Gastritis is a fancy word for when your dog’s stomach lining gets really irritated or inflamed, making her feel pretty crummy. If your pup starts vomiting, seems uncomfortable, or refuses to eat, it could be a sign of gastritis, which can quickly throw off her whole day (or week).

The sections below are here to help you figure out what’s going on if your dog is dealing with gastritis. I’ll cover the causes, symptoms, and solutions, so you can tackle the problem head-on and keep your dog feeling like her happy, tail-wagging self.

What Is Gastritis In Dogs?

Gastritis happens when the protective lining in your dog’s stomach, called the gastric mucosa, becomes inflamed. This can lead to symptoms like vomiting, stomach pain, and even more serious problems if left untreated.

There are two main types:

• Acute Gastritis: This kind comes on quickly, often caused by something your dog ate (think spoiled food or a chewed-up toy). It usually clears up within a day or two.
• Chronic Gastritis: This type sticks around for weeks or months, often with more severe symptoms like frequent vomiting. It’s usually a sign of something deeper, like allergies or ongoing health issues.

The gastric mucosa acts like a shield for your dog’s stomach, protecting it from harsh acids used to digest food. When this shield gets damaged, those acids can irritate the stomach lining, causing everything from mild discomfort to more serious issues like ulcers.

If you notice your dog showing signs of pain or digestive upset, it might mean this protective layer needs some TLC.

What Causes Gastritis In Dogs?

Dogs love exploring the world with their mouths, which sometimes means eating things they shouldn’t, like spoiled leftovers or random objects they find. This “garbage gut” behavior is one of the biggest reasons dogs get acute gastritis.

Even something as simple as switching their food too quickly or sneaking too many table scraps can upset a dog's stomach. Stress—like moving to a new home or having guests over—can also mess with their digestion, making gastritis more likely.

Gastritis isn’t always about what your dog eats; it can also come from infections (like bacteria or parasites) or irritants like medications, toxic plants, or chemicals. Dogs with food sensitivities or allergies might experience gastritis if they eat something their body doesn’t agree with.

Chronic health conditions, like kidney or liver disease, can make things worse, as can exposure to toxins like chocolate or xylitol. Keeping an eye on your dog’s environment and diet can go a long way in preventing these flare-ups.

Dog Gastritis Symptoms

When your dog has gastritis, vomiting is usually the first red flag. It might just be food coming back up, or you could see yellow bile or even streaks of blood, which is more serious. Alongside that, your pup might lose her appetite, act super tired, or have diarrhea.

Other signs include belly pain (they might whine or avoid being touched), dehydration from all the vomiting, or even excessive drooling because she's feeling nauseous.

If your dog seems uncomfortable, is suddenly less energetic, or has trouble keeping food or water down, it’s time to start paying close attention. These symptoms can sneak up fast, but catching them early can make all the difference in helping your dog recover quickly.

Gastritis symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy can overlap with other digestive issues, like pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or even something as serious as a blockage. That’s why it’s important not to jump to conclusions. If symptoms persist or worsen, a vet visit is essential to rule out other potential problems and ensure your dog gets the right treatment.

Diagnosing Gastritis In Dogs

When you take your dog to the vet for suspected gastritis, they’ll likely start with a physical exam and a detailed history of your pup’s recent activities (like sneaking garbage or eating something odd).

From there, they might run some tests to pinpoint the cause:

• Bloodwork to check for infection, dehydration, or organ issues.
• Urinalysis to rule out other conditions, like kidney problems.
• Fecal exams to detect parasites or bacterial infections.
• X-rays or ultrasounds to look for blockages or abnormalities in the stomach.
• In more severe cases, an endoscopy might be used to get a close-up look at the stomach lining.

These tests help the vet figure out if it’s simple gastritis or something more serious that needs targeted treatment.

If your dog’s vomiting lasts more than a day or two, or if you notice alarming signs like blood in the vomit or stool, don’t wait—call your vet. Other warning signs, like extreme lethargy, dehydration, or refusing food and water altogether, also mean it’s time for professional care. Quick action can prevent complications and get your pup back on her paws faster.

How To Treat Gastritis In Dogs

If your dog is showing signs of acute gastritis, the first step is to give her stomach a break. Fasting your dog for 24–48 hours can help reduce irritation and allow the stomach lining to heal. Make sure she has access to fresh water to prevent dehydration, but offer it in small, frequent amounts to avoid triggering further vomiting.

Once the fasting period is over and your pup can keep water down, gradually reintroduce bland, easily digestible foods. Options like boiled chicken, plain pumpkin (not the pie filling!), or a gentle bone broth can soothe her stomach while providing some much-needed nutrition.

Keep portions small and feed your dog more frequently to avoid overloading the digestive system. If your dog doesn’t improve after a couple of days or shows severe symptoms like persistent vomiting, blood, or extreme lethargy, it’s time to consult your vet.

Chronic Gastritis Management

For dogs with chronic gastritis, managing their diet is a long-term commitment. A low-fat, easily digestible meal plan can reduce stress on their digestive system. Small, frequent meals can help prevent overloading their stomach and keep gastric irritation in check. Avoid giving table scraps, highly processed foods, or anything that could be a known irritant.

Work with your vet or a holistic care provider to identify potential food intolerances or allergies that could be contributing to chronic inflammation. Supplementing your dog’s diet with soothing options like pureed vegetables or lean meats can also help reduce flare-ups. Consistency is key, so try to maintain a regular feeding schedule and keep your pup away from garbage or other tempting but harmful “snacks.”

Holistic Treatment And Natural Home Remedies

Natural remedies can offer additional support for dogs dealing with gastritis. Probiotics and prebiotics help restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is often disrupted during bouts of gastritis. Herbs like slippery elm and marshmallow root are excellent choices for coating and protecting the stomach lining, while chamomile can help calm irritation and reduce nausea.

You can also try ginger to ease digestion and combat nausea, or licorice root (in its deglycyrrhizinated form) to repair the stomach lining. Always consult a holistic vet before introducing supplements or herbal remedies to ensure they’re appropriate for your dog’s condition and won’t interact with existing treatments.

Preventing Dog Gastritis

Prevention starts with what goes into your dog’s bowl. A fresh, high-quality diet made from lean meats, healthy fats, and digestible vegetables can do wonders for maintaining a healthy stomach. Avoid feeding your dog processed foods, spicy leftovers, or anything with known irritants. Make sure your pup’s environment is free from potential hazards like garbage, spoiled food, or toxic plants.

Supervise your dog during walks or outdoor play to prevent her from eating non-food items, and always keep human foods like chocolate, grapes, and onions far out of reach. Prevention also includes feeding your dog on a consistent schedule to avoid overloading their stomach with irregular, large meals.

Maintaining a healthy gut is essential for preventing gastritis. Incorporate prebiotics and probiotics into your dog’s diet to strengthen the digestive system. Foods like plain yogurt (if your dog tolerates dairy), fermented vegetables, or commercial probiotic supplements can help keep the gut microbiome balanced and resilient.

Adding fiber-rich ingredients like pureed pumpkin or leafy greens can also aid digestion and prevent gastrointestinal upset. Regularly monitor your dog’s bowel movements and energy levels to catch any potential gut health issues early.

Create a stable, calming environment for your pup by maintaining predictable routines, providing plenty of exercise, and offering mental stimulation through play or training. If your dog tends to get anxious during changes, like moving or introducing new pets, consider calming aids like natural supplements or pheromone diffusers.

Lastly, when it comes to medications, be cautious. Some drugs, like NSAIDs or certain antibiotics, can irritate the stomach lining. Always discuss potential side effects with your vet and explore natural alternatives when appropriate. Taking these steps can significantly reduce the risk of gastritis and help your dog live a healthier, happier life.

FAQ

How do you treat gastritis in dogs? To treat gastritis in dogs, start by fasting your pet for 24–48 hours to give their stomach time to heal, then reintroduce bland foods like boiled chicken or pumpkin. Chronic cases or eosinophilic gastritis may require a tailored diet, probiotics, and natural remedies to soothe the gastric lining and reduce inflammation.

How long can gastritis in dogs last? Acute gastritis occurs frequently but typically resolves within 24–48 hours with proper care, including fasting and hydration. Chronic cases may persist for weeks, with symptoms like chronic vomiting and decreased appetite needing long-term dietary and medical management.

What foods can cause gastritis in dogs? Dietary indiscretion, such as eating spoiled food, table scraps, or high-fat meals, is a common trigger for gastritis in dogs. Other culprits include foods that irritate the stomach lining, lead to increased gastric acid secretion, or contain allergens.

How to tell the difference between gastritis and pancreatitis in dogs?  While both conditions cause vomiting and abdominal pain, gastritis often presents with gastric distention and a history of dietary indiscretion, while pancreatitis involves more severe symptoms like lethargy and fever. A vet can confirm the diagnosis through bloodwork, imaging, and clinical signs specific to each condition.