Dog Colitis

Symptoms of Dog Colitis

• There is often mucus or fresh blood in the stool.
• The stool often starts out normal and finishes loose.
• The stool is soft or slimy rather than watery.
• The dog may strain when producing the stools and may exhibit a sense of sudden urgency to go to the bathroom.
• Even with chronic colitis, the dog does not lose weight.

• Tender and/or distended abdomen.
• Vomiting.
• Dehydration (In the worst cases, this leads to collapse).

Causes of Dog Colitis

• Eating inappropriate things, or consuming a meal of unfamiliar food. Rich foods, dairy products, or fatty foods are common causes of colitis in dogs.
• Stress resulting from changes such as moving, or boarding - especially if the dog has a nervous disposition.

• Parasitic and Bacterial Infections
  Common parasites that cause colitis include whipworms and giardia. Bacterial infections that cause colitis include Salmonella, E coli, and Campylobacter. Though there is some overlap, parasitic infections usually arise from drinking contaminated water, and bacterial infections result from ingesting contaminated food.
• Food Intolerance or Food Allergy
  Dog colitis can be caused by a food intolerance which may result from ingesting dyes, preservatives, contaminants or even some proteins in the food. Similarly, colitis can result from an actual food allergy, in which case a hypoallergenic diet containing a protein source which the dog has never had before (for example venison or rabbit), may be beneficial.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  IBD is a serious disease characterized by an invasion of the colon walls by the body's own inflammatory cells (cells which normally fight infections). This leads to a persistent state of inflammation of the colon lining and a complete disruption of its normal functioning. Visit our page on Canine IBD for more information on this disease.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  Many people mistakenly use IBD and IBS interchangeably. In fact, IBD and IBS are different. In IBS, there is no inflammation of the colon. IBS is a psychosomatic disease. This means that it is the activity of the mind that causes the symptoms. Essentially, the colon constricts much more than it should and the waste products are moved through at too fast a rate for the absorption of the water and nutrients. IBS is usually associated with neurological or psychological problems, e.g. a dog that is stressed or anxious.
• Other Possible Causes
  In rare cases, dog colitis can be caused by foreign bodies and abrasive material in the gut, chronic pancreatitis, polyps, and cancer. There is also a form of colitis called histiocytic ulcerative colitis, aka "Boxer colitis" since young boxers are the dogs most predominantly affected by this.

Treating and Managing Dog Colitis

Treating Acute Dog Colitis

Treating Chronic Dog Colitis

• Probiotics - Studies indicate that probiotics, or "friendly" bacteria, can help reduce symptoms of colitis by restoring the balance of microflora in the dog's intestinal tract.
• Digestive Enzymes - Digestive enzymes can be used to aid proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• L-Glutamine - It helps to protect the stomach and intestinal lining and also may prevent the formation of stomach ulcers.
• N-Acetyl-Glucosamine - Research suggests that N-acetyl-glucosamine supplements may improve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) - FOS are carbohydrates made by combining two naturally occurring sugars, fructose and glucose. FOS are digested by the large intestine. They are believed to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and support the growth of healthy bacteria.

Excellent Natural Supplements for Dog Colitis Gastriplex by Thorne Research for Cats and Dogs This natural supplement contains slippery elm and licorice, as well as beneficial probiotics and other nutrients such as L-Glutamine and N-Acetyl-Glucosamine. Very effective in treating diarrhea caused by inflammation of the colon. In Clover OptaGest Digestive Aid This formula contains FOS and four plant-based enzymes. It aids digestion and quickly relieves gas and diarrhea, while supporting a stronger immune system and a healthier skin and coat.