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Bacterial Enteritis In Dogs - Information on Causes, Symptoms and Treatment For Canine Bacterial Enteritis

What is Bacterial Enteritis In Dogs?

Bacterial Enteritis in dogs, also known as canine bacterial enteritis, refers to a common illness, which affects several types of pet dogs.

Bacterial enteritis in dogs can be described as an inflammation caused by bacteria, which affects the intestines, especially the small intestines. The types of bacteria that can lead to canine bacterial enteritis include Shigella, salmonella, staphylococcus, and e-coli (Escherichia coli), to name a few.

This condition can be seen in all types of dog breed and is also not specific to dogs of any particular size or age. Hence, a dog could suffer from this condition at just about any stage of life.

Bacterial Enteritis In Dogs Causes

Bacterial enteritis in dogs occurs when any of the harmful bacteria enter the dog’s gastrointestinal tract.

This can happen when a dog comes into contact with food, objects or any other surface that has been exposed to the disease causing bacteria. Another common cause of this condition is the consumption of food that is contaminated. Very often pet owners feed their dogs, meat that has not been cooked properly, or foods, that have not been stored in the right manner. This could also happen if a dog or a puppy happens to get into the garbage and eats foods that have been spoiled.

Bacterial Enteritis In Dogs Symptoms

There are many uncomfortable signs and symptoms that may be seen, in case of bacterial enteritis in dogs. Regardless of whether the symptoms are mild or severe, most of them can be noticed almost immediately. The first symptom that is usually seen is diarrhea, but there may be many others that also soon become evident. Given below are some of the most common symptoms of bacterial enteritis in dogs:

• The presence of blood in diarrhea or normal stool
• Frequent vomiting and nausea
• Restlessness
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Fever
• Fatigue and depression

Bacterial Enteritis In Dogs Treatment

It is important to get this condition treated as early as possible, in order to avoid any serious damage. In order to treat bacterial enteritis in dogs, most doctors recommend the use of antibiotics. In some instances, doctors may also suggest hospitalizing the dog, till the condition improves.

Although bacterial enteritis in dogs is not necessarily a very serious condition, it is absolutely essential to have a doctor monitor the doctor’s condition at all times.

Submitted on December 16, 2011