Stomach Ulcers in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
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Recognize the warning signs – Vomiting (often with blood), black tarry stools (melena), and abdominal pain are the most common indicators.
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Understand the primary causes – NSAIDs (like carprofen) and glucocorticoids (like prednisone), especially when combined, along with GI neoplasia and swallowed foreign objects.
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Effective treatment options – Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are preferable to other antacids, often combined with a bland diet to promote healing.
Finding your dog vomiting blood or passing black stools is alarming – and it should be. These are hallmark signs of gastric ulcers, a condition that ranges from treatable erosions to life-threatening perforations. Check out our guide for key warning signs and next steps, and be sure to schedule a vet appointment as soon as possible.
What Are Stomach Ulcers in Dogs?
Stomach ulcers are the result of the normal, healthy tissue of a dog’s stomach being eroded away, so the condition goes well beyond a rudimentary upset stomach. Erosions can be minor (though troubling) in nature, or can be part of what is called a “perforated ulcer” that actually forms a hole in the stomach wall, creating the possibility of life-threatening sepsis.
Stomachs have a protective barrier made up of layers of mucosa, which protects the stomach and other organs from stomach acid. Ulcers form as the mucosa weakens.
Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers in Dogs
Dogs can exhibit a number of symptoms with stomach ulcers, although some symptoms may overlap with other conditions. Review the following signs and consult with your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis:
| Symptom | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Vomiting | ~88% of dogs with ulcers experience vomiting, often showing blood or digested blood (dark coffee grounds appearance) |
| Melena | Black, tarry stools from digested blood. Present in ~31% of affected dogs |
| Abdominal Pain | Discomfort, restlessness, avoiding touch, or sitting in a “praying position” |
| Lethargy and Weakness | Chronic blood loss can cause anemia, making dogs listless and weak |
| Pale Gums | Can also indicate anemia and/or dehydration |
| Loss of Appetite | Refusing food due to nausea and pain (common in many conditions) |
Why Do Dogs Get Ulcers?
Unfortunately, ulcers can develop in dogs for a number of reasons, including the following:
- Medications – Some medications dogs may need for other ailments could bring about erosion of the stomach lining, including NSAIDs and steroids, with carprofen, meloxicam, prednisone, and dexamethasone being some of the common culprits.
- Cancer – GI neoplasia, like lymphoma and carcinoma, and mast cell tumors can increase the production of stomach acid leading to ulcers.
- Foreign objects – When dogs swallow toys, rocks, or other items, ulcers can begin to form.
- Stress – Dogs under a lot of stress, particularly working animals like sled dogs, are more prone to developing ulcers.
How Vets Diagnose Ulcers
Your veterinarian will ask a number of questions and conduct key tests to determine if an ulcer is present in your dog. They will want to know about the history of NSAID and steroid use, and they will likely perform blood work to check for anemia and protein loss.
Ultrasounds are also commonly used to check for non-perforated ulcers, while X-rays can detect perforated ulcers. The most definitive test, however, is endoscopy, which uses a camera to detect ulcers, though exploratory surgery is also possible.
Treatment and Diet for Dog Stomach Ulcers
It’s incredibly distressing when your pet is suffering from any kind of medical problem, especially one as serious as a stomach ulcer can be. Thankfully, there are some treatment options:
- ✅ Stopping any medications that could be creating the issue (as advised by your vet)
- ✅ Using acid-blocking medications such as proton pump inhibitors, sucralfate, and misoprostol
- ✅ Putting your dog on a bland diet to soothe their stomach, with foods like chicken, lean hamburger, white rice, low-fat yogurt, and cottage cheese – these last two items can help coat the stomach
- ❌ Avoiding hard treats, bones, and seasoned foods that could worsen the ulcer
Prognosis and Recovery
Once your vet has determined your dog’s condition and the source of the ulcer, you have a good chance at recovery. Mild, non-perforated ulcers can heal fairly quickly when addressed early.
FAQs on Dog Ulcers
Are certain dog breeds more prone to developing stomach ulcers?
Yes, as we noted above, working breeds, like sled dogs, can be more predisposed to developing stomach ulcers compared to mixed breeds and nonworking dogs, due to the physical stress of strenuous exercise.
Can I treat my dog’s stomach ulcer at home?
No, this isn’t advisable. You need a veterinarian’s guidance, diagnosis, and expertise. While a bland diet helps, prescription medications like proton pump inhibitors and sucralfate are necessary to stop acid production and protect the stomach lining so it can heal.
Does Helicobacter cause stomach ulcers in dogs like it does in humans?
Though Helicobacter bacteria lead to ulcers in humans, they do not appear to be a contributing factor for dogs’ ulcers. The bacteria are found in nearly 100% of healthy dogs, and there is no compelling evidence that treating Helicobacter benefits dogs with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Need More Dog Health Tips? Check Out Our Blog
If your pup is feeling under the weather, we hope a trip to the vet will have them good as new in no time. Be sure to review our blog for more dog health and wellness tips, as well as many great resources for pet parents.
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Categories: Dogs, Pet Safety