Do this if you discover that your dog has gastric catarrh

Did you know that dogs can also get gastric catarrh? However, the symptoms are a bit diffuse and it's not always easy to understand that the dog has it. Like us humans, we can live with gastritis but it is of course unpleasant and difficult to have stomach problems.

What is gastritis?

Gastric catarrh is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Gastric catarrh can be acute or chronic, and for it to be classified as chronic it must have lasted for more than three weeks. Gastric catarrh can develop into an ulcer and can be very serious in some cases.

Symptoms of gastric catarrh in dogs

Dogs affected by gastric catarrh may have a poor appetite in the morning and sometimes vomit on an empty stomach before having their first meal of the day. The dog's stools are usually normal and the dog is usually as alert and happy as usual. Even if the dog is alert and happy as usual when it has gastric catarrh, this does not mean that you should do nothing about the dog's discomfort.

8 causes of gastric catarrh in dogs

• Ingestion of a foreign object that causes problems in the stomach lining

• The dog has eaten something it cannot tolerate

• Kidney damage

• Liver damage

• Viral infection

• Ingestion of something that irritates the mucous membrane, such as medication

• Tumours

• Change of feed

What to do if your dog has gastritis

Dogs' stomachs secrete stomach acid continuously, so long periods on an empty stomach can lead to irritation and, in some cases, inflammation of the lining of the stomach in sensitive individuals. If you suspect that your dog has gastric catarrh, you can try dividing the dog's food into small portions. Ideally, give 4-5 meals a day, with the last meal given late in the evening and the first early in the morning. This will reduce the time your dog's stomach is empty. In addition to this, you can also review the dog's diet. For some dogs that have problems with gastric catarrh, a food that is easily digestible may be a good option and for some, a low-allergen, hydrolysed food may work better. Double-check that such a diet is suitable for junior individuals, for example if you have a dog of growing age.

When should I seek treatment for gastritis

If your dog has frequent vomiting, affected general condition or prolonged food refusal, you need to contact a vet immediately. The same applies if the measures described above do not solve the problem. This is because some dogs with gastritis need to be medicated and the vet needs to rule out other causes that may be responsible for the symptoms the dog is experiencing.