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Colitis in Dogs: Why it Happens & How to Treat It!

Dog Health

WRITTEN BY:

Ben Team

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colitis in dogs
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Colitis is a miserable condition that causes diarrhea and other intestinal problems.

While it is usually short-lived and minor in nature, some poor pups suffer from recurrent bouts of the disease. Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options available and prevention strategies you can employ to help your pooch out.

What Is Colitis?

Colitis isn’t technically a disease; rather it is a condition. Colitis literally means inflammation of the large intestine, or colon (the suffix -itis means inflamed). It occurs in several different forms, and has a variety of causes.

The three forms it most commonly takes include:

  1. Acute Colitis – This type of colitis is the most common, and often occurs in response to an infection, stress or some other short-term phenomenon. Acute colitis often resolves on its own.
  2. Chronic Colitis – Chronic colitis occurs when your dog suffers repeated bouts of the disease, over an extended period of time (usually, two weeks is the threshold). Chronic colitis can be very taxing on an animal, and it can lead to several secondary problems.
  3. Histiocytic Ulcerative Colitis (HUC) – Also known as granulomatous colitis, HUC is almost entirely seen in boxers. It is often quite debilitating and very difficult to treat. Interestingly, HUC displays a number of similarities with Crohn’s disease in humans, and recent research shows that it likely occurs partially due to a problematic E. coli strain.

Dog Colitis Symptoms: Signs of Colitis in Your Canine

Colitis manifests in a variety of different ways, so it can cause a number of different symptoms. However, some of the symptoms that are commonly associated with the condition include:

  • Diarrhea and Frequent Defecations – Dogs suffering from colitis often pass frequent, yet low-volume stools – it’s the classic symptom of the condition. They can also exhibit some anxiety or urgency before doing so.
  • Straining – The intestinal inflammation that characterizes colitis can make it difficult for dogs to evacuate their bowels easily. This can lead to intense straining or cause the dog to feel the need to evacuate, even when there’s no feces in the intestine.
  • Increased Flatulence – Intestinal inflammation and the disruption of normal gut flora that often accompanies colitis can cause your dog to pass more gas than normal. If you’ve been reaching for the Gas-X a lot lately, it’s possible that colitis is to blame. Just be aware that some dogs are gassier than others; it isn’t the quantity of gas that signals trouble, it’s a change in the amount that may indicate a problem. 
  • Mucus-Laden Stools – Because colitis often changes the mucus-producing activities of the large intestine, it can cause a dog’s stools to be covered in slimy mucus.
  • Bloody Stools – Colitis often leads to small tears in the intestine (ulcerative colitis is actually named for the tissue erosion it causes). This often leads to bright red blood in the stool.
  • Vomiting – Vomiting occasionally occurs in dogs suffering from colitis. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, this is most common when the inflammation spreads up into the small intestine.
  • Inappetence and Weight Loss – Colitis often reduces a dog’s appetite, which can cause afflicted dogs to lose weight. Nevertheless, VCA Animal Hospital characterizes colitis-caused weight loss to be rare.

The Causes of Colitis in Dogs

Colitis may occur for any of several different reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Stress – Dogs that are forced to endure significant amounts of stress may develop colitis. This is probably one of the more common causes of the condition, but it is also one of the easier ones to address in most cases. You’ll need to identify the cause of the stress first, but then you can take steps to eliminate the problem. Consider brushing up on your dog calming signals so that you can observe and assess what is stressing your poor pooch out!
  • Intestinal Parasites – Roundworms, tapeworms, protozoans and other microorganisms can set up shop in your pet’s digestive tract, where they can cause damage. You may even see worms appear in your dog’s poop. This is one of the reasons routine de-worming is advised by most vets.
  • Toxic or Otherwise Inappropriate Food – Dogs that get into the trash or dig up something suspect from the back yard may end up suffering from colitis if they eat something extremely fatty, toxic or sharp.
how to treat dog colitis
  • Intestinal Trauma – Injuries to your dog’s intestines, such as those that may occur when your dog eats a bone or other dangerous item, can lead to colitis.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Some dogs suffer from canine autoimmune diseases that cause the intestines to overreact to the presence of some foods. IBD is often referred to as a “primary inflammatory diseases,” because it causes the inflammation directly, rather than trauma or toxic food which leads to inflammation.
  • Infections – Infections can often irritate the lining of your pet’s colon, resulting in the symptoms associated with colitis. A number of different organisms can cause infections, including viruses, bacteria and fungi.
  • Food Allergies or Intolerances – Most dog food allergies manifest in the form of itchy skin, paws and ears. However, some foods may also cause an allergic reaction in your pet’s intestine. Colitis originating from a particular food are often relatively easy to treat by removing the offending item from your dog’s diet.

What to Expect from Your Vet When it Comes to Colitis

Dogs occasionally get upset tummies, just like people do. Usually, this is no cause for concern.

However, it is important to seek out veterinary care anytime your dog has long-term gastrointestinal disturbances (those lasting longer than about 24 hours or so), or passes blood in his stool.

These symptoms can indicate a potentially serious problem, necessitating prompt treatment.

When you arrive at the vet, he or she will probably begin by taking a detailed history and recording your dog’s basic information and vitals. The vet will likely inquire about any recent travel or time spent around other dogs, and encourage you to share anything out-of-the-ordinary that has happened recently, such as your dog getting into the trash.

If colitis is suspected, your vet may first begin by recommending a 24-hour fast, followed by a diet of bland foods to see if that fixes the problem. He or she may also recommend probiotics, worming medications, or antibiotics. 

However, if none of those strategies prove helpful, the vet may perform  any of the following diagnostic tests to help figure out the problem:

Fecal Analysis – By testing your dog’s feces, the vet may be able to identify the cause of your dog’s problem. For example, fecal smears and fecal floatations can reveal the presence of parasites or their eggs, fecal cultures can help identify the bacteria present, and gross examination may reveal blood or mucus, which can provide further diagnostic value. (For the record: “Gross” in this sense means viewing it without a microscope, though looking at doggo-doodoo is certainly gross in the traditional sense too).

Ultrasound –Ultrasound technology utilizes sound waves to produce a “picture” of your dog’s intestines. This can help your vet to inspect your dog’s intestinal tract and get to the bottom of your dog’s problem.   

X-Ray – X-rays are a good way to ensure that your dog is not suffering from an obstruction, injury or abnormality that is causing his symptoms. X-rays aren’t the cheapest service in the world, but they provide a non-invasive way for your vet to examine your dog’s internal anatomy.

Blood Tests – Blood tests provide a wealth of information in a fairly non-invasive manner, so your vet may take some of Fido’s blood during the visit. it is usually one of the first diagnostic tests they’ll perform. Blood tests can provide information about your dog’s kidney and liver function, and they can also be used to determine if your dog is battling an infection.

Endoscopic Examination – If your vet needs to directly visualize and inspect your dog’s intestines, he may perform an endoscopic procedure, in which a long, thin, flexible camera is inserted into your (sedated) dog’s rectum. This will allow your vet to see any wounds, ulcers or malformations and show them to you as well.

Biopsy – In some cases, your vet may need to remove a small amount of tissue from your dog’s colon for further inspection and analysis. This can normally be performed with endoscopic tools inserted through your dog’s rectum while under sedation.

Treating Colitis in Dogs: Is There a Cure?

There isn’t necessarily a “cure” for colitis in dogs, but there are a number of treatment options that can help most canines feel better. Acute colitis often resolves on its own or with only the simplest care, but chronic or ulcerative varieties of the condition can require medications or elaborate procedures.

colitis dog treatment
  • 24-Hour Fast – This is often one of the first thing a veterinarian will recommend, as it gives your dog’s intestines a bit of a rest. Once the fast is over, high-fiber foods are often recommended to help normalize the digestive process.
  • Dietary Changes – Some dogs will experience relief through dietary manipulation. Typically, veterinarians will recommend switching dogs with chronic colitis to diets that are easy on the stomach, and consist of things like boiled chicken and steamed brown rice. Some dogs respond positively to increased fiber content in their diet, while others respond better to reduced fiber content.
  • Probiotics – Beneficial bacteria normally inhabit a healthy colon, but the inflammation and rapid expulsion of food can reduce these bacterial populations. Probiotics are commercially packaged versions of these bacteria, and they are found in supplement form as well as inside some common dog foods. Probiotics can help outcompete harmful bacteria and protect the delicate intestinal lining.
  • Antibiotics – If your dog’s colitis has been caused by a bacterial infection, or if your vet thinks that the bacteria in your dog’s intestines are out-of-balance, dog antibiotics may be used to wipe out the harmful bugs. Probiotics may be recommended following antibiotic trials, as some antibiotics kill the good bacteria along with the bad.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Medications – If your dog’s inflammation is severe, your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce the swelling and pain associated with the condition.
  • Surgery – In extreme cases, your vet may need to remove a portion of your dog’s colon or repair extensively damaged areas. This is obviously not a desirable outcome, and it illustrates the importance of rapid treatment for colitis.

Prevention Is Key For Stopping Canine Colitis

For the average dog owner, it is much smarter to focus on the prevention end of the spectrum than the treatment end. Fortunately, there are a number of strategies you can employ to help prevent your dog from dealing with colitis.

None are foolproof, but they will help improve your pup’s chances of having problem-free poops.

Keep your dog’s stress level low. Stress is one of the most common causes of colitis, so do your best to keep your dog happy and well-exercised. Ensure he gets plenty of attention and affection, and that he has a safe place to which he can retreat whenever he likes.

Keep your dog’s food and water dish clean. Dirty food and water dishes can serve as a buffet for bacteria. Given your dog’s intimate relationship with these items, it makes good sense to wash his dishes daily. Don’t forget to wash any other items that contact your pet’s food, such as the scoop you keep in the food bag.

Avoid wet, filthy areas when playing outside with your pup. Bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites all lurk in wet, dirty areas like mud puddles and debris piles. While outdoor time needn’t be a sterile activity, it is wise to avoid obviously sketchy areas.

Avoid allowing your dog contact with sick dogs. Some infections are communicable, meaning that your dog could catch them from other dogs. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t let your (properly vaccinated) dog play with other dogs, but keep an eye out for dogs exhibiting tummy troubles, and steer your dog clear of them.

Discuss a worming protocol with your veterinarian. Most likely, your vet already treats your dog periodically for parasites, but make sure that you bring up the issue.

Avoid switching your dog’s food abruptly. Some dogs can experience intestinal dysfunction if there food is changed rapidly. To avoid this, mix increasingly larger amounts of your dog’s new food in with his new food, over the course of about one week.

***

Don’t panic if your vet explains that your dog has colitis. Most dogs probably endure a bout with the condition at some point in their lives, and as long as it doesn’t occur over a lengthy time period, it isn’t really a big deal.

Just remember to consult with your vet anytime your dog exhibits diarrhea lasting longer than 48 hours or stools containing blood.

Has your pup ever fought through a case of colitis? Let us know how your experience went. We’d love to hear about the actual cause of your pooch’s problem as well as the steps you and your vet took to get him feeling better.

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Written by

Ben Team

Ben is the managing editor for K9 of Mine and has spent most of his adult life working as a wildlife educator and animal-care professional. Ben’s had the chance to work with hundreds of different species, but his favorite animals have always been dogs. He currently lives in Atlanta, GA with his spoiled-rotten Rottweiler named J.B. Chances are, she’s currently giving him the eyes and begging to go to the park.

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  1. Jeannine G Gonzales Avatar
    Jeannine G Gonzales

    I read that Hemp Hearts are good for colitis in humans. Might it also help with colitis in dogs? My 8 year old mixed breed developed colitis about six months ago and continues to struggle with it. I have tried most of the remedies mentioned here at one time or another. Right now he’s on a diet of steamed chicken breast, white and brown rice, cooked carrots, and lamb and rice kibble. His vet also recommended psyllium husk which he gets a few times a week. I’m hoping that Hemp Hearts might be of help.

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      Hey there, Jeannine. We’re sorry to hear about your dog’s struggles with colitis.

      It is certainly possible that hemp hearts (shelled hemp seeds) may help your pooch, but we can’t find any research supporting that contention. Really, hemp seeds are just good sources of protein and omega fatty acids (unshelled seeds also have a lot of fiber), so we don’t see any obvious way they’d help.

      Just make sure you discuss them with your vet first. Let us know how it goes!

  2. Tammy Woodruff Avatar
    Tammy Woodruff

    My dog has always had a rough time with his glands and now he has chronic colitis. Does he have colitis because of the anal glands problems?

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      That’s really a question for your vet, Tammy. But to our knowledge, that’s not a common cause-effect issue.

  3. Maryann Avatar
    Maryann

    Very helpful and informative article. My little shelter dog was just diagnosed with colitis.

  4. Ara Carbonneau Avatar
    Ara Carbonneau

    Spring of 2019, my Great Pyrenees started having bloody stool and all the classic symptoms of colitis. We took him immediately to Kansas State University Animal Hospital because he went from diarrhea, to sticky stool with blood to nearly straight bloody stool.

    Upon getting there the vet decided right away to scope him and they diagnosed him with colitis, idiopathic because they didn’t know what caused it. I am super careful with his diet because he is my service dog. He is never left at home and is only outside while supervised. The vet mentioned he had abrasions in his colon. They gave him antibiotics and a round of steroids. It took nearly 2 weeks before he was having a decent bowel movement again and for the first few days he didn’t want to eat at all.

    We got him on a probiotic as the vet recommended but then about a month later, the colitis came back. We started doing the diet reduction to figure out what if anything could be causing it and essentially it came down to he can only eat a specific form of kibble (small kibble because he can’t digest the larger sized kibble), a specific chicken and pumpkin-based wet food. He can’t eat more than 2 cups of dry food a day because he literally can’t digest more than that and it takes him on average 2 days to digest whatever he ate.

    So when he gets sick (which he does about every 8 weeks or so) I have to try and figure out what he digested that didn’t agree with him. Even when he is on his regular food he is still susceptible to colitis. He is going back in this next week to try a better long term approach to what can only be described as chronic colitis. There are days I feel so terrible for him because he will suddenly get the urge at like 2 am or it will happen when he is walking down a sidewalk and can no longer hold his bowels.

    I think the vet is going to test to see if he has possible bowel disease or something a bit more advanced. He is only 2 years old so the vet mentioned this isn’t that common in a dog his age that is otherwise healthy. I have had him since he was 10 weeks old. I have tried to read everything on dog colitis in attempts to help but really to no avail. So I guess we will see a digestive specialist at Kansas State and they will have a better sense. Crossing my fingers.

    1. Meg Marrs Avatar

      That sounds so stressful! Let us know how it goes. We all have our fingers crossed for him. Thank you for taking such good care of him!

    2. David Avatar
      David

      Any update on this Ana? My German Shepherd has something similar. One day he had just constant diarrhea and he would be lethargic and eventually started passing blood and mucous and not eating. A dose of Flagyl/metronidazole immediately stopped it. But once I stop feeding him chicken/rice/pumpkin and try to add any sort of kibble, he will have colitis again. Once it starts it lasts until I remove the offending food.

      Even still on chicken/rice/pumpkin he has days where he will have a flare up. Tried probiotics (Culturelle and Floriflora), enzymes, etc but he hasn’t been able to tolerate it.

  5. Sherry Boak Avatar
    Sherry Boak

    I’ve seen amazing improvement with Martins colitis after using a dog probiotic for one week! I open the capsule and mix in some bone broth then add his dry food. He had a normal bm this morning and that was after a somewhat stressful evening last night with storms! I’m so happy!

    1. Sherry Boak Avatar
      Sherry Boak

      I was a bit quick to report results. I remain hopeful that the probiotic will be the answer after a couple more weeks we’re not there yet.

  6. Sherry Boak Avatar
    Sherry Boak

    Martin is a 4 year old jack/chi mix. I got him from a rescue group when he was a year old. In March I took him on a 9 hour car trip to visit friends. He has always been good in the car on short trips and in fact went on a several hour trip shortly after I got him and was fine for the ride there, stay of several days and ride home. This time he was very nervous when we got there but had been around the same people 2 years earlier. He ate and had some loose bm’s there but when we got home it was horrible diarrhea with blood. I’m low income but took him to the vet who had seen him once before for a follow-up to a blocked anal gland issue that required a late night emergency vet visit. The vet diagnosed ulcerative colitis brought on by the stress of the trip. He was given fluids and metronidazole. The metronidazole worked almost immediately. After a week or so I stopped giving it to him and kept a few just in case. Well it flared again after maintenance people were in and out of my apartment one day. I was with him the entire time right next to him but he got very upset. I ran out of the pills and convinced the vet to sell me a few more to get through this. I told him I could not afford an office visit and tests so he did but insisted no more without all the tests. He doesn’t do payment plans. He has the bloody stools again! I did get him a probiotic to put in his food but that just started 3 days ago. I read I should change his food, he’s been on Rachel Rey Dish with chicken and rice since I got him 3 years ago. I don’t know what to do. He is wee wee pad trained so doesn’t go outside very often. We are going through 4-6 xxl pads a day as he soils them all over with straining and moving around. I’m beside myself. Any ideas? I’m looking for pt work to supplement my rather small social security. I’m 65. So far no luck. Help! He’s my best friend. BTW I have collagenous colitis myself since April 2017. Steriods helped me but you can’t stay on them and once off it came back and I’ve been dealing with it. Any helpful ideas for Martin would be appreciated. THANKS.

    1. Julie Avatar
      Julie

      Hi Sherry. How’s Martin doing? I have the same exact issue with my Lhasa Apso. I have not found the right answer that works consistently. We’ve tried metronidazole several times along with others including sulfasalazine and tylan (spellings may be off). I also use probiotics. I just ordered CBD. I’m hoping that helps with his anxiety and therefore his tummy issues. Maybe take a look at this place? https://yavapaihumane.org/services-for-your-pet/wellness-clinic/ Good luck! Hope Marin feels better quickly.

    2. Kelly Johnson Avatar
      Kelly Johnson

      Hi Sherry and Julie-

      I wanted to lend a little bit of insight here. My dog, Jude was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis several years ago. I have found that Tylan is the best of the antibiotics, and that a grain free, single protein diet keep most symptoms at bay. I also see a vet who does TCM and she gives us a drug called Xian Lan San. It works wonders! I would be interested to hear how CBD works out.

  7. Kathy Wayne Avatar
    Kathy Wayne

    My baby has a liver shunt, IBD and diabetes. Currently she has been on amoxicillin for 4 weeks for a nasty UTI (as well as many other meds for her conditions). Just this past week she has had 2 bouts with what her vet thinks might be colitis. She has 4-5 bowel movements in a few hours time, no diarrhea, thank goodness. Each bowel movement gets smaller and she will squat as if to urinate multiple times while attempting to find the right spot. She is on metronidazole already for the IBD, so our vet is not too concerned at the moment. Hopefully, this will pass. I have also discontinued her lactolose for the time being that she was on for her liver shunt.

  8. Cindy Mease Avatar
    Cindy Mease

    Thanks for the information- my dog is going through it right now so will try to give you some feedback.

  9. Rika Avatar
    Rika

    Very helpful, thanks!

  10. Richard Avatar

    Thank you – Very informative.

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