Definition of Gastritis
Gastric, which refers to inflammation and irritation of the stomach, is one of the most common digestive disorders in dogs. It can be caused by many things, including poisoning, cancer, food allergies, kidney failure, liver failure, Addison’s disease, parvovirus, distemper, internal parasites, bing eating, infection and dietary indiscretion (such as eating garbage, rotting or spoiled food, toxic plants, caustic household chemicals, antifreeze, fertilizers, rodent baits or foreign objects such as plastic wrap, bones, toys, carpet remnants or needles). Dogs can also develop gastritis from eating the feces of other animals, an unpleasant habit called “pica.” The hallmarks of both acute and chronic canine gastritis are persistent attacks of vomiting and intense abdominal pain. Dogs with gastritis are nauseous, lose their appetite and become listless, lethargic and depressed. Fortunately, with proper diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for most dogs with gastritis is good.