Do you have a German shepherd? If so, you need to be aware of the top 5 German Shepherd stomach issues that can affect your dog. If your German shepherd is having stomach issues, you’re not alone. A lot of dog owners are struggling to find the right solution for their pet’s upset stomachs.
These problems can range from mild to serious, and if not treated they can lead to further health complications. In this article, we will discuss the five most common German shepherd stomach issues, as well as how to treat them. So, if your german shepherd has been vomiting or experiencing diarrhea, keep reading!
German Shepherd Stomach Issues
German Shepherds are known to have sensitive stomachs, meaning they can be prone to a range of stomach problems. If your German Shepherd gets sick, it’s important to take them to the vet right away, as some stomach issues can be serious.
The most common german shepherd stomach issues include:
- Diarrhea
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis
- Ulcers
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
- Toxic Gut Syndrome
Let’s discuss each of these German Shepherd stomach problems, their causes, symptoms, and possible treatment. Also, read this guide on parenting a German Shepherd 5 months old.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common german shepherd stomach issues that dog owners struggle with. It can be caused by a number of things, including diet, stress, parasites, infection, or bacteria. If your german shepherd has diarrhea, you may notice they are passing loose or watery stools more frequently than usual.
Other symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fever. If your german shepherd has diarrhea, there are some steps you can take to help manage its symptoms.
First, try feeding them a bland diet of boiled chicken or rice. You should also ensure that they are getting plenty of water to stay hydrated. If your german shepherd’s diarrhea doesn’t improve after a few days, or if they have any other concerning symptoms, you should take them to the vet right away.
Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is referred to as eosinophilic disease and is a german shepherd stomach issue that is caused by an overgrowth of white blood cells. The most common symptoms of eosinophilic gastroenteritis are weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Sometimes this german shepherd stomach problem can be difficult to diagnose, as its symptoms can often be confused with other conditions. To diagnose eosinophilic gastroenteritis, your german shepherd’s vet may need to perform blood testing or an X-ray.
If your german shepherd is diagnosed with this german shepherd stomach issue, treatment usually involves a course of steroids and antibiotics to reduce inflammation and kill off any infections.
Ulcers
Another german shepherd stomach problem that is caused by inflammation or infection is german shepherd ulcers. Ulcers can occur anywhere in the stomach, including the inner surface of the esophagus and upper intestine.
German Shepherd dogs are especially prone to developing gastric ulcers, which may be linked to their genetic makeup or to the way they are fed. Symptoms of german shepherd ulcers include vomiting, abdominal pain, and a decreased appetite.
To treat german shepherd ulcers, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to kill off any infections that have developed in the stomach. In more severe cases, surgery may also be necessary to remove damaged tissue. Also, see Why do German Shepherds so much.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is a german shepherd stomach issue that develops when the german shepherd’s pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes to break down food. This german shepherd stomach problem can be caused by autoimmune disease, genetics, or infection.
Symptoms of german shepherd EPI include weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, because the german shepherd’s symptoms can also be similar to other german shepherd stomach issues, this german shepherd stomach issue is often difficult to diagnose.
To treat german shepherd EPI, your vet may prescribe a high-fat, high-protein diet to give the german shepherd’s pancreas some extra help in producing digestive enzymes. In more severe cases, your german shepherd may need additional medications or even surgery to manage their german shepherd EPI.
Toxic Gut Syndrome
Another german shepherd stomach problem that can be caused by infection is the german shepherd’s toxic gut syndrome. This german shepherd stomach issue can develop when the german shepherd ingests a toxin or eats something that is harmful to its gastrointestinal system.
Symptoms of german shepherd toxic gut syndrome include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. To treat german shepherd’s toxic gut syndrome, your vet may recommend de-worming medications to clear out any parasites that may have caused the german shepherd stomach issues. In more severe cases, your german shepherd may need antibiotics or surgery to manage german shepherd toxic gut syndrome.
Conclusion
While german shepherds are prone to a number of german shepherd stomach issues, there are steps you can take to help keep their gastrointestinal system healthy and functioning properly. Talk to your vet if you notice any concerning german shepherd stomach issues in your dog. That’s all for this post. Visit the German Shepherds site for more queries.