Doggy tummy troubles? A dog owner’s guide to gastro

It’s a horror story that almost every pooch parent can relate to – the dreaded tummy troubles and resulting puddles of poo or spew to deal with. Of course, it’s also very worrying to see your beloved pup suddenly go off their food, lose their energy, vomit, or have diarrhoea.

Gastroenteritis, the fancy name for a not-so-fancy upset stomach, can strike suddenly and make even the happiest dog (and the human who has to clean up after them!) feel miserable.

The good news is that most cases are short-lived, and a little knowledge of the symptoms, causes, and treatments can help ensure the health and wellbeing of your furry family member (not to mention your delight at being to pick up – not mop up – after your doggo!)

The tell-tail signs your dog has gastro

You can’t confirm gastroenteritis at home with 100% certainty, but you can suspect it based on certain symptoms. Gastro affects the stomach and intestines, so most symptoms involve digestive upset. These can range from mild to severe and may appear suddenly or gradually.

Here are some telltale signs:

• Sudden onset of vomiting and/or diarrhoea

• Lethargy – your dog seems tired or less interested in activities

• Loss of appetite – refusing meals or treats

• Abdominal discomfort – flinching or tensing when the belly is touched

• Dehydration signs – dry gums, sunken eyes, or skin that doesn’t spring back quickly

• Possible blood in stool or vomit – can appear as red streaks or dark, tarry stools

When to call the vet

Some of the symptoms of gastro overlap with more serious conditions, such as intestinal blockage and pancreatitis, so it’s important to see the vet if they occur. If your dog vomits three or more times in 24 hours, has watery diarrhoea six or more times in a day, or you see any blood in stool or vomit, call your vet promptly.

Unsure how serious it is?

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Common causes – from bin raids to bad bacteria

Gastroenteritis in dogs can occur for many reasons, ranging from something as simple as eating spoiled food to more serious infections or underlying health conditions.

Here are some of the common reasons why dogs develop tummy troubles:

1. Dietary indiscretion – eating something they shouldn’t

Dogs are naturally curious and often explore with their mouths. Eating spoiled food, garbage, or non‑food items like toys or plants can irritate the stomach and intestines, triggering inflammation. Sudden dietary changes, such as switching foods too quickly or indulging in rich table scraps, are also common culprits.

2. Germs and bugs

Viruses like parvovirus or distemper, bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, and intestinal parasites like roundworms or giardia can all inflame the gut.

3. Toxins and poisons

Ingesting toxic substances—such as certain human foods (chocolate, grapes, onions), household chemicals, or poisonous plants—can irritate the digestive tract and even damage internal organs. Just a small amount can be dangerous, so quick veterinary intervention is essential.

4. Food allergies or intolerances

Some dogs develop sensitivity to specific ingredients, such as certain proteins or grains. These intolerances can cause chronic or recurring gastroenteritis, often accompanied by itchy skin, flatulence, or irregular bowel movements.

5. Stress and anxiety

We’ve all heard of the gut-brain connection, and stress, whether caused by changes in routine, travel, boarding, or new pets in the home, can affect the digestive system. Just as it does in humans, this “stress colitis” can lead to mild, temporary bouts of diarrhoea in otherwise healthy dogs.

6. Underlying medical conditions

Chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, liver disease, or kidney problems may present as ongoing or recurring tummy troubles.

How common is gastro in dogs?

According to PetSure claims data^Ø, in 2024 gastroenteritis was the second most claimed condition in dogs. It affected dogs of all ages, but occurred more often in puppies and senior dogs.

How do you know it’s gastro?

You can’t tell for sure, but your vet can. They may conduct a variety of diagnostic tests, including:

Physical exam

Because gastroenteritis can be caused by many different factors, your vet will start with a physical examination, which may include checking hydration, abdominal pain, temperature, and overall condition.

History

Prepare to chat about what they last ate, recent changes, and any odd symptoms. This helps identify potential triggers, such as sudden dietary or environmental changes, scavenging, or toxin exposure.

Stool, blood and urine tests

The vet may test the stool (poo) for parasites or infection, do blood and urine tests to check hydration and organ health, or use imaging (X‑rays, ultrasound) for suspected blockages.

Are some breeds more likely to get gastro than others?

According to PetSure claims data^Ø, in 2024 gastro occurred more often in Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs and Cavoodles than other breeds.

Treating tummy troubles

Treatment  depends on the severity of symptoms and underlying cause, but the main goal is to restore hydration, ease discomfort, and allow the digestive system to recover.

1. Fluid therapy

Rehydration is the cornerstone of treatment, as vomiting and diarrhoea can quickly lead to dehydration. Mild cases may be managed with oral rehydration at home, while more severe cases require intravenous (IV) fluids at the vet clinic to restore electrolyte balance.

2. Medications

Depending on the cause and severity, vets may prescribe:

• Anti-nausea drugs to help control vomiting and reduce nausea
• Antidiarrhoeal medications to reduce fluid loss
• Probiotics may assist in shortening diarrhoea or restoring a healthy gut microbiome, especially after infections or antibiotic treatments
• Antibiotics are not routinely needed for uncomplicated cases, only if a bacterial infection or systemic illness is confirmed

3. Dietary management

Adult dogs are often placed on a short period of fasting (usually 12 to 24 hours) followed by a bland diet of small, easily digestible meals, often boiled chicken and rice or a prescription diet, then a gradual return to regular food. If you have a puppy, toy breed or diabetic dog, avoid fasting and consult your vet for advice.

4. Addressing underlying causes

If gastroenteritis is linked to parasites, toxins, food allergies or another illness, treatment will target that specific cause. For example, deworming medication for parasites or supportive care for pancreatitis.

How much does treatment for gastro cost?

Treatment costs^Ø have climbed, averaging $737 in 2024, up from $619 in 2022. Severe cases can cost significantly more, with the highest cost for treatment in 2024 reaching as much as $32,310.

What you can do at home

Here are some things that you can do to help  your dog recover and make them more comfortable:

1. Gradually return to a normal diet

Follow your vet’s instructions on reintroducing food. Usually, dogs start with a bland diet for several days before transitioning back to their regular food. Make dietary changes gradually to avoid upsetting the stomach again.

2. Encourage hydration

Ensure fresh water is always available and encourage small, frequent sips. If your dog won’t drink, your vet may recommend oral electrolyte solutions to help maintain fluid balance.

3. Monitor symptoms

Keep a close eye on your dog’s appetite, energy levels, vomiting, and stool consistency. A simple diary of these signs can help you and your vet track progress.

4. R & R

Provide a quiet, comfortable space where your dog can rest undisturbed. Limit strenuous activity until they have fully recovered.

How long does gastro in dogs last?

The good news is that most cases of gastroenteritis in dogs don’t stick around for long, especially if you act quickly.

• Mild cases – if the culprit is something minor (like raiding the compost bin or gobbling a bit of greasy BBQ), symptoms often improve within 24 to 48 hours once your pooch is on a bland diet and drinking fluids.

• Moderate cases – if infection or more stubborn inflammation is involved, expect recovery to take around three to five days, even with prompt vet care.

• Severe or complicated cases – if gastroenteritis is linked to a more serious issue, such as parvovirus, pancreatitis, or an intestinal blockage, your dog may need a week or more to recover, plus possible hospital care.

Even after the worst is over, your dog might be a little quieter or have slightly softer stools for a few days as their digestive system gets back to normal. If things don’t improve within two days, symptoms get worse, or they bounce back and then relapse, it’s time for a vet visit.

Is it acute or chronic?

Acute gastroenteritis is a sudden-onset condition and is often caused by eating harmful items (e.g. table scraps or garbage), infections such as parvovirus or protozoa infestation (e.g., Giardia), or even stress.

Chronic gastroenteritis develops over time and is typically triggered by food allergies, underlying diseases, or persistent exposure to stressors.

Preventing future episodes

While gastro can’t be totally prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce your dog’s risk:

• Feed a complete and balanced diet for your dog’s life stage; introduce changes gradually; avoid high-fat table scraps.

• Keep tempting trash and off-limits foods out of reach (e.g., onions, chocolate, grapes).

• Stop your dog from scavenging, drinking from puddles, or eating unknown objects while out on walks.

• Routine deworming and flea prevention help protect against gastrointestinal parasites.

• Ensure vaccinations are up to date.

• Reduce stress by avoiding sudden environmental changes.

• Annual health checks can detect underlying issues that may predispose your dog to gastrointestinal problems.

If your dog suddenly develops bloody diarrhoea and seems very unwell, it could be Acute Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea Syndrome (AHDS), which needs urgent vet attention.

In summary…

Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It’s surprisingly common, occurring in dogs of all ages and breeds, though puppies and seniors tend to be most at risk. Understanding its causes, recognising the signs early, and seeking prompt veterinary care are key to ensuring a good outcome.

Gastro isn’t pleasant for you or your pooch, but with the right care, most dogs bounce back quickly. Watch for symptoms, manage supportive care, and consult your vet when necessary. Keeping an eye on what goes into your dog’s mouth (and keeping that bin locked tight) can really help in preventing a repeat performance.

^∅Based on PetSure claims data, 2024 calendar year. Reimbursement for these claims under a pet insurance policy, would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider. Please note that values calculated are based on all claims for that condition and medically related conditions in each calendar year.