Stress colitis in dogs is a common digestive condition characterized by inflammation of the large intestine, or colon, often triggered by stress. If your dog is experiencing a sudden onset of diarrhea, blood, or mucus in their stool, it's important to consider a stressful event as a potential cause. While the symptoms can be alarming, stress colitis is often manageable with proper care and treatment.
What exactly is stress colitis in dogs?
Stress colitis in dogs is the acute inflammation of the large intestine (colon) caused by a stress or stressful event.
These stressors cause an imbalance in the digestive tract, leading to inflammation. This results in frequent bouts of diarrhea and depending on how much inflammation is present within the colon, you may notice blood or mucus.
What are the causes of stress colitis in dogs?
Stress colitis in dogs can be triggered by various stress factors. Here are some possible causes of colitis in dogs:
- Travel: Unfamiliar surroundings and routine disruptions can cause colitis.
- Boarding: New environments and separation from owners can lead to dogs experiencing stress.
- Hospitalization: Although we do our very best to reduce stress in our hospitalized patients, the stress of medical procedures and unfamiliar settings can trigger stress colitis.
- Surgery: Post-surgery recovery and the associated stress can contribute to bowel inflammation and loose stool.
- Environmental changes: Moving to a new home or introducing new family members can trigger colitis.
- Diet changes: A sudden change in diet can upset the balance of the digestive tract, leading to inflammation.
- Routine disruptions: Any significant change in daily routine can increase the dog’s stress levels, causing inflammation of the large intestine.
Remember, some dogs are simply more sensitive than others and may be prone to stress colitis even with seemingly minor changes. Dogs of any age, sex, or breed can be affected.
How stress leads to diarrhea
When a dog experiences stress, their body reacts in a variety of ways. One of those reactions involves the digestive tract, the complex system responsible for digestion.
Stress triggers the release of hormones and other mediators that can disrupt the normal rhythm of the intestines. These disruptions can cause the intestines to contract more forcefully or rapidly than usual, leading to diarrhea with abdominal cramping and increased urgency to defecate.
In addition, stress can also affect the balance of bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome. When this ecosystem becomes disrupted, it can lead to inflammation and irritation of the intestinal lining.
Stress can also weaken the lining of the intestines, making it more susceptible to inflammation and irritation. This further exacerbates the problem, leading to increased fluid secretion and the loose stools characteristic of stress colitis.
What are the symptoms of stress colitis in dogs?
If you suspect your dog might be suffering from stress colitis, keep an eye out for these common symptoms:
- Frequent bowel movements: Your dog might need to go out more often than usual, and they may seem urgent about it.
- Diarrhea or loose stool: This is one of the most common signs of stress colitis. The stool may be watery, soft, or even contain mucus or blood.
- Increased flatulence or gas: You might notice your dog passing gas more frequently or having particularly stinky flatulence.
- Straining to poop: Your dog might have trouble passing stool and may appear uncomfortable during bowel movements.
- Abdominal pain or discomfort: They might whimper, hunch over, or seem reluctant to be touched in the belly area.
- Decreased appetite: Stress can dampen their enthusiasm for food, so you might notice them eating less.
If you notice any of these symptoms of colitis in your dog, it's important to take them to your vet for a proper diagnosis.
When do symptoms start after a stressful event? I have seen dogs show symptoms within hours of a stressful event, but most commonly, they occur 1-3 days after the beginning of the stressful event.
Treatment options for stress colitis in dogs
The treatment involves several approaches to soothe their digestive tract and reduce inflammation. While stress colitis is often acute, some dogs may develop chronic colitis. This is a longer-lasting inflammation of the colon that requires ongoing management.
Here are some treatments that I consider when I treat colitis in dogs:
Bland diet
Think of this as "chicken noodle soup" for your dog's upset stomach. A bland diet is easy to digest and gives their gut a break from rich or complex ingredients.
We tend to focus on a single protein and a single carbohydrate. This might include plain boiled chicken and rice, or a prescription dietary food designed for this purpose.
Fiber supplementation
Adding soluble fiber to your dog’s diet can improve the consistency of their stool and stabilize colonic motility. A common option is psyllium or canned pumpkin, which can be mixed with food.
Soluble fiber helps to bulk up the stool, making it easier for your dog to pass and reducing the urgency of bowel movements.
For psyllium, I usually use between 1-4 teaspoons per meal and the amount depends on the size of dog. For canned pumpkin, I recommend approximately 1 tablespoon per 20 lbs of body weight, per meal.
Probiotics and prebiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help keep your dog’s gut healthy. They increase the number of good bacteria, which can push out the bad ones and produce substances that help fight off harmful microbes.
Prebiotics are foods for these good bacteria, helping them grow and thrive. When you use both together, they’re sometimes called synbiotics.
Using probiotics and/or prebiotics can help shorten the duration and lessen the severity of diarrhea.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can be controversial for treating acute colitis because the condition often responds to other treatment options as mentioned above.
However, in some cases, they can be beneficial.
Metronidazole is commonly prescribed for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Another option is tylosin, which can help in some cases of acute colitis.
Antibiotics should be used carefully to avoid side effects like worsening diarrhea, altering normal gut flora, and antibiotic resistance. Always follow your vet’s instructions when giving your dog these antibiotics.
A dog with colitis that doesn’t resolve with these treatment strategies, often suggests that something else is the issue and you should consult with your veterinarian to determine what and why.
How can you prevent stress colitis in your dog?
While you can't always shield your pet from every stressful situation, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize the risk of stress colitis:
Here are some tips for preventing stress colitis in your dog:
- Manage stress: Identify your dog's specific stressors and work to minimize or eliminate them. This might involve behavioral training, counterconditioning, or even medication for severe anxiety.
- Create a safe space: Ensure that your dog has a quiet and comfortable place to retreat to when feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
- Introduce changes slowly: If you need to make any changes in your dog's environment or routine, do so gradually to give them time to adjust.
- Consider calming aids: There are several products available, such as pheromone diffusers, natural supplements, and calming sprays, that can help relieve stress in dogs.
- Incorporate supplements: If you cannot avoid a stressful situation, pre-emptively starting fiber supplementation and/or probiotics can help in some cases.
- Seek professional help: In severe cases of stress colitis, it may be necessary to seek the advice of your veterinarian or behaviorist.
How your vet will diagnose stress colitis in your dog
Diagnosing stress colitis in dogs involves a few steps to rule out other conditions and confirm the cause of your dog’s symptoms. Here’s how your vet might approach the diagnosis:
Your vet will start by asking about your dog’s medical history and recent events. They’ll want to know about any changes in routine, diet, or environment that might have caused stress. A thorough physical exam will help identify any signs of inflammation or other issues in the digestive tract.
In some cases, additional tests may be needed to rule out other potential causes of colitis or to confirm the diagnosis of stress colitis. These tests may include:
- Stool sample analysis to check for parasites, bacteria, or other signs of inflammation.
- Blood work to assess overall health and check for signs of infection.
- Imaging (X-rays or ultrasound) to examine the gastrointestinal tract.
- Biopsy (in rare cases) to collect a small tissue sample from the digestive tract for further analysis).
In conclusion, stress colitis in dogs is a manageable condition triggered by stress and characterized by inflammation of the colon. Key signs include diarrhea with mucus or blood, frequent bowel movements, and abdominal discomfort. Preventing stress colitis involves minimizing stressors, maintaining a consistent dietary routine, and using probiotics. Treatment options include a bland diet, fiber supplements, and possibly antibiotics.
If you have any questions or are concerned about your dog, please contact your veterinarian.