Gastroenteritis in dogs is a fairly common problem that can affect both adult animals and puppies. Its causes are very diverse, as are the consequences it can have for the dog's health.

For your peace of mind, with good treatment, an appropriate diet and, if necessary, the support of vitamins and supplements for dogs specially designed to take care of their intestinal health, gastroenteritis will mean nothing more than a few bad days for your pet.

However, it is essential that if you notice your dog has diarrhea, vomiting, or any other symptoms of persistent gastroenteritis, you immediately go to the vet so they can determine the source of the problem and tell you how to act to avoid serious consequences.

In Kun-Kay We help you take care of your four-legged companionby offering you the best natural supplements to ensure they have iron health. We design specific solutionsto give your dog that extra something they need to enjoy with you for many years to come. In addition, in our blog we tell you how you can act in the face of the main problems that threaten your pet's health. On this occasion, we explain everything you need to know about gastroenteritis in dogs and answer some frequently asked questions about this problem. Also, to help you, we've prepared this guide on What can dogs eat? Stay with us and take note of all the key points!

1. What is gastroenteritis? Most common symptoms

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation or irritation of the internal membranes of the digestive tract (small intestine, large intestine and/or stomach) that mainly affects the gastric and intestinal mucosa, altering its functioning.

It can occur in both adult animals and puppiesalthough the latter are more prone to suffer from it because their immune system is still developing. There are also breeds that are more predisposed to these types of problems, such as German Shepherds, Shar Peis, Rottweilers, and Boxers.

Diarrhea and vomiting are the most common symptoms of gastroenteritis in dogs, although the following may also occur:

1. Loss of appetite and thirst.
2. Dehydration, you will notice that the mucous membranes are dry.
3. Apathy and listlessness.
4. Abdominal cramps.
5. Do not allow the abdominal area and hindquarters to be touched.
6. Fever.

2. Should I always go to the vet?

Mild gastroenteritis can be treated at home, but at the slightest sign of alarmand whenever the problem lasts longer than usual, it is essential to go to the vet. In the case of puppies, it is recommended to always go to the vet since there is a greater risk of dehydration due to their small size.

In adult dogs, these are some warning signs that indicate that you should take your dog to the vet:

1. If vomiting or diarrhea is very frequent even after removing food or if it continues for more than two days and you do not detect improvement.
2. If you notice that he or she has excessive fever or pain.
3. If there are traces of blood in his or her stool or vomit.
4. If on the third or fourth day he/she still doesn't eat normally.

Of course, you should also go to the vet immediately if you have detected that your pet may have ingested some dangerous food or substance.

3. How long does it last?

Acute gastroenteritis, the most common, usually lasts between two and three days. If it continues for longer without noticing improvement, we would be dealing with persistent gastroenteritis, or chronic gastroenteritis if it lasts more than three or four weeks.

Of course, veterinary assistance will be essential in both persistent and chronic gastroenteritis in dogs. Therefore, if after a couple of days you don't notice that your dog is feeling better, it is important that you go to the vet.

4. Most common causes

As we mentioned before, gastroenteritis in dogs can occur for many reasons. Although it is common to think that our pet has vomited or has diarrhea because they have eaten something spoiled, these problems can also be due to other reasons.

Below we will look at the most common causes that cause gastroenteritis in dogs.

1. Bacteria

Bacteria can cause diarrhea and vomiting in dogs in two ways: by producing toxins or by invading and damaging cells.

The most common are bacteria that cause malabsorption diarrhea, producing cytotoxicity. On the other hand, bacteria that cause cell damage generate inflammation and can lead to infection.

2. Viruses

In this case, the viruses attack the cells of the animal's intestinecausing gastroenteritis, the symptoms of which include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever.

3. Intestinal parasites

They are one of the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs and cats, as they cause a lesion in the intestinal mucosawhich can even lead to perforation. In addition, intestinal parasites can cause ulcers, inflammation and obstructions.

4. Spoiled food or contaminated water

The most common and harmless cause of gastroenteritis in dogs is the consumption of spoiled food.Dogs are not usually very selective and tend to eat anything as soon as they get the opportunity, which sometimes leads them to eat garbage and other discarded foods that cause an upset stomach.

In relation to this cause, we can also mention other associated causes such as giving the dog a homemade diet without taking into account its needs (dogs that eat “human food”, for example) or when sudden changes are made in the diet, changing the brand or type of feed suddenly, for example.

5. Intestinal obstructions

Intestinal obstructions can cause partial or total blockage and can be fatal if not diagnosed in time. In many cases, emergency surgery is necessary.

Obstructions can occur due to theingestion of foreign bodiesthat the dog is unable to digest, the presence ofintestinal parasitesor the presence of atumor; among other causes.

6. Fungal Infection

Fungal infections are those caused by fungi. Fungi usually tend to cause infections in the dog's skin and mucous membranes - they are one of the most common causes of dermatitis in dogs, for example - although they can also affect the digestive system, but this is not the most common.

7. Prolonged Stress

Stress is fatal for dogs and can seriously affect their health and well-being, both emotional and physical. Sudden changes or lack of routines, lack of rest or socialization, spending many hours alone at home, moving or the arrival of a new member of the family, or a death are just some of the causes that can stress your pet.

Dogs under stress can show many different symptoms such as hair loss, compulsive barking, or behavioral problems. In particularly stressful situations for them, they can even have diarrhea and vomiting, making them feel really bad.

To help you take care of your pet's mental health at Kun-Kay we have developed Mindkun, a nutritional supplement that will help them in those moments when it is inevitable that they will have to go through moments that alter their calm. Mindkun helps your pet relaxso they can adapt more easily to any changes and be much happier.

5. Correct nutrition to prevent gastroenteritis in our dog

The key to preventing gastroenteritis in dogs is to provide them with a healthy and balanced diet that provides all the nutrients and vitamins they need to grow healthy and happy.

Your dog needs a diet designed specifically for him or, if you prepare his food yourself, an suitable supplement to complement it.

In addition, it is important that you avoid sudden changes in his diet. For example, if you want to change food, don't wait until you finish one to start the new one, mix them together so their stomach can get used to it.

6. Do changes in season really affect them?

It depends on the dog and how abrupt the change is.It's common for many dogs to suffer from diarrhea during hot periods, and some are affected by the change from spring to summer, especially in areas where the change goes from a wet spring to a hot summer.

7. Recommended Treatments

If your dog has diarrhea, it is very important to know what you can do to help it. We suggest some treatments and solutions to alleviate this problem and speed up its recovery, including some of our supplements for dogs specially designed to take care of its intestinal health. Take note!

1. Hydration

Very important! If your dog has gastroenteritis, they will lose a lot of fluids and minerals, so you need to make sure they always have fresh water nearby. Encourage them to drink to prevent dehydration; it is important that they drink as much as possible.

2. Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals are natural alternatives to traditional medications that are used to help balance your dog's intestinal flora. They have the advantage of avoiding the side effects that some drugs can have since they are of natural origin.

3. Fiber Contribution

Although we commonly associate fiber with helping you go to the bathroom better, its value lies in its power to balance the intestinal flora, so it can be very beneficial in helping your dog recover from gastroenteritis. A food rich in fiber that they love is pumpkin, you can give it to them as a snack.

4. Enterokun Mild or Severe

Both Enterokun Mild and Enterokun Severe are two supplements specially designed to take care of your pet's intestinal health.

1. Enterokun Mild is perfect for preventative use in dogs prone to this problem and during their recovery.
2. Enterokun Severe is recommended for animals with severe diarrhea and is focused on your pet's recovery. It counteracts stomach imbalance, helps keep your pet hydrated, and balances its intestinal microbiota.

5. Superyellowkun

Superyellowkun is a supplement that will help you promote your dog's digestive well-being. It can be used to reduce digestive discomfort and prevent its appearance and is recommended if your pet has stomach and intestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, gastritis, constipation (Constipation in dogs), discomfort in the anal glands or mild diarrhea.