How severe can the symptoms of gastroenteritis be in a dog?

by Symptom Advice on November 29, 2010

After a visit to the emergency vets i was told my dog had a temperature and a stomach infection due to vomitting, panting, and lethargic symptoms, i have to take her back in a day if she hasn't perked up… She's been given antibiotics and hasn't moved very much all day and constantly sleeps… is this normal for a dog with this diagnosis and would the medications make her sleepy?

This can and does kill dogs. the best advise I can give you is leave food down but don't panic if she doesn't eat it. the main thing is to give her water every 15 minutes. Every 5 minutes or so pinch and pull up the skin at the back of her neck (it will not hurt her) once pulled up see how long it takes to go down. If it goes down straight away shes ok. however if it goes down slowly get her straight to the vets DO NOT WAIT TILL MORNING PLEASE because it means she is dehydrated and the slower it goes down the worse it is. I lost a 6 week old puppy 3 weeks ago with the same thing. Its not nice. please post another one to say how she goes on THANKS AND GOOD LUCK x

Oh dear, that must be so worrying for you. I can't help you but, but I really feel for you. I love my dog (and the one that has passed), but they are your babies and when you see them in pain and can't ask them what is wrong you feel so helpless. I really hope that she gets better. good luck xx

hi yes, my dog had the same last week, he was given paste to dry him up, antibitoics, injection for pain then pain releif tablets. my dog responded on day 3, you need to make sure she doesnt get dehyrated, feed on small amounts of boiled chicken and rice. he was very quit, sleepy, no energy, painful stomach, not a happy little pomeranian at all.
I think the gerneral feeling poorly makes your dog more sleeply just the same for us, we only want to lay down and sleep. If she doesnt pick up in 5 days take her back.
Do you no what caused it? because she could be still eating it etc. a lot of plants in your garden can cause this so go careful. I no that my baby got it from eating a stuffed soft bone type chew i brought from pets at home, so thats a no no from now on.
Hope she feels better soon, lots of water and TLC.

The biggest problem is dehydration try and get her to drink .If she continues to be sleepy and unresponsive take her back to the vets

Get the dog to the vet – if you can't right away – go to the grocery store to the baby food department and pick up some Pedialyte – it is electrolites. You may need to fill a syringe and squirt some directly in the side of your dogs mouth if she won't drink it directly. You have to force fluids and now.

LIft up her lips and look at her gums – are they pale? If so get some Molasses or dark Corn Syrup and dab some on her tongue.

NONE OF THIS IS SUBSTITUTE FOR VET CARE BUT MIGHT HELP SHORT TERM.

Make sure she goes back – even if she seems a little better. Gastroenteritis, by experience, is often 'mild' but can be far more serious, depending on the age and condition of the dog. A little chicken can help encourage a dog to eat, as can 'chicken flavoured water to encourage drinking. on one occasion, the vet gave my dog medication to encourage sleepiness, to just break the cycle of sickness. If she has been drinking and is in no pain, leave sleeping dogs lie, until the next appointment… good luck.

Some of the meds given to settle her stomach can make her sleepy. Gastroenteris can be very severe and life threatening if it stops them from eating and being able to absorb nutrition. If you are concerned call your vet.

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