Specialist insurance for dogs
Specialist insurance for dogs
Gastroenteritis is a serious virus that can affect both dogs and humans. This page will explore everything people need to know about how to spot symptoms and ensure their dog receives medical treatment as soon as possible.
Gastroenteritis refers to the inflammation of the stomach and/or intestines, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea. If you find blood in your dog's diarrhoea or vomit it’s usually a sign of a more aggressive gastroenteritis known as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.
A few causes of gastroenteritis include:
Symptoms of gastroenteritis include:
If a dog is experiencing any of these symptoms it’s crucial that veterinary help is sought immediately as severe cases can lead to death, with younger dogs being more at risk.
The treatment a dog is provided with will depend on the cause of the illness. Usual treatment involves prescribing medication that stops vomiting and diarrhoea paired with a bland diet. This will help get their stomach back to normal.
If a dog is experiencing a harsher form of gastroenteritis such as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis they tend to be treated with an intravenous drip to help the dog rehydrate. Dogs may also be isolated to prevent the virus from spreading to others.
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis cannot be treated at home. It’s essential that the dog receives veterinary attention as soon as possible to prevent the condition worsening and to improve their likelihood of recovery.
Gastroenteritis can be cured pretty quickly with the right medication, usually in a matter of days for mild cases. However, it’s essential that the dog's improvement is kept under close watch. If they seem to be getting worse you should contact a vet immediately.
Just like in adult dogs, puppy gastroenteritis can be cured within a couple of days. However, if they don’t seem to be getting better it’s crucial that they’re taken back to the vet for further treatment, as puppies have a higher fatality risk than older dogs
When treating gastroenteritis, restoring blood electrolyte balance and rehydrating the puppy is one of the first treatments they will receive.
Dogs can catch gastroenteritis through saliva, vomit and faeces. As a result it can be highly contagious. Direct contact with other dogs and licking of sniffing surfaces or drinking from shared bowls can cause the virus to spread quickly.
Recurrent gastroenteritis is where a dog experiences the virus repeatedly over a period of weeks or months. This could also be known as chronic gastroenteritis.
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is when blood is found in vomit and or diarrhoea. Specialists believe that this could be due to nasty bacteria attacking the lining of the gut.
The symptoms of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis can last between two and four days and dogs can make a speedy recovery when they receive veterinary treatment quickly.
Chronic gastroenteritis in dogs is the same as recurrent gastroenteritis, as it means the virus keeps occurring. This is often the sign of an underlying condition.
In some cases gastroenteritis can be passed between humans and dogs, depending on the underlying infection they’re experiencing. It could be passed between people and dogs through saliva or stool.
Gastroenteritis in dogs can be fatal in very rare cases. Younger dogs are more at risk of fatality making it crucial that they receive medical attention as soon as possible.
Are you looking to insure a dog with gastroenteritis? Complete our medical screening process today to see if we can cover your dogs pre existing conditions.
