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Chronic gastritis in dogs
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025
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Dogs with chronic gastritis vomit periodically over days or weeks. These dogs appear lethargic, have dull fur, and lose weight. The vomit often contains foreign matter and food eaten the day before.
A common cause of chronic gastritis is food allergies. Other causes may include: constant grass eating; repeated consumption of medications, chemicals, or toxins; ingestion of cellulose, plastic, paper, and rubber objects. Hair loss is more intense in the spring and is swallowed by the dog when licking or pulling out the hair. Hair and other foreign matter may form a solid mass called a bezoar. Bezoars may grow to such a size that they can pass out of the stomach. It should be noted that in many cases the cause of chronic vomiting remains unknown.
Hypertrophic gastropathy is a thickening of the lining of the lower stomach that can lead to blockage and food retention. Vomiting may occur three to four hours after eating. Hypertrophic gastropathy is more common in small breed dogs in middle age. In brachycephalic breeds such as bulldogs and Boston bull terriers, it can also occur as a congenital problem called pyloric stenosis. In older dogs, the cause of the condition is unknown, but in some dogs it may be related to histamine release from mastocytosis tumors.
Chronic atrophic gastritis causes the stomach wall to become thinner. It is most common in Norwegian Laikas and can develop as a result of problems with the immune system.
Eosinophilic gastritis is a condition characterized by a buildup of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the lining of the stomach, along with thickening and scarring of the stomach wall. The cause of this condition is unknown, but food allergies or parasites have been suggested. Eosinophilic gastritis is more often associated with ulcers and bleeding than other types of gastritis.
Ulcers in the stomach and duodenum can also cause sporadic vomiting. Finally, if there is no obvious explanation for the vomiting episodes, the dog may be suffering from systemic diseases such as liver or kidney failure, which can be diagnosed based on blood tests.
Treatment: Dogs with chronic vomiting should be examined by a veterinarian. The fastest way to diagnose chronic gastritis is gastroscopy with a biopsy of the stomach wall.
Treatment involves switching to a soft, high-carbohydrate diet, such as cooked rice and cottage cheese. Try to feed your dog small meals frequently, avoiding large meals. As your dog recovers, gradually introduce high-quality dog food into the diet or consult a veterinary nutritionist for a balanced diet that you can prepare yourself.
In cases of hypertrophic gastropathy, histamine blockers such as cimetidine, famotidine, and ranitidine may be helpful. Although these drugs have not been approved for use in dogs, they can be used under the supervision of your pediatrician.
Eosinophilic gastritis responds well to corticosteroids, but some dogs require other immunosuppressive medications and a hypoallergenic diet prescribed by your veterinarian. Gastritis associated with gastric impaction is treated as described for gastric and duodenal ulcers.
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