Diarrhea and vomiting are among the most common symptoms of digestive problems in dogs. Occasional vomiting or diarrhea is considered normal in dogs, but persistent or severe symptoms may be an indication of some serious dog health problem. In such circumstances, you have to take your dog to a vet, in order to find out the exact cause for this condition, and to provide the relevant treatment.

Symptoms and Causes

The most common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, or both. Other symptoms include abdominal discomfort, straining, passing blood or mucus; flatulence, aversion to food, constipation and fatigue. While most of these symptoms are due to digestive problems in dogs, some other diseases like cancer may also cause some of the above said symptoms. In general, the most common causes of canine digestive problems are eating too much, sudden change in diet, eating inappropriate foods, food allergies, food poisoning, hairball in the digestive system and reactions to some medication.
  • A sudden change in a dog's diet is not advisable, as it may cause trouble to their digestive system. You can make them adjust to a new food item, by introducing very small amounts, which can be increased gradually.
  • Likewise, be consistent in feeding your dog. Never over stuff them, so as to avoid vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms of digestive problems in dogs.
  • Any foreign object stuck in the dog's system can cause regurgitation of the food, before it reaches the stomach. So, it is always better to prevent the dogs from getting access to things like small toys, strings, and other things which can be swallowed easily.
  • As in the case of humans, dogs too have food allergies. Some dogs may develop allergic reactions like vomiting, after consuming some particular foods like soy and corn.
  • It is also important to note that all food items consumed by humans are not good for dogs. For example, feeding a dog with chocolate can cause digestive problems in the animal. Some other food items may be toxic for dogs and cause food poisoning.
  • You have to keep a tab on the dog's diet, as dogs have the habit of eating anything which come their way. Dogs should not consume spicy foods, salty foods, chocolate, and most of the processed foods.
  • Dogs also tend to ingest their body hair while cleaning and licking themselves. This hair can ball up in the digestive tract of dogs and lead to blockage, resulting in constipation.
While most of the above said causes can be rectified with diligent care regarding eating habits of your pet dog, some of them may require medical attention too.

Diseases that Cause Digestive Problems in Dogs

Apart from the eating habits and other similar factors, some dog illnesses can also cause canine digestive problems. Diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, pancreas disorders, parasitic infections of the digestive tract, liver disorders, rectal obstructions and bloating, may cause digestive problems in dogs.
  • A bloat or gastric torsion in dogs can be a life-threatening condition, which demands immediate medical attention. The symptoms of bloat include vomiting, weakness, or sudden collapse. The most common cause for this condition is the swallowing of excess air, which causes the stomach to rotate and results in blood supply cut off.
  • Persistent and chronic diarrhea can be due to inflammatory bowel disease, which also causes weight loss and undernourishment in dogs. It has been observed that this condition is commonly seen in German Shepherds. In such cases, prompt medical attention is very necessary.
  • Pancreatic disorders can also lead to digestive problems in dogs. Overproduction or underproduction of pancreatic enzymes can be responsible for persistent diarrhea. Such dogs may eat heavily, but lose weight.
  • Liver disorders can also cause digestive problems like vomiting and other symptoms, like fatigue, weight loss and frequent urination in dogs. While treatment is unavoidable in most of the liver disorders in dogs, some cases may require surgery.
  • Some dogs may have obstructions in the rectum, which cause constipation or thin (ribbon-like) stools. Some of the obstructions are treated with medicines, while some others are removed through surgery.
  • Parasites like roundworms and hookworms, may cause such problems in dogs. Such parasites may cause indigestion, gas, and diarrhea. In such cases, you have to consult a vet and have your dog dewormed.
While some of the common causes for digestive problems in dogs can be prevented, others like liver disorders or pancreatic disorders cannot be prevented. The former category can be remedied with a controlled diet, more water intake, and consuming more fiber-rich foods. If the symptoms do not subside within a few days, you have to consult a vet for the treatment. A vet's service is necessary to find out the exact cause of the digestive problem and for relevant treatment.