Gastritis in dogs is a gastrointestinal disorder which requires medical treatment. In some cases, gastritis can be extremely severe and cause associated secondary health conditions; so it is imperative that any onset of gastritis be treated promptly. There are a variety of antibiotics available which can be used to successfully treat gastritis in dogs.
Gastritis in Dogs Explained
In dogs, the lining of the stomach is used to protect the acidic environment of the stomach from contact with the stomach wall. The inflammation of the lining of the stomach wall is known as gastritis, which actually encompasses several medical ailments of the stomach. In most cases, gastritis in dogs is caused by the H. pylori organism; but it can also be caused by ingestion of rotten food and the consumption of certain plants and chemicals.
Gastritis in dogs can be either acute or chronic. Cases of acute gastritis in dogs come on suddenly and cause a lot of immediate, intolerable symptoms. Chronic cases, however, may build up in severity over time until the symptoms become uncontrollable without veterinary intervention. Chronic gastritis in dogs can be particularly harmful because at this stage, ulcers and stomach cancer are more likely to develop as a result of the weakened state of the stomach lining.
Signs and Symptoms of Gastritis in Dogs
It is important to understand that gastritis can quickly turn into a life-threatening condition for dogs when left untreated. While most cases are mild and only require minimal antibiotic treatment, the threat of ulcers and stomach cancer is real; so dog owners need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of gastritis in dogs, which can include:
- Persistent vomiting with or without blood
- Excessive diarrhea which may be black
- Sudden weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Weakness and fatigue
Antibiotics for Gastritis in Dogs
Doxycycline is a commonly prescribed medication for dogs with gastritis. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which means that there are several different bacterial organisms susceptible to it. Essentially, this particular antibiotic can be used to treat any number of bacterial infections. There have been some reported side effects when using doxycycline in dogs, but they are usually minimal and include only minor vomiting and diarrhea. However, this medication has been known to cause drowsiness. Doxycycline is given in injectable form, so it may be a good option for dogs that do not sit well for oral medication administration.
Metronidazole is another antibiotic that can be used to help treat gastritis in dogs. This antibiotic is an antiprotozoal medication, so it is highly effective against diarrheal disorders, particularly when they are caused by parasitic or bacterial gastrointestinal infections. Typically, this medication is given over the duration of at least 2 to 3 weeks.
Albon Tabs, generically known as sulfadimethoxine, are also used to treat gastritis in dogs. While they can treat respiratory and soft tissue infections as well, they are known for their efficacy against bacterial enteric infections. This antibiotic is available in powder and liquid form, so it can either be sprinkled over the dog’s food or given by mouth.