Introduction to Colitis in Dogs

Colitis is a common health issue seen in dogs and it can affect any breed, age, or gender. Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon, which is the large intestine. The colon is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from the food and eliminating the waste material in the form of feces. When the colon becomes inflamed, it loses its ability to perform these functions effectively. This results in symptoms such as diarrhea, bloody stools, and abdominal pain.

What is Colitis?

Colitis is a gastrointestinal disorder that occurs when the colon becomes inflamed. The inflammation can be due to various factors such as infections, parasites, allergies, stress, or a change in diet. When the colon is inflamed, it can cause a range of symptoms such as diarrhea, mucus or blood in the stool, urgency to defecate, and abdominal discomfort or pain. The severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the extent of inflammation.

Causes of Colitis

Colitis in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors such as bacterial or viral infections, parasites, allergies, stress, dietary changes, or inflammatory bowel disease. Infections can be caused by bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter, or viruses such as parvovirus. Parasites such as giardia or coccidia can also cause colitis. Stressful situations such as boarding, traveling, or a change in routine can trigger colitis. Allergies to certain foods or environmental factors can also lead to inflammation of the colon. Inflammatory bowel disease, which is a chronic condition, can also result in colitis.