About Canine Colitis Symptoms

Colitis is a general term for an inflamed colon which can be caused by a variety of sources. These can range from cancer of the colon to internal parasites. Getting your dog to the vet for a proper diagnosis is a must. The sooner your dog is diagnosed, the sooner she can be treated. Colitis can also be a bad reaction to anitbiotics.

Straining

More than several times a day, your dog will squat as if needing to defecate urgently, but he produces nothing. He may even walk around in a squat position, trying to defecate.

Bood In Stool

When your dog does manage to produce feces, they will be smaller than usual and may be flecked with bright red spots, stripes or even clots of blood.

Mucus In Stool

Sometimes dogs with colitis will not only produce blood in the stools, but a lot of clear, gray or yellow mucus coating the stools. Sometimes the dog will only produce a lot of this mucus in the stools and not blood.

Fatigue

The dog will not be as active and may refuse attempts to play. She may just want to lie down all of the time.

Flatulance

Dogs with colitis tend to be very gassy, far more than usual. Your dog may seem as if embarrassed by this.

Resources

• Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook 4th Edition
• Colitis in Dogs
• The Veterinarian's Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms