4 Main Causes Of Colitis In Dogs

Sometimes, colitis in dogs can be a symptom of a much more serious problem. Therefore, it is extremely important to obtain information on its causes, to prevent your dog from contracting it.

Colitis in dogs is an irritation of the colon and is a fairly common pathology. In fact, it is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of several other problems and diseases.

Literally, “colitis” means “inflammation of the colon”. The colon is the last functional segment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and is responsible for the final stages of digestion.

How to understand colitis in dogs

When the colon lining becomes irritated and inflamed, the last part of the digestive process is disrupted. As a result, other agents appear that promote the inflammatory state, the progress of which affects the integrity of the intestinal wall.

In other offspring, the barrier that separates the contents of the intestine from the circulation of the blood is eroded in the case of colitis, with the consequent onset of ulcers. At the same time, the inflammation produces secretions of mucus and other substances in the lining of the colon that interfere with normal intestinal motility.

At the cellular level, the colon’s ability to absorb water from dietary waste products and to store and transport feces is reduced. All this causes the stool to take on a liquid, watery and greasy consistency and, in some cases, fresh red blood or mucus is present.

Pets suffering from colitis are unable to tell us how they feel; however, this disease is very similar to colitis that affects humans. As a result, we can assume that a dog suffering from this condition faces a significant amount of pain and discomfort.

Main causes of colitis in dogs

1. Alteration of the bacterial flora or intestinal dysbiosis

The intestinal bacterial flora is the set of all living organisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses) that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. Bacteria are the most abundant microbes within the gut.

Although in the past the term “microflora” was often used in the literature, the most appropriate term is “microbiota” (from the Greek  bio , “life”). The diversity of bacterial species living in the gut is enormous. Within this environment, they establish their own ecosystem. When healthy, this ecosystem reaches a balance.

As for the number of bacteria present in the colon, it is estimated to be in the order of trillions (10 ¹² ) of cells. This quantity is, approximately, 10 times higher than that of the cells of the whole body of the dog: hence their importance.

The alteration of the normal balance of the microbiota is known as intestinal dysbiosis. It consists of an alteration in the composition or richness; in other words, in the diversity of unique bacterial species.

This alteration of the microbiota can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from antibiotic treatment to an inadequate diet or the presence of stress.

Studies in humans and dogs have associated intestinal dysbiosis with various gastrointestinal disorders. These include inflammatory bowel disease, granulomatous colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Although it is not entirely clear whether dysbiosis is a cause or an effect of gastrointestinal disease, we do know that the reestablishment of the microbiota produces a positive effect in the treatment of the disease.

2. Stress

Canine stress is a major cause of colitis, especially in dogs found in kennels. Events such as travel and moving can cause stress. However, each dog has their own problem, which could trigger colitis.

3. Infections or parasites

E. coli, Salmonella, Giardia,  tapeworms and other infections caused by bacteria and parasites of the intestine can cause colitis. Dogs suffer from these infestations from contaminated food or water, or from other dogs.

During longer walks, remember to bring a bottle of water and a collapsible tub with you to prevent your dog from being tempted to drink from puddles. Also, get used to the idea that even water that looks clean may be contaminated.

4. Allergies

Dogs can react to the same allergens that affect humans, from those found in food to those found in the environment and objects in the home. Just like human allergies, those that affect dogs can also be difficult to diagnose.

Breed makes a difference in the suffering of colitis in dogs

We know that genetic factors are an important element in the case of inflammatory bowel diseases. Boxer breed dogs are predisposed to histiocytic ulcerative colitis, which is associated with canine inflammatory bowel disease. German shepherds, on the other hand, have a higher incidence of lymphocytic-plasmacytic enterocolitis.

Irritable bowel syndrome, a common cause of colitis in dogs, occurs quite frequently in nervous pets. Animals that eat indiscriminately, as well as those that roam alone outdoors, also run a higher risk of contracting colitis.

As you can see, it is possible to prevent or reduce the factors that can cause colitis in your dog. The key is to be properly informed.