Symptoms of colitis in dogs

This blog is written by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS.

Recognizing if your dog may have colitis is important to reach early diagnosis and treatment, so let’s find out about the signs and symptoms, as well as how to treat dog colitis.

Symptoms of colitis in dogs 

Here are the top colitis symptoms in dogs:

• Soft or runny feces
• Diarrhea containing blood or mucus (or both)
• Tummy (abdominal) pa
• Increased frequency of defecating or flatulence
• Pain while defecating
• Irregular eating habits
• Weight loss
• Vomiting

Key things to consider about the symptoms of colitis in dogs:

Acute colitis vs. chronic colitis

Colitis symptoms in dogs may come on very suddenly, or they can be more gradual in onset and last for a longer time. This is called acute colitis vs chronic colitis. 

Constipation

Some dogs may experience constipation with colitis, even though diarrhea is a common symptom. Basically, be aware of any changes to your dog's poo!

Get your dog checked by a vet

Many of these signs can also be due to other conditions, so it’s important to get your dog to a veterinarian for their assessment if you’re concerned.

What is colitis in dogs?

Colitis refers to a gastrointestinal condition in dogs where the large bowel (the colon) becomes irritated and inflamed.

This inflammation makes it difficult for the colon to absorb water from the feces, and also limits the capacity to store feces, leading to the classic signs of colitis in dogs: frequent passing of runny diarrhea, often containing blood or mucus. 

Colitis may take either of two forms: acute colitis, where intense and painful symptoms appear suddenly, and chronic colitis, where signs can persist long-term.

Causes of colitis in dogs

So how do dogs get colitis? Unfortunately for pet owners, the causes of canine colitis are many and varied, from stress colitis to inflammatory bowel disease, and parasites to dietary change. 

These are some common causes of canine colitis:

• Parasites: including intestinal worms and Giardia
• Dietary indiscretions: eating something novel (and possibly unwise!) can inflame your dog's colon. This includes foreign materials such as toys or socks.
• Food allergies
• Cancer
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Sudden changes in diet
• Infections: including Salmonella and E. Coli
• Injury or damage to the colon

As well as these medical problems, stress can be a cause of colitis in dogs. In fact, stress colitis is one of the most common reasons for large bowel inflammation in dogs. 

Dog breeds that are prone to colitis

Although it’s good for all pet owners to be aware of the colitis symptoms in dogs, there are some breeds that may have a genetic predisposition to this condition. These include:

• German Shepherds
• Boxers
• Rottweilers
• Weimeraners
• Border Collies
• Labrador Retrievers

How to prevent colitis in dogs

If your dog is prone to dog colitis symptoms, there are some easy tips to help prevent future episodes:

• Preventative care: Keep on top of worms and other parasites by using regular treatments recommended by your vet.
• Minimise stress: Although stress can be difficult to predict or control, plan ahead for potential causes such as travel, vet visits, and visitors to try and reduce the impact on your pet.
• Diet: Feed your dog a complete diet that’s nutritionally complete for their life stage. Keep treats small and simple, and don’t change their diet abruptly or unnecessarily.
• Stop them scavenging: Train your dog a command to stop them scavenging trash when out on walks, or use a leash.

Always consult a veterinarian if you see any signs and symptoms of colitis in dogs.

Diagnosing colitis in dogs

Colitis is often diagnosed with a variety of tests. 

Your veterinarian may ask you about your dog’s:

• history;
• food;
• home environment;
• recent illnesses;
• and whether you use preventative parasite treatments.

Physical examinations your veterinarian may perform:

• Fecal samples
• Blood tests
• X-rays 
• Ultrasound scans
• Intestinal biopsies

Colitis in dogs: treatment

The treatment of colitis in dogs can depend on the cause, but there are some common remedies for colitis in dogs that your veterinarian may suggest.

1. Treat any specific cause

If your vet has identified intestinal parasites, bacterial infection, or other specific causes of colitis, they will prescribe suitable medication such as antibiotics or worming treatments. A course of medication may need to be repeated to ensure the problem is completely eliminated, so follow the instructions fully even if your dog seems better.

2. Nutrition

Your vet may recommend a specific diet such as a low-residue or hypoallergenic food, or ways to increase digestible fiber content in their diet. Diet is often a key part of canine colitis treatment, especially if an underlying food allergy or food sensitivity is suspected.

3. Colitis in dogs: medication

If your dog is in discomfort or has significant bowel inflammation, medication for colitis in dogs can include anti-inflammatory and pain-killer treatments. It may also be recommended to use medications which alter how their large bowel functions, to provide relief.

When to contact your vet

• Always contact your vet if you are concerned about your dog’s health.
• Upset tummies are not unusual in dogs, but contact your vet if you notice diarrhea that doesn’t resolve in 24-48 hours.
• Contact your vet if your dog is not their usual happy, active self.
• Contact your vet if your dog has runny feces which contain blood or mucus.

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community.

Useful resources 

• Fun facts about a bland diet for dogs
• Choosing the right food for aging dogs
• Best hypoallergenic dog food for your sensitive sidekick