Symptoms of colitis in dogs

Colitis - or inflammation of the colon (large bowel) - is an unpleasant and sometimes painful condition in dogs. The symptoms of colitis in dogs include diarrhea, as well as a painful tummy, changes to appetite, and vomiting. 

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

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. German Shepherd dogs, Boxers, Rottweilers, Weimeraners, Border Collies ,and Labrador Retrievers may all be at increased odds of inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions. 

How to prevent colitis in dogs

If your pooch 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.
• Leave it! 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.

Colitis symptoms in dogs 

So, how do I know if my dog has colitis? There are some common canine colitis symptoms - the main one being diarrhea - but many of these signs can also be due to other conditions, so it’s important to get your pup to a veterinarian for their assessment if you’re concerned.

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. 

Here are the top colitis symptoms in dogs:

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

It’s worth bearing in mind that although the majority of dogs with colitis will have diarrhea, some dogs may actually become constipated. Basically, be aware of any changes to your dog's poo!

Diagnosing colitis in dogs

Colitis is often diagnosed with a variety of tests. Your veterinarian will first ask you a little about their symptoms, and about their history - for example about their food, their home environment, any recent illnesses, and whether you use preventative parasite treatments. They will also perform a full physical examination of your pet.

Your veterinarian may recommend some further tests if they suspect colitis, which may include a fecal sample, blood tests, X-ray,s or ultrasound scans. Intestinal biopsies may be recommended in some cases. 

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 make sure to follow the instructions fully even if your dog seems better.

2. Nutrition

Diet is often a key part of canine colitis treatment, especially if an underlying food allergy or food sensitivity is suspected. 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. 

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 if you notice diarrhea that doesn’t resolve in 24-48 hours, or if your dog is not their usual happy, active self, then always seek veterinary advice. Runny feces which contain blood or mucus are also signs that should trigger a veterinary trip.  

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