Stress Colitis in Dogs: Understanding, Managing, and Treating Your Pet’s Digestive Health

Stress colitis in dogs is a common issue that affects their digestion. Colitis means inflammation of the colon, which can cause problems like diarrhea, bloody stool (poop), and stomach pain. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatments can help you take care of your dog better.

Seeing colitis poop in your dog can cause any dog owner a lot of upset This is because it can look a lot like parvo, so it’s vital to know when you are dealing with colitis and when it’s something far more serious and urgent. 

So, to ensure you get the best information possible on this issue, we’ve referred expert sources like Dr. Albert Jenkins, DVM, an expert on dog bowel diseases, including colitis. This article will help you understand stress colitis in dogs, how to spot it, treat it, and prevent it.

What is Colitis in Dogs?

Colitis in dogs is the inflammation of the colon, which can cause a variety of digestive problems. Here’s a detailed look at what colitis is and the different types that can affect your dog:

Defining Colitis

Colitis means inflammation of the colon, a part of the large intestine. This inflammation can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes blood or mucus in the stool.

Types of Colitis

Acute vs. Chronic Colitis

Expert Insight

Dr. Albert Jenkins, DVM, highlights the importance of accurately assessing and managing colitis, particularly forms like IBD. According to Dr. Jenkins, developing an index of canine IBD activity helps track the initial response to treatment and long-term progress. 

Dog Stress Colitis Symptoms

Stress colitis in dogs can show up in several ways. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:

• Frequent, small stools – Your dog may go to the bathroom more often but produce smaller amounts.
• Loose stool consistency – The stool may be softer or more watery than usual.
• Mucus in stool – You might see mucus in your dog’s poop. This is a common sign of colitis. (Long-tail keyword: “mucus in dog poop and colitis”)
• Blood in stool – Sometimes, there can be bright red streaks of blood in the stool.
• Straining during defecation – Your dog may seem to have a hard time going to the bathroom.
• Increased urgency to defecate – Your dog might need to go out more urgently or have accidents indoors.
• Scooting – Your dog may drag their rear end on the ground.
• Abdominal discomfort – This can be shown through restlessness or whining.
• Decreased appetite – Your dog might not want to eat as much as usual.
• Vomiting – In some cases, dogs may vomit.

If you see blood in your dog’s stool and are worried it might be parvo, check out this article: Parvo Poop Smell.

These symptoms can be distressing, but with the right care and attention, your dog can recover from stress colitis. If you notice these signs, it’s a good idea to take your dog to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

How Does Stress Cause Colitis in Dogs?

Stress colitis happens when your dog gets stressed or anxious and it causes inflammation in their colon. This can be caused by things like boarding, moving, or other changes in their environment. Here’s how stress leads to this problem:

How Stress Affects the Body: The Mind-Gut Connection

The mind-gut connection in dogs means that their mental state can affect their digestive system. When dogs are stressed or anxious, their bodies release stress hormones. These hormones can disrupt the normal function of the gut, leading to problems like colitis. Essentially, when a dog’s mind is stressed, it can cause inflammation and upset in their digestive system, showing how closely the mind and gut are connected.

When your dog is stressed, their body reacts by releasing stress hormones. This process involves the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls how the body handles stress. It also affects digestion, the immune system, mood, and energy use.

A study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) shows that stress can cause health problems in dogs and other animals. It explains how stress triggers the release of inflammatory proteins called cytokines. These proteins cause inflammation, even without an infection.

Cytokines and Immune Response

Cytokines are proteins that help cells communicate during immune responses. When your dog is stressed, it leads to the release of these inflammatory cytokines. These proteins cause inflammation and can upset your dog’s digestive system, leading to colitis.

Research by Dr. Kołodziejska-Sawerska highlights the role of the immune system in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study shows that stress activates immune cells, which then release cytokines that cause inflammation. Blocking these cytokines can help treat IBD.

In dogs with IBD, including colitis, there are higher levels of certain cytokines compared to healthy dogs. 

How Stress Affects Digestion In Dogs

When stress causes the release of inflammatory cytokines, it leads to inflammation in the colon. This can cause symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes blood or mucus in the stool.

Common stressors that can lead to stress colitis in dogs include:

• Travel – Changes in environment and routine can be stressful.
• Boarding – Being away from home and in a kennel can cause anxiety.
• New Pets – New animals in the home can disrupt a dog’s sense of security.
• Loud Noises – Thunderstorms, fireworks, and other loud sounds can be frightening.

Managing your dog’s stress and keeping their environment calm can help prevent stress colitis.

Is Colitis in Dogs Deadly? (Life Expectancy with Colitis in Dogs)

Colitis in dogs is usually not deadly. If your dog has colitis, it can be scary, but most cases get better quickly with the right care.

I remember when I first saw blood in my puppy Jeremy’s poop. I was so scared and thought he had parvo. I rushed him to the vet, thinking the worst. Luckily, the vet said he had acute colitis, probably from eating garbage. Jeremy was still happy, eating, and playing. With some care, his colitis went away in a few days.

How Serious Colitis?

The outlook for a dog with colitis depends on how bad it is and what’s causing it. Mild cases often get better in 3 to 5  days. But if colitis is very bad or lasts a long time (chronic cases), it can cause problems like dehydration and not getting enough nutrients.

Possible Problems

While simple colitis is not usually a big deal, serious or long-term colitis can cause:

• Dehydration – Because of too much diarrhea.
• Not enough nutrients – If your dog can’t absorb food well, they can become malnourished over time.

What Not to Feed a Dog with Colitis (and What To Feed)

When a dog has colitis, it’s usually best to withhold food for about 24 hours. This gives the inflammation time to subside. After this period, you can start feeding them a bland diet of plain boiled chicken and white rice. 

A common recommendation is boiled rice and chicken, which is easy on the stomach. Your vet might also suggest a special diet like Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Dry Dog Food with ActivBiome+.

Importance of Dietary Changes

Changing your dog’s diet is crucial for managing stress colitis. A bland diet helps soothe the digestive system and reduces the chances of further irritation. This can help your dog recover faster and feel better.

Foods to Avoid When Your Dog Has Colitis

Certain foods can make colitis worse and should be avoided:

• Fatty Foods – These can be hard to digest and can irritate the gut.
• Dairy Products –  Most dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy can cause stomach upset.
• High-Fiber Foods – Foods with a lot of fiber can be tough on a sensitive stomach.
• Table Scraps –  Human food can be too rich, spicy, and fatty and could upset your dog’s stomach.
• Dog Treats – Until your vet advises otherwise, it’s best to avoid giving your dog treats.

Following these dietary guidelines can help manage your dog’s colitis and promote healing. Always consult with your vet before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.

How Do You Treat Stress Colitis in Dogs?

The first step in treating stress colitis in dogs is to consult a veterinarian. A vet can provide a proper diagnosis and create a treatment plan tailored to your dog’s needs. This ensures that any underlying issues are addressed, and your dog gets the best possible care.

One of the most effective ways to manage stress colitis is through dietary changes. A bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice, can help calm the digestive system and reduce inflammation. This diet is easy on the stomach and helps your dog recover more quickly.

Medications

Your vet may prescribe medications to help treat stress colitis. These can include:

• Probiotics & Prebiotics – To help restore healthy gut bacteria.
• Anti-diarrheals –  To reduce diarrhea and discomfort.

Stress Reduction

Reducing your dog’s stress is crucial for managing colitis. Here are some tips:

• Exercise –  Regular physical activity can help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Calming Techniques – Techniques like gentle petting, massage, and using calming sprays or diffusers can help soothe your dog.
• Familiar Routine – Keeping a consistent daily routine can help your dog feel secure and reduce stress.
• Control the environment – keep your dog in a peaceful environment. Try to remove stressors like loud noises.

For more information on calming aids, see our section on “calming aids for dogs with colitis.”

Dog Stress Colitis Home Remedies

Note: Consult a veterinarian before trying any home remedies.

How Long Does it Take for Stress Colitis to Go Away?

For uncomplicated cases of stress colitis, recovery typically takes 3-5 days with proper treatment. If your dog’s symptoms persist or worsen, consult your vet for further advice and treatment. Early intervention and consistent care are key to helping your dog recover quickly and stay healthy.

Conclusion

Stress colitis in dogs can be a concerning condition, but with proper care and attention, it is manageable. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatments is crucial for helping your dog recover. Always consult with your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. By managing your dog’s diet, reducing stress, and providing the necessary medical care, you can help your pup get back to their happy, healthy self in no time.

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.