As is the case with humans, many canine diseases are directly related to their diet. Food can be both the cause and a natural cure for many diseases.
Gastritis is a digestive disease that can affect dogs and can be caused by several factors; however, proper diet, as well as other factors, will be fundamental in treating this.
If you want to treat your pet in a more natural way, read on: this AnimalWised article lists many home remedies for gastritis in dogs.
Gastritis in dogs
Gastritis in dogs is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which causes disorder and dysfunction in the digestive tract. This is because this important mucosal layer protects the stomach from the acidic digestive juices, including hydrochloric acid.
When the mucosa is inflamed, its function is compromised and this creates a multitude of symptoms, including the following:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Gastritis has various causes. When it is acute, it is generally due to the ingestion of harmful substances, ranging from old food to toxic substances or indigestible objects.
However, chronic gastritis can have systemic causes, which can affect the entire body and cause gastritis. These include bacterial and viral infections, cancer, liver or kidney disease or prolonged exposure to environmental toxins.
What should you do if your dog has gastritis?
If you notice symptoms associated with gastritis, it is very important that you take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. This is because, as we have mentioned above, gastritis can mask serious diseases such as cancer.
The veterinarian will diagnose gastritis and will establish the underlying cause, something that he/she will do by performing a complete physical examination and by taking into account all of your pet?s current symptoms and medical history.
Therapeutic measures vary depending on the cause of gastritis; however, dietary measures form an integral part of the treatment of gastritis in dogs. The veterinarian may recommend that you pet fasts for 12 to 48 hours. He/she will also be able to provide concrete advice on the suitable quantity of water to give your dog, and how often it should be drunk, and the same information on food.
Fasting and making these dietary changes will help with the regeneration and functioning of the mucosa.
Home remedies for gastritis in dogs
Here are various home remedies that you can use to improve gastritis in dogs. As you will see, many of them are food, but you should remember that food has powerful therapeutic benefits, which allow you to help your pet effectively and thoroughly.
Obviously, before using any of these remedies, you should consult your vet beforehand so you can adapt these to the individual needs of your dog:
- Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a vegetable that has many pro-kinetic properties (it improves all processes of the digestive tract). The pumpkin should be boiled, be stored properly and be completely natural. You should add it to your pet's food, administrating a tablespoon per 5 kg of body weight once a day.
- Garlic: While it is true that garlic can be toxic to dogs, this only happens when we administer significant quantities. Please consult a vet before feeding this to your dog, no matter how small the amount. A small clove of minced garlic mashed into your dog's usual food may help to treat any infectious agents causing the gastritis because it is one of nature's most potent antibiotics. You can use garlic to deworm dogs and cats too.
- Cranberry: Cranberries help in case of infectious gastritis or when it appears to be a result of kidney disease. This is because this type of berry is rich in proanthocyanidins, substances with proven antibiotic activity. Add two peeled and cut cranberries per 5 kg of body weight to your dog's food.
- Roasted beets: The beet is a vegetable with an interesting nutritional composition, it's rich in phytochemicals and has important properties. Beets help reduce inflammation of the gastric mucosa and also allow easier evacuation of any toxic substances. Add a teaspoon per 5 kg of body weight to your dog's food.
- Boiled rice and chicken: Boiled rice and chicken is gentle on the dog's stomach, perfect if they are suffering from stomach issues. Avoid frying the chicken or adding any sauces. Simply boil the chicken and the rice and mix together, shredding the chicken so that your dog does not ingest large pieces. Feed your dog this bland food little and often. A large meal is harder for dogs to digest, especially when they are suffering with gastritis. Continue to feed your dog this even when it is improving; gradually mix it with their normal food as time goes on.
Preventing gastritis in dogs
As important as treating gastritis, is preventing it. With this in mind, we have some tips that you should follow to keep your dog's stomach healthy:
- Make any dietary changes gradually.
- Stop your dog from eating any contaminated food, fertilised grass or rotten food.
- Do not give your pet too much food; little and often is key in preventing stomach problems.
- Make sure your dog has all the necessary vaccinations, as advised by a vet.
- Check your garden and remove any plants that are toxic to dogs.
If you have any questions at all, please leave them in the comments section and one of our experts will get back to you.
This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to Home Remedies for Gastritis in Dogs, we recommend you visit our Intestinal problems category.