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Diarrhoea in dogs is a messy, stressful experience for both you and your furry friend. If your dog has loose stools or frequent bowel movements, colitis could be the culprit. This common condition affects the colon, leading to discomfort, urgency, and digestive upset. Let’s explore what you need to know about colitis in dogs and how you can help your pet feel better.
⚠️ What to Watch For
Colitis can cause a variety of symptoms, some of which may overlap with other digestive issues. Knowing what to look for can help you identify the problem early and seek the right care for your dog.
- Frequent, small stools that may be loose or watery
- Straining to defecate, sometimes with little result
- Presence of mucus or blood in the stool
- Increased urgency to go outside
- Occasional vomiting
- Decreased appetite or mild lethargy
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, especially for more than 24–48 hours, it’s worth investigating further. Chronic or recurring colitis can indicate an underlying condition that needs veterinary attention.
🔍 Possible Causes
Colitis can result from a wide range of triggers, and pinpointing the cause is key to effective treatment. Some of the most common causes include:
- Dietary indiscretion (eating garbage, spoiled food, or non-food items)
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections
- Stress or anxiety (e.g., from travel, new environments, or major changes)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or autoimmune disorders
- Antibiotic use, which can disrupt gut bacteria
- Underlying conditions like pancreatitis or liver disease
In some cases, colitis may be acute, meaning it appears suddenly and resolves quickly with treatment. Chronic colitis, on the other hand, is persistent and may require long-term management.
✅ What You Can Do at Home
If your dog has mild colitis, there are steps you can take at home to ease their symptoms and support their recovery. These remedies are not a substitute for veterinary care, but they can help in less severe cases.
- Withhold food for 12–24 hours to allow the gut to rest (always provide fresh water).
- Offer a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and plain white rice, for a few days.
- Consider adding a canine-safe probiotic to restore healthy gut bacteria.
- Make sure your dog stays hydrated, especially if they have diarrhoea.
- Limit stress by providing a calm, quiet environment.
Monitor your dog closely. If symptoms worsen, or if you notice signs like persistent vomiting, severe lethargy, or significant blood in the stool, it’s time to consult a vet.
💡 When to Call a Vet
While some cases of colitis can be managed at home, others require professional care. Here are some scenarios where it’s best to seek veterinary help:
- Diarrhoea lasting more than 48 hours
- Signs of dehydration, such as dry gums or sunken eyes
- Frequent vomiting alongside diarrhoea
- Large amounts of blood in the stool
- Severe pain or distress
- Recurring episodes of colitis
A vet will perform a thorough examination and may recommend diagnostic tests, such as stool analysis, bloodwork, or imaging, to determine the underlying cause. Treatment could include medication, dietary changes, or other interventions tailored to your dog’s needs.
FAQs
Q: Can colitis in dogs go away on its own?
A: Mild cases of colitis may resolve with rest and a bland diet, but it’s always wise to monitor your dog closely and consult a vet if symptoms persist or worsen.
Q: Is colitis in dogs contagious?
A: Colitis itself is not contagious, but if it’s caused by an infection (e.g., parasites or bacteria), it could be transmitted to other pets. Proper hygiene and isolation may be necessary.
Book a $49 online vet consultation at https://www.dialavet.com for fast, expert advice.
