Digestive issues can make things painful for pooches

Though it may seem like dogs have stomachs of steel, no dog is invincible and sometimes they may be struck with stomach upset or a symptom that indicates there is a problem.

The American Veterinary Medical Association cites canine digestive issues as one of the main reasons people bring their dogs in to see a vet. Dogs have different digestive systems than humans, and one notable difference is that dogs do not have digestive enzymes in their saliva. Food does the majority of its breaking down within the canine stomach, which requires the stomach to produce more acid than a human's. This extra acid is what helps dogs digest meats, particularly raw ones, more readily, but it may cause issues when introduced to uncooked produce or starches.

There are different stomach ailments that may arise in a dog and subsequent treatment methods. Understanding what might be going on can help you seek medical advice when necessary or avoid a trip to the vet's office.

* Vomiting: Infrequent vomiting is generally nothing to get worried over. When a dog eats something that is not readily digested, he or she may regurgitate the offender quite quickly. Dogs who quickly eat large amounts of food also may find they have eaten too much and regurgitate the contents of their stomachs. Sometimes a dog will vomit a frothy, yellow-colored liquid. This is usually bile that can be irritating to the stomach. Smaller portions of food spread out throughout the day instead of one large meal can help reduce vomiting.

When vomiting is frequent and you notice any other problems, such as weight loss or refusal of foods, it is best to consult with a veterinarian. The dog may have eaten something that is inappropriate or poisonous.

* Diarrhea: Dogs are not immune to diarrhea. Just like humans, diarrhea is often a byproduct of intestinal upset rather than irritation in the stomach. Many times dogs may be afflicted with diarrhea if they have intestinal parasites, such as certain types of worms. There also may be a foreign form of bacteria in the body that causes irritation in the intestines.

Diarrhea is often not a cause for concern. It may resolve on its own or by feeding the dog a bland diet with rice to absorb extra water from the intestines. Frequent diarrhea will need further action and may be indicative of a larger problem.

Much like people, dogs can suffer from colitis, an irritation of the intestines. In such instances, a dog's stool may appear full of mucous and be very loose. Dogs who are normally house-trained may have trouble making it outdoors and soil in the house instead. Vets may prescribe antibiotics and a bland diet for a week or two to get digestive health back on track.

* Ulcers: Ulcers can develop in dogs when their bodies are in shock from a severe bacterial infection, blood pressure problem or even a heart problem. Ulcers also may be the result of taking certain medications. Dogs with ulcers may produce vomit with specks of old blood mixed in. A vet may prescribe antacids and a bland diet for ulcers, much like a doctor would for a person.

* Canine gastritis: This is a condition of irritation in the stomach due to a foreign object or food allergy. Some instances of canine gastritis are a result of dogs eating garbage or grass. In acute cases, canine gastritis often goes away on its own in one to two days. If it does not, it may be chronic gastritis, which results from a food allergy or by consuming hairballs or something that cannot be digested, like plastic. A vet can do a test called a gastroscopy to narrow down gastritis diagnoses.

* Bloat: Bloat, or gastric dilation-volvulus, is a very serious ailment that occurs when there is a problem with digestion. Something causes gases to build up in the dog's stomach and inflate it like a balloon. The stomach also may twist in the body causing the esophagus to wrap around itself as well as the bottom part of the stomach at the pyloric valve. This further prevents the gas from escaping as normal. Eventually the stomach may grow so large it cuts off circulation to the heart, and the dog may go into cardiac arrest.

It is important to react very quickly if you suspect your dog has bloat. Surgery may be needed, and even a few minutes can mean the difference between life and death.

There are many digestive ailments that can afflict dogs. Always consult with a veterinarian when you suspect there is a problem.