Gastritis in Dogs: Complete Guide 2025

Has your dog lost his appetite or been vomiting lately? He could be dealing with gastritis, a common but often underestimated condition in our furry friends. In this blog, we'll tell you everything you need to know about gastritis in dogs, from its causes to how to help your pet feel better. Because at Waggy's, your furry friend's well-being is our priority!

You may be interested in: my dog ​​doesn't want to eat .

What is gastritis in dogs?

Gastritis in dogs is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause stomach upset, pain, and symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and mainly recurrent vomiting. This condition can be acute or chronic. Although it is a common condition, it is important to seek veterinary care to identify the cause and offer appropriate treatment.

Causes

The causes of gastritis in dogs can vary widely, and it is important to identify them in order to treat the condition effectively:

• Eating inappropriate or spoiled food : Dogs are naturally curious and sometimes eat rotten food, garbage or leftover food that is not suitable for their digestive system, which can irritate their stomach.

• Foreign objects : Chewing or swallowing objects such as toys, rocks, plastics, or other indigestible materials can cause irritation and damage to the stomach lining.

Did you know that one of the main problems of gastritis in dogs can be caused by the ingestion of inappropriate objects or poor quality toys? This is where Waggy's Crazy Ball comes into play, a safe, fun and healthy solution for your pet's playtime.

With its super-tough natural rubber design, this ball eliminates the risk of your dog chewing on unsafe or fragile materials that could cause harm. Plus, its automatic, bouncing system, combined with LED lights and three interactive modes, ensures hours of physical and mental stimulation, keeping your dog entertained and away from the temptation of chewing on things he shouldn't. And if that wasn't enough, it's waterproof, easy to clean, and rechargeable! Give your dog the best with Waggy's Crazy Ball, dog and cat toys .

• Toxic products or irritants : Exposure to chemicals, such as fertilizers, cleaning products, or even certain toxic plants, can cause inflammation in the stomach.

• Medications : Some drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can reduce stomach mucus, leaving it unprotected from irritating substances, so their administration must be under veterinary supervision.

• Infections : Bacteria, viruses or parasites can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal system, leading to gastritis over a long period of time if not treated.

• Stress : Prolonged stress or anxiety situations can alter the balance of the digestive system of dogs, causing stomach problems.

• Food allergies or intolerances : Some dogs are sensitive to certain ingredients or foods, this can trigger irritation in their stomach that recurrently causes gastritis.

• Other diseases : Conditions such as pancreatitis, liver disease or kidney failure can trigger gastritis as a secondary symptom.

It is essential that if a dog presents symptoms such as frequent vomiting or loss of appetite, a veterinarian evaluates the situation to identify the exact cause and provide the appropriate treatment.

Types of gastritis in dogs

There are two main types of gastritis in dogs, and each has different characteristics and causes:

• Acute Gastritis : This type appears suddenly and is usually related to a specific stomach irritation. It is more common in dogs that ingest an irritating substance, rotting food or foreign objects. The most common symptoms include frequent vomiting, nausea and general malaise. Although it is generally short-lived and can be resolved with appropriate treatment, if left untreated it can develop into more serious problems.

• Chronic Gastritis : Chronic gastritis is characterized by inflammation of the stomach that persists for weeks, months, or even years. It is often associated with other diseases such as food allergies, persistent infections, parasites, metabolic diseases (such as kidney or liver failure), or even prolonged stress. Dogs with chronic gastritis often present with recurrent vomiting, weight loss, and lack of appetite. This type requires a more detailed diagnosis, as treating the symptoms alone will not be enough without addressing the root cause.

How to know if a dog suffers from gastritis? Symptoms

Symptoms of gastritis in dogs can vary depending on the cause and severity, but the most common include frequent vomiting, which may contain bile, white foam, or food debris. It's also common to see nausea (such as gagging or tongue movements), loss of appetite, lethargy, and obvious abdominal discomfort or pain. In some cases, the dog may be more restless, have diarrhea, or even drool excessively due to discomfort.

If gastritis is chronic, the symptoms are usually less intense but persistent, such as recurrent vomiting, weight loss, and difficulty maintaining an adequate diet. If any of these signs occur, it is essential to go to the vet to determine the cause and avoid major complications, such as dehydration or more severe damage to the digestive system. If visits to the vet cause stress and anxiety in your dog, consider using Waggy's Olive Flavored Oil with CBD for dogs , with prior approval from the veterinarian.

Please remember that the use of any CBD product should be supervised by your pet's veterinarian. At Waggy's, we care about the health and well-being of your furry companion every step of the way.

We recommend you read: how long does the CBD effect last in dogs and its benefits.

Treatment for gastritis in dogs

Treatment for gastritis in dogs depends on the cause, but generally includes measures to reduce stomach inflammation and relieve symptoms:

• Temporary fasting and gastric protectors : The veterinarian may recommend suspending feeding for 12 to 24 hours to allow the stomach to rest and recover as well as protecting it against acidity with gastric mucosa protectors.

• Soft diet : After fasting, a soft, easy-to-digest dog diet is introduced, such as easy-to-digest canned food, plain boiled chicken, and white rice, in small portions. This helps prevent stomach irritation while normalizing digestion.

• Hydration : It is essential to keep your dog well hydrated, especially if he has vomited or had recurrent bowel movements. In severe cases, intravenous or subcutaneous fluids may be necessary.

• Medications : Depending on the cause, your veterinarian may prescribe antiemetics (to control vomiting), gastric protectors (such as sucralfate), or antacids (such as omeprazole). Antibiotics may also be prescribed in cases of infection.

• Avoid irritants : It is important to eliminate inappropriate foods, objects and irritating substances from your diet.

• Controlling the cause : If gastritis is caused by chronic diseases, allergies or parasites, it will be essential to treat that condition to avoid relapses.

What foods can you give to a dog that has gastritis?

When a dog has gastritis, its diet should be soft, easy to digest and low in fat. Here are some recommended foods:

• High quality, easy to digest veterinary food.

• Cooked chicken breast without skin or seasoning

• Well cooked white rice

• Cooked vegetables such as chayote, pumpkin or cooked carrot (without salt or sugar)

These foods should be served in small portions several times a day, rather than one large meal. Also, be sure to offer fresh water constantly to prevent dehydration. Always consult a veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's diet, especially if he or she has a health condition such as gastritis.

How long does it take a dog to recover from gastritis?

The recovery time for a dog with gastritis varies depending on the cause and severity, but it can usually improve within 2 to 5 days with proper treatment, including a gentle diet, hydration, and, if necessary, medications prescribed by the veterinarian. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is essential to visit the vet again, as it could be a more serious condition.

Is gastritis in dogs dangerous if left untreated?

Yes, gastritis in dogs can be dangerous if left untreated, as it can lead to complications such as dehydration, weight loss, gastric ulcers, and even secondary infections. Additionally, symptoms such as vomiting and lack of appetite could be indicative of more serious problems, such as liver disease or pancreatitis. Therefore, it is important to seek veterinary attention if symptoms persist for more than 24-48 hours.

Conclusion

In short, gastritis in dogs is a common problem that, with proper care, can be managed and resolved quickly. Stay alert for symptoms, such as vomiting and loss of appetite, and don't hesitate to go to the vet if you notice anything out of the ordinary. A proper diet, timely care, and lots of love are key to your furry friend regaining his health and vitality. Because his well-being is always worth the effort!