Dachshunds are great pets – they’re usually friendly, and lots of fun, and despite their small stature they enjoy a good run when the weather’s nice! However, for all the good points of this breed, there are also some challenges. Dachshunds are prone to a few health issues, including intervertebral disc disease of the spine, Cushing’s disease, and gastroenteritis. In this article, we’ll focus on dachshund stomach issues; the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and what you can do to help.
What are the possible causes of dachshund stomach issues?
Dachshund stomach issues can have various causes. Some dachshunds have sensitive guts or inflammatory bowel diseases, where a tiny titbit of something tasty but slightly more exotic than their normal dog food can cause days of vomiting and diarrhea. Slightly more severe than standard gut sensitivity is a food allergy, which could be caused by any dog food ingredient. On the other hand, dachshunds can also get bacterial and viral infections of the stomach and gut, which are known as gastroenteritis. More severe cases of gastroenteritis can lead to blood in the stools or vomit, a condition known as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, which dachshunds may be more prone to. Parasites, foreign bodies, and cancer are also causes of dog stomach issues.
What are the symptoms of dachshund stomach issues?
Some of the symptoms may be black, tarry feces and mucus in the stools, as well as reduced appetite and lethargy.
Dachshund stomach issues may cause any of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blood in the stools
- Black, tarry feces (melena)
- Mucus in the stools
- Blood or coffee grounds in the vomitus
- Gas
- Bloating
- Noisy guts (borborygmi)
- Reduced appetite
- Lethargy
In severe cases, dogs may not drink enough water to keep with their fluid loss as vomit and diarrhea. This can lead to dehydration and weakness and without rapid intervention it may be fatal.
When do you need to see a vet about your dachshund’s stomach issues?
if your dog is still drinking and interested in food, you may be able to help them by switching to a limited ingredient diet.
If your dog is vomiting consistently and unable to keep water down, it’s important to get them checked right away. Similarly, if they seem unwell in themselves, haven’t eaten for 36 hours, or haven’t drank any water for 24 hours it’s time to call the veterinarian. If there is frank (red) blood in their stools or vomit, it’s also a good idea to arrange a vet appointment as soon as possible. However, if your dog seems well in themselves and is still drinking and interested in food, you may be able to help their symptoms settle by switching them to a limited ingredient diet.
How are dachshund stomach issues treated?
The treatment for your dachshund’s stomach issues will depend on the underlying cause. If the vet is unsure of the cause of your dog’s symptoms, they might run blood tests, send stool samples, and take x-rays or scans. A mild stomach upset can be treated with anti-sickness medication, antacids, and probiotic fiber paste. More serious gastroenteritis caused by infection might require a course of antibiotics and a fluid drip and parasites can be treated with the correct wormer. If your dog’s symptoms are caused by a food allergy, the veterinarian might recommend changing to a limited ingredient diet that is free of the allergen. However, If there is an obstruction of the gut or a suspected tumor, the veterinarian might need to perform surgery.
How can diet help dachshund stomach issues?
Try to reduce the potential food allergens by choosing a limited ingredient diet. Also, look out for additives and preservatives which could reduce nutritional value and irritate the guts.
If your dachshund has a mild gut upset or has known gut sensitivity that flares up now and then, it’s important to choose a dog food that suits them. Try to reduce the potential food allergens by choosing a limited ingredient diet. Also, look out for additives and preservatives which could reduce nutritional value and irritate the guts.
A bland dog food is often recommended for dogs with sensitive guts, but what is a bland diet for dogs? If your dog is unwell and isn’t eating, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet, but once they’ve had the all-clear, check out the article we wrote about what to feed a sick dog with no appetite.
Summary
As pet parents, we want our dogs to be as healthy as possible. Choosing the right diet can make a big difference, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Make sure to take your dachshund to the veterinarian if they haven’t eaten for 36 hours or haven’t drank any water for 24 hours.
FAQ
Are dachshunds prone to stomach issues?
Any dog can suffer from stomach issues. However, dachshunds may be particularly prone to hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and their short stature might make them more likely to scavenge something unpleasant from the floor on a walk!
What can I give a dachshund for an upset stomach?
If your dachshund is acting unwell in themselves, it’s best to get the opinion of a vet before you try to treat them at home. However, if they are bright and eating and drinking, a limited ingredient diet could help settle their symptoms.
How can you detect serious stomach issues in a dachshund?
The symptoms of a more serious stomach issue are a lack of interest in food and water, inability to keep water down, pale gums, cool extremities, weakness, and large amounts of blood in the stools or vomit. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact a vet right away.
What is wet belly syndrome in dachshunds?
Although the name ‘wet belly syndrome’ might sound like a stomach issue, it actually refers to the fact that dachshunds aren’t usually keen to go out in wet weather! Because they’re so low to the ground, their belly can become wet from puddles or wet grass, which they don’t find particularly pleasant!
