Canine Stress-Related Colitis Explored by Veterinarian Liz McCalley, DVM, CCRT, With Updates on 05/04/2023, Reviewed by Veterinarian Brittany Kleszynski, DVM.

Canine Stress-Related Colitis Explored by Veterinarian Liz McCalley, DVM, CCRT, With Updates on 05/04/2023, Reviewed by Veterinarian Brittany Kleszynski, DVM.

Doggie health issues can mirror our own, and that includes stress colitis. This inflammation in their lower intestine isn't fun for our four-legged friends either.

Stress colitis can make their immune systems weaker, cause inflammation throughout their bodies, and lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, causing diarrhea or colitis. Want to know more about stress colitis in dogs? Here's the lowdown.

What Is Stress Colitis in Dogs?

Colitis is inflammation of the large intestine. Acute colitis (short-term) or chronic colitis (long-term) can occur. Colitis caused by stress in dogs is commonly seen due to changes in their gut microbiome when they're stressed out [3].

A sudden diet, infections with parasites, or intense emotions are other causes of acute colitis in dogs [2].

Causes of Canine Stress Colitis

Anything that causes stress can trigger colitis in dogs, whether physical or emotional. Research has demonstrated that stress can negatively affect the gut microbiome, causing an increase in harmful gut bacteria and a decrease in beneficial ones, leading to symptoms of intestinal upset like diarrhea [1].

Physical stressors can include surgery, intense exercise, while psychological stressors can be staying at a boarding facility, moving homes, introducing new pets or babies, or a generally high-strung disposition [3].

Puppies are more prone to stress colitis, but it can occur in adult dogs as well, regardless of breed [3].

Symptoms of Stress Colitis in Dogs

Stress colitis affects the large intestine's ability to absorb water, leading to diarrhea and other characteristic symptoms.

Signs of stress colitis in dogs include:

• Straining to poop.
• Frequent defecation.
• Urgent need to go.
• Mucus in stool.
• Blood in stool, which may be bright red.
• Loose poop [2].

Diagnosing Stress Colitis in Dogs

There's no specific test for stress colitis in dogs. Your vet will perform a physical examination, possibly including a rectal exam, to identify any abnormalities in the rectum [2]. Your pet's history, the exam, and fecal testing will help your vet determine if stress colitis is likely.

At a minimum, your vet will recommend a stool test to check for parasites. This usually involves mixing stool with a solution, spinning it in a centrifuge, waiting a few minutes, and then examining it under a microscope [2].

Depending on your dog's environment, your vet may also recommend other tests such as a Giardia ELISA test or a fecal PCR test [2].

If no parasites are found, and your dog has symptoms consistent with acute colitis and a history of a recent stressful event, your vet will likely make a diagnosis of stress colitis [2].

Treating Stress Colitis in Dogs

Most cases of stress colitis are self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own without any treatment. However, there are dietary changes, medications, and supplements that can help your dog recover faster. Treatment options for stress colitis depend on your dog's symptoms [2].

For instance, your dog may receive subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids if mildly dehydrated. Severe dehydration that requires intravenous fluids and hospitalization is unusual in cases of stress colitis [2].

A prescription diet or homemade bland diet (chicken breast and white rice) may be recommended. Your vet may also suggest feeding this diet for three to five days or until symptoms resolve before transitioning back to the regular diet [2].

Probiotics may be beneficial for shortening the duration of stress colitis, as they contain beneficial gut bacteria that can help restore balance [4]. Studies have shown that dogs kenneled under stress had lower instances of diarrhea when given probiotics compared to dogs that weren't [4].

Since there are various strains of probiotics and they're not regulated by the FDA, it's essential to consult your vet for a probiotic supplement backed by research [4].

Prebiotics, compounds that help encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, may also be recommended. Many prescription intestinal diets now contain prebiotics, or your vet may recommend adding a prebiotic fiber supplement to your pet's diet to help manage stress colitis [2].

Preventing Stress Colitis in Dogs

If your dog has a history of developing stress colitis, your vet may suggest:

• Feeding a prescription diet.
• Giving a daily probiotic.
• Using calming spray or diffusers.
• Providing calming supplements.
• Prescribing anxiety medication.
• Working with a veterinary behaviorist to manage anxiety [5].

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, and by implementing preventive measures, you can help manage stress colitis in dogs effectively.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6746862/[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6243338/[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4890459/[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4317685/[5] https://www.vca-hospitals.com/know-your-pet/devicelibrary/digestive-system/stress-colitis-in-dogs

Science has revealed a connection between mental health and intestinal health in dogs, with stress colitis being a prime example. Prolonged periods of stress can lead to an imbalance in their gut microbiome, causing conditions such as health-and-wellness issues like inflammation and mental-health problems like anxiety.

Read also: