colitis is an inflammation of the colon and affects a dog’s digestive and intestinal tract, causing discomfort and pain.  In most instances a dog with colitis will have diarrhea and signs of general intestinal upset.  Consumption of table food is one of the leading causes of colitis attacks.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is linked to the stomach and the colon.  Soft stools and persistent vomiting are clinical signs generally associated with dogs suffering from this disease.  Canine IBD is most commonly experienced by middle-aged to older dogs.

Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed due to active digestive enzymes leaking into pancreatic tissues.  Pancreatitis causes depression, diarrhea, inappetance, and vomiting.  Pet owners can often avoid bouts of pancreatitis with measures of dietary control and weight management.