Three Of The Most Common Dog Stomach Problems

Stress, age, the environment, and foods that have been over processed can affect dogs just like humans. These factors can be a reason for your dog to experience bloating, grumbling stomach, diarrhea and/or vomiting. These are fairly common illnesses with dogs, however, there could be a variety of reasons which are creating dog stomach problems. Some of the illness can be related to a change in diet, however, there are some cases where vomiting may be serious and require medical treatment.

One of the most popular symptoms of something requiring medical treatment, is vomiting. If you notice anything out of the ordinary in the vomit, such as foreign objects, worms or blood, it is important that the dog be seen by a medical professional. When a dog vomits it may increase the risk for other illnesses, such as excessive weight loss. Some of the most widely seen dog stomach problems include:UlcersObstructionsTumors (gastric tumors)

Ulcers

An ulcer which is a damaged area on the inside of his tummy, that has caused an inflammation. An ulcer forms at the point where the dogs tummy and small intestine meets. Symptoms include vomiting that may be a brownish color due to blood being present in the vomit. Dog stomach problems that are due to an ulcer, is most likely the result of medications. If the dog has been taking or accidentally eaten ibuprofen or aspirin, they may have developed an ulcer.

Ulcer Treatment

Your veterinarian will do test to determine if the symptoms are due to medications or something more serious such as liver disease or kidney problems. Treatment may include medications such as Zantac or Mylanta.

Obstructions

Dogs are naturally curious about anything and everything they can chew on and occasionally accidentally swallow. Dog stomach problems can occur when a dog eats something that is not edible and it may cause an obstruction in the tummy area. The obstruction prevents the emptying of any contents which results in the dog vomiting, being uncomfortable and in many cases, a loss of weight. The item may be causing a partial or complete blockage. One of the primary symptoms is vomiting. The dog will typically vomit within 12 hours after eating if the blockage is partial, however, if your dog is forcing vomiting immediately after eating, it could be a complete blockage.

Obstruction Treatment

When he/she vomits there may be food that has not completely digested as well as blood. A veterinarian will examine the dog and typically recommended for him to have testing to determine the degree of blockage as well as surgery to remove the obstruction.

Tumors

Dog stomach problems that involve tumors are most often seen in older dogs. When the dog vomits there may be spots of dark and dried blood mixed in the vomit. The veterinarian will typically do a gastro copy to look inside the dogs tummy and may do a biopsy of the tumor in order to get a correct diagnosis.

Tumor Treatment

If the veterinarian determines that the problem is a tumor from the tests done to get a closer look at the tumor, the location and extent of the size the veterinarian will most likely recommend surgery. The surgery may require the removal of the area of your dogs tummy that is inflicted with the tumor.