Treatment of Canine Gastrointestinal Diseases

Concerned pet owners noticing symptoms of gastritis, i.e. diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or vomiting should remove access to food and water.  This action will allow their dog’s stomach a break from digestion and possible irritation.  After a twenty-four hour period, if symptoms are still present, it is time to seek medical treatment.  This will necessitate a visit to a local veterinarian for a diagnosis and an appropriate course of medical treatment. 

Dehydration can occur very quickly.  Canine gastrointestinal diseases usually attack very young dogs, elderly dogs, and dogs with weakened immune systems.

Very small amounts of water can be offered every one to two hours.  If the dog is able to keep the water down, small quantities of food can be offered.  A bland diet of lean cooked hamburger mixed with boiled rice or chicken mixed with rice can be offered in small amounts.  Homemade recipes can be used for the short-term, but long-term feeding requires a prescription food formulated especially for dogs with gastrointestinal disorders.