Dog Digestive Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Key Takeaways
Dog digestive issues can originate anywhere along the digestive tract — from esophageal problems like acid reflux and regurgitation, to stomach issues like gastritis, to intestinal complications including diarrhea, constipation, and bowel obstructions.
Common causes include dietary indiscretions, food allergies and intolerances, parasites, bacteria, viruses, stress, high-fat diets, foreign object ingestion, and inadequate fiber intake.
At-risk breeds include Golden Retrievers (dietary indiscretions), Boxers (Boxer colitis), German Shepherds (bloat, megaesophagus), Great Danes (bloat, megaesophagus), Irish Setters (gluten intolerance), and Miniature Schnauzers (pancreatitis).
Serious complications include excessive vomiting leading to dehydration, gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV/bloat — always an emergency), septic shock from ruptured intestines, gastrointestinal cancer, and food allergies.
Digestive issues are directly linked to anal gland health — soft or irregular stools prevent the glands from emptying naturally, leading to impaction, infection, and abscess.
At-home treatment includes fasting followed by bland diet, probiotics, increased fiber and hydration, and monitoring stool color and consistency. Contact your vet if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours or if you observe bloody stool, severe dehydration, or bloating.
Table of Contents
What Causes Dog Stomach Upset?
Which Dog Breeds Are Most at Risk for Digestive Issues?
Signs and Symptoms of Digestive Issues in Dogs
Common Upset Stomach Treatment Options
At-Home Tips for Preventing Dog Stomach Upset
How Anal Gland Issues Are Linked to Digestive Health
Dog digestive issues can include uncomfortable symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, pain, and discomfort, as well as more serious conditions such as drastic weight changes, fever, or internal bleeding.
Digestive issues are not uncommon in dogs. Switching your dog's diet, stress, and food sensitivities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to possible causes of an upset stomach. To best help your dog, it is important to know the common causes, signs, and how to treat digestive symptoms at home.
Your dog's digestive system is a complex collection of anatomy that stretches from the mouth to the anus. While digestive issues are most commonly connected to stomach pain and bowel movements, issues can start much earlier in the digestive tract.
Esophageal issues relate to the esophagus, which is where food first enters the digestive system. The esophagus connects the mouth to the stomach and can be prone to issues like regurgitation, acid reflux, and esophagitis.
Common causes of esophageal digestive issues include substances like food, water, or grass creating an obstruction in the esophagus; diets high in fat that can cause acid reflux (when acids from the stomach reenter the esophagus); vomiting or an urge to vomit caused by a dietary indiscretion (when a dog chooses to eat something it should not, like spoiled food, fecal matter, insects, or toxic substances); and repeated damage to the lining of the esophagus, causing chronic inflammation.
Stomach issues occur at the midway point between the esophagus and intestines, where the first stage of digestive activity occurs. Mucous lines the inner walls of the stomach to protect it from acids while food is being digested, while enzymes and hydrochloric acid work to break down food. The stomach slowly releases small amounts of digested food into the intestines. Bacterial, viral, and parasitic issues can occur in the stomach, such as gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining).
Common causes of stomach-related digestive issues include consumption of overly acidic, spicy, or fatty foods; chronic stress or anxiety, which can lead to ulcers and damage to the stomach lining; eating substances not meant to be ingested (raw meat, spoiled food, trash), which can lead to inflammation; and eating substances contaminated by parasites, bacteria, or viruses.
Intestinal issues relate to both the large and small intestines — long, coiled systems that stretch between the stomach and the anus. The small intestine absorbs digested food into the blood to collect and disperse nutrients throughout the body. The large intestine includes the colon, rectum, and anal canal and is where stool is formed and prepared to exit the body. This is also where water and electrolytes are extracted from digested food.
Common intestinal issues include gas and bloating (which can lead to irregular or especially foul-smelling flatulence), colitis (inflammation of the intestines), bowel obstructions, diarrhea, constipation, and digestive disorders.
Common causes of intestinal digestive issues include exposure to allergens, parasites, bacteria, or viruses; food intolerances or sensitivities; poorly digested or contaminated food; foreign objects becoming stuck within the small or large intestine; polyps or tumors that obstruct the movement of stool through the intestines; illness, food intolerance, and parasites causing diarrhea; and constipation due to a lack of fiber, swollen anal glands, or bowel obstructions.
If symptoms in any of these areas of the digestive system are left untreated, issues can move further down the digestive tract and may also lead to complications related to anal gland health.
Depending on the breed, a sensitive stomach could be to blame for your dog's digestive upset — and could mean that certain symptoms are harder to ignore.
Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are among the most opportunistic when it comes to snatching table scraps, leading to a reputation for digestive issues since they often eat foods not meant for them. Dietary indiscretions are a frequent cause of stomach upset in this breed.
Boxer. Boxers are an intelligent, highly energetic breed that unfortunately struggles with digestive symptoms. The connection between Boxers and digestive issues is so well-known that they inspired the term "Boxer colitis," an inflammatory bowel disease that is specific to Boxers and similar breeds.
German Shepherd. German Shepherds are at higher risk for food allergies and serious digestive problems. Their barrel-chested anatomy makes them vulnerable to life-threatening bloat, as well as megaesophagus — a terminal disease caused by excessive dilation and loss of motility within the esophagus.
Great Dane. Great Danes are also at high risk for bloat and megaesophagus due to their massive size and deep-chested anatomy. Owners of Great Danes often opt for preventative gastropexy surgery to reduce the chance of bloat.
Irish Setter. Irish Setters have a predisposition to gluten intolerance (gluten-sensitive enteropathy, or GSE). Weight loss and skin problems may also be an issue for this breed, related to complications from food intolerance. If the necessary treatments (such as a grain-free diet) are not implemented, more serious digestive illnesses like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can occur.
Miniature Schnauzer. It is not just large dogs that struggle with stomach upset — Miniature Schnauzers and some other terriers are prone to pancreatitis. One of the primary functions of the pancreas is to create enzymes that digest food; with pancreatitis, the digestive system cannot properly digest food or absorb the nutrients needed to maintain health. Smaller breeds are also at a higher risk of dehydration related to diarrhea and other digestive problems, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Keeping a record of symptoms and their frequency can help you and your vet form a better treatment plan. Digestive issues can present in a variety of ways that provide insight into the underlying cause.
One of the first signs of digestive upset could be your dog's lack of appetite. They may refuse to eat foods they would normally eat, or eat significantly less than usual.
When your dog is nauseous, their salivary glands go into overdrive to help lubricate and protect the esophagus from rising stomach acid. The result is excessive drooling.
Dogs who regurgitate their food may cough, hack, and wheeze until they expel the substance causing discomfort. Constant regurgitation can also be linked to acid reflux and vomiting. If something they ate does not get properly digested in the esophagus or stomach, it could make its way back up.
Diarrhea is an unfortunate symptom of stomach upset that can happen to any dog. Liquid or watery stools mean food was digested faster than normal and the body has not absorbed any water or nutrients. For this reason, dehydration can be a serious and life-threatening side effect of diarrhea.
Constipation can be caused by a number of factors including lack of fiber, exercise, or hydration. Illness and medications may also cause constipation, which is defined as stool moving slower than usual through the digestive tract. Straining, hemorrhoids, and bloody stool can all be side effects of constipation.
Stool colors other than the standard chocolate brown can help reveal the cause of digestive problems. Green stool could mean your dog ate too much grass or that the gallbladder is in distress. Yellow-orange stool could indicate biliary (gallbladder) or liver issues. White, rice-shaped flecks in the stool can mean parasites are present. Gray stools also denote a biliary issue or issues related to the pancreas, while black or red-streaked stools are a sign of blood in the digestive tract.
Black, tarry stool is a sign of bleeding in the upper GI tract, while streaks or bright red blood in the stool can be caused by tears or hemorrhoids in the anorectal area.
When digestive issues cause gas to build up or stool to move too quickly (or too slowly) through the gut, your dog may suffer from abdominal pain. While some abdominal pain can pass quickly or coincide only with other symptoms, bloating can signal a serious, life-threatening condition.
Some signs should not be ignored and require immediate medical attention.
If your dog will not eat or cannot keep water down, it may be time to contact your veterinarian. Vomiting makes it difficult to keep anything down and can lead to severe dehydration or malnourishment. Vomiting twice in a 24-hour period or vomiting for two or more consecutive days warrants a call to the vet.
Conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting, heatstroke, fever, and other illnesses can cause dehydration. Dehydration is dangerous for any dog, but puppies and small breeds may be more prone to dehydration-related fatalities.
Another serious digestive condition is gastric dilatation and volvulus, or GDV — also referred to as bloat. This condition should not be treated as a passing side effect. GDV occurs when a dog's stomach twists or flips, becoming stretched and rotated out of alignment within the digestive tract. Common causes include a combination of deep-chested anatomy, excessive gas from eating too quickly, exercise after eating or drinking, and stress. GDV is always an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
Septic shock happens when both sepsis and severe sepsis have gone untreated and is almost always fatal — even with treatment. Sepsis is an infection that causes aggressive inflammation in the body, with organ failure as a result of severe sepsis. Digestive-related causes of sepsis can include ruptured intestines or a ruptured stomach from GDV.
Stomach and intestinal cancer are rare causes of digestive issues, but should still be on any dog owner's radar. Dogs experiencing dramatic and unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, severe cases of vomiting and diarrhea, and blood in the vomit should be evaluated by a veterinary professional as soon as possible.
If your dog experiences vomiting, skin rash, or a sudden change in bowel habits, a food allergy could be to blame. Keep a record of any new foods or supplements your dog tries, as well as a timeline of when symptoms started to occur.
While severe stomach issues are not common, it is still good to treat any symptoms that arise — especially to improve your dog's comfort.
The first strategy for diarrhea is usually a fast. Fasts can last anywhere from 12–24 hours to allow the gut to reset, but your dog should get plenty of water during that time. For dogs that cannot go without nutrients for that long — like puppies and senior dogs — discuss this option with your vet before proceeding.
Break the fast with both bland and probiotic-rich foods. Pumpkin, rice water, boiled rice, and cottage cheese are options that can help restore digestive balance.
"Profivex aids in a healthy gut and may also help in reducing the clinical signs and severity of skin disease in atopic dogs. I use it as an additional anti-inflammatory supplement in refractory cases and in patients suffering from diarrhea caused by medication effects."
— Dr. Joya Griffin, DVM, DACVD, Animal Dermatology Clinic
If your dog is vomiting, switch them to a bland diet and smaller meals until they improve. Foods like boiled chicken, rice, and sweet potato are all suitable for at-home stomach upset treatment.
If your dog is mildly dehydrated, have them drink small amounts of water every few minutes. You can also have them lick ice cubes to restore hydration. If your dog is showing signs of heatstroke, shock, or severe dehydration, take them to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately for intravenous rehydration.
The best treatments for constipation are adjustments to diet and activity. Increasing fiber in tandem with hydration can help improve gut motility, as can daily exercise. Glandex Soft Chews provide daily fiber along with digestive enzymes and probiotics to support healthy bowel movements and stool consistency.
If your dog's digestive system is disrupted due to the ingestion of a parasite, you will need a prescription treatment from your vet. An oral or injectable dewormer will help kill most parasites but may cause mild diarrhea in some dogs as a side effect.
When it comes to helping keep your dog's gut in balance, consider the recurring symptoms. Does your dog deal with frequent vomiting? They could be ingesting toxic substances from their environment. Is diarrhea a common issue? A food allergy or parasites could be to blame. Keeping a close eye on what they eat — and reducing the chance for dietary indiscretions — can help you identify what is making your dog sick.
Another helpful tool for improving gut health is probiotics. Dog probiotics exist in many forms and can be given for a few weeks or every day for regular maintenance. Glandex Probiotic & Prebiotic Soft Chews provide targeted Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains to support digestive balance and microbiome health. Probiotics are especially helpful after a bout of diarrhea when the gut microbiome has been weakened or disrupted.
Your dog's age may also play a role in how well they handle stomach issues. Puppies and senior dogs can be especially susceptible to malnutrition after diarrhea or vomiting since they rely on regular intake of nutrients to stay healthy. Adding probiotic foods — like plain cottage cheese or yogurt — or supplements to their diet will be especially beneficial for dogs in these age groups.
Dog anal gland issues are often directly linked to digestive health because the consistency and frequency of stool can impact the functioning of the anal glands. These glands, located on either side of the rectum, are responsible for secreting a scent-marking substance used for territory marking and identification.
Healthy, firm stools help express the anal glands naturally during defecation. However, when a dog has digestive problems leading to soft or irregularly shaped stools, the anal glands may not empty properly, causing them to become impacted or infected. Chronic diarrhea or constipation can exacerbate this problem, leading to pain, swelling, and even abscesses in severe cases.
A balanced diet high in fiber can promote regular bowel movements and the formation of firm stools, aiding in the natural expression of the anal glands. Fiber supplements or specially formulated high-fiber dog foods can be beneficial in managing anal gland issues. Glandex Soft Chews combine fiber, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to support both digestive and anal gland health. For more severe or chronic cases, Glandex Advanced Vet Strength Chews provide a higher-potency formula.
Addressing underlying digestive problems through proper nutrition, hydration, and veterinary care when necessary can help prevent recurring anal gland issues. Monitoring your dog's digestive health and ensuring a well-balanced diet can significantly reduce the risk of anal gland complications.
If your dog's symptoms do not improve after trying home treatments for 24 hours, do not wait — a call to the vet could save your dog's life.
If your dog cannot keep food or water down, that is a sign of potentially serious gut issues. It could also indicate that a harmful parasite or pathogen is present in the digestive system. Diarrhea becomes dangerous when you see rectal bleeding or notice signs of dehydration. More than a few days of loose stools can also put your dog at risk for anal gland issues, which can become troublesome if the glands are not regularly expressed.
Constipation is another symptom to watch since it can cause serious complications. As a rule, constipation lasting 48–72 hours should be considered a health risk and warrants a call to your vet. Bowel obstructions can cause or be caused by constipation, and in severe cases, can lead to intestinal ruptures and sepsis.
It is not always easy to monitor your dog's digestive activity. However, understanding their bowel habits will benefit both your dog and you, helping you live a longer, healthier life together.
Browse the full Glandex digestive and anal gland health collection for supplements, probiotics, fiber chews, and wipes.
Digestive issues can originate anywhere along the digestive tract from the esophagus to the intestines. Common causes include dietary indiscretions (eating spoiled food, trash, or toxic substances), diets high in fat, food allergies or intolerances, exposure to parasites, bacteria, or viruses, chronic stress or anxiety, foreign object ingestion, and lack of dietary fiber. Switching your dog's diet too quickly and food sensitivities are also frequent triggers.
Golden Retrievers are prone to dietary indiscretions. Boxers are associated with Boxer colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease specific to the breed. German Shepherds are at higher risk for food allergies, life-threatening bloat, and megaesophagus. Great Danes are at high risk for bloat and megaesophagus due to their size and deep-chested anatomy. Irish Setters have a predisposition to gluten intolerance (gluten-sensitive enteropathy). Miniature Schnauzers are prone to pancreatitis and dehydration-related complications.
Common symptoms include loss of appetite, excessive drooling, regurgitation, diarrhea, constipation, discolored stool (green, yellow-orange, gray, or black/red-streaked), bloody stool, and abdominal pain or bloating. The color and consistency of stool can provide important clues about the underlying cause.
Contact your veterinarian if your dog vomits more than twice in 24 hours or vomits for two or more consecutive days, shows signs of dehydration, has bloody stool or rectal bleeding, has diarrhea lasting more than a few days, has constipation lasting 48–72 hours, or shows signs of bloating (which is always an emergency). If symptoms do not improve after 24 hours of home treatment, do not wait to call your vet.
For diarrhea, a 12–24 hour fast followed by bland foods like pumpkin, boiled rice, or cottage cheese can help the gut reset. For vomiting, switch to a bland diet with smaller meals until symptoms improve. For constipation, increase fiber intake alongside hydration and daily exercise. For mild dehydration, offer small amounts of water every few minutes or let your dog lick ice cubes. Daily probiotics can also help restore gut microbiome balance after digestive upset.
Anal gland issues are directly linked to digestive health because the consistency of stool impacts whether the anal glands empty properly during defecation. Healthy, firm stools naturally express the glands, but soft or irregularly shaped stools from digestive problems can leave the glands impacted or infected. Chronic diarrhea or constipation can worsen the problem, potentially leading to pain, swelling, and abscesses. A balanced, high-fiber diet that promotes firm stools is key to maintaining both digestive and anal gland health.
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