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Almost all dogs suffer from gastroenteritis at one time or another because they're scavengers and will sample just about anything they're curious about. Dogs have a well-developed vomiting reflex that allows them to expel food or non-food items that are toxic or otherwise not appropriate. Thus gastroenteritis probably serves an evolutionary purpose, but the bad news is that it can be fatal to small breeds and puppies because it can cause extreme dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

What are some of the culprits in gastroenteritis? The multitude of reasons dogs may develop gastroenteritis are food allergies, infections caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, funguses and parasites), dead animals, certain plants, poisons (antifreeze, herbicides, rodenticides, insecticides, bleach), whipworms, hookworms, prescription medications, physical obstruction or complete blockage of the gastrointestinal system (foreign bodies like bones or plastic, tumors, etc.), intussusception (a telescoping bowel that pinches off the bowel pathway), specific diseases (diabetes mellitus, kidney or liver disease, peritonitis, pancreatitis, sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease, and stomach ulcers) or even psychological stress.

How can you recognize gastroenteritis? Symptoms of gastroenteritis besides vomiting, watery diarrhea and dehydration include depression, lethargy, lack of appetite, a painful abdomen, borborygmi (grumbling noises in the stomach), and bloody vomit or diarrhea or bile in the vomit.

If there is bloody vomit or diarrhea, the condition is called hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, which generally attacks smaller and younger dogs and must be treated by a veterinarian. The cause of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis remains somewhat of a mystery. It may be an abnormal response to bacteria or a dietary issue. Stress and hyperactivity may contribute to this potentially serious disease.

Is it easy to treat? Yes and no. In most cases, gastroenteritis, once diagnosed through a history and physical and analysis of the vomit and diarrhea, disappears on its own. But in smaller dogs or puppies or any dog with persistent vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, any other unexplained symptoms, or blood in the emesis or stool, further testing is needed. A CBC (complete blood count), fecal exam, tests for viral infections like parvovirus or coronavirus, urinalysis, and abdominal x-rays may be called for.

Treatment for garden variety gastroenteritis is to hydrate and give the GI tract a rest with IV fluids

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