Does Your Dog Have Colitis? Here's What to Watch for and How to Help

Colitis in dogs is a condition that can cause your four-legged friend to have diarrhoea which can be quite painful, but luckily, with the correct treatment, colitis can go away relatively quickly. Find out all you need to know about the possible symptoms and the treatment options with this guide.

There are numerous conditions which may cause your four-legged friend to have diarrhoea, one of which is colitis. This can be quite unpleasant for them and can make it painful to go to the toilet, so it’s important that veterinary help is sought as soon as possible for diagnosis and prompt treatment.

If you suspect your dog has colitis, keep reading to find out about the symptoms of colitis in dogs and the current treatment options available.

What is colitis in dogs?

Colitis is a condition that refers to the inflammation of the large intestine or colon. It will commonly display as diarrhoea or loose stools which will frequently contain fresh blood and mucus. Additionally, these stools may be difficult to pass and can cause pain when toileting.

What causes colitis in dogs?

There are numerous possible causes of colitis, from eating anything unusual to something more long term such as irritable bowel syndrome. The most common causes are:

Could stress be causing your dog's colitis?

As one of the leading causes of colitis in dogs, stress colitis can be triggered by any type of change in a dog’s routine. This could be anything, from a visit to the vet or bad weather, to visitors at home or even moving house. Stress can cause inflammation in the gut that triggers colitis, especially in sensitive dogs. However, even though it can be an uncomfortable condition, stress colitis is manageable; and with the right treatment and attention to diet, your dog should start feeling better in no time.

Symptoms of colitis in dogs

The symptoms can vary from dog to dog, but the most typical signs are:

• Runny, more frequent faeces.
• Faeces containing fresh blood and/or mucus.
• Pain when going to the toilet.
• Constipation.
• Lack of interest in food or unusual eating habits.
• Weight loss.
• Increased flatulence.
• Lethargy.

These symptoms may come on suddenly (acute), or they may last for several weeks or be recurring (chronic).

How is colitis diagnosed? 

If you suspect your dog has colitis, take them to the vet right away for examination. Your vet will check your dog’s history to rule out any other conditions and will likely request a stool sample so they can search for the presence of worms or other parasites. 

In some cases, X-rays and/or ultrasounds may also be carried out to look for possible foreign bodies or obstructions in the digestive tract. Blood counts, colonoscopies or colon biopsies may be required too to try and identify the cause of the colitis. 

How to treat colitis in dogs 

There are a few possible treatment options for colitis, depending on the cause. Your vet will determine what the cause is and then either prescribe a plain diet, worming treatment, anti-inflammatory treatment and/or probiotics. You’ll need to keep an eye on your pooch and contact a vet if there’s no improvement. 

Plain diets

Worming treatment 

If this issue is due to worms or parasites, then the method of treatment for colitis will likely include a worming treatment and further advice from your vet on when and how to administer it. 

Probiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and other treatments

A few other treatment options may be probiotics to improve gut health, antimicrobial drugs to treat infections if present and anti-inflammatories to reduce inflammation and pain of the gut. 

If your dog is prescribed medication to treat the colitis, always make sure you follow the course as instructed. If you don’t, there’s a risk that the colitis will return. After the course has finished, if your dog isn’t showing signs of getting better take them back to the vet for further treatment. 

How do you prevent colitis in dogs? 

Once veterinary help is sought, colitis in dogs usually resides quite quickly. However, if your dog is prone to issues such as colitis, there are a few things you can do to prevent it in the future. For one, if the root of the problem lies in them consuming things which aren’t good for them while out on walks, consider teaching them the ‘leave it’ command or keeping them on the leash in order to stop scavenging. 

If the issue is linked to their food, consider a slow and steady diet change – your vet will be able to advise on the best option to suit your dog and their unique dietary needs. Finally, always be sure to worm your pet regularly to prevent parasite-related issues. 

What not to feed dogs with colitis? 

Always go for easily digestible, low-residue, and vet-recommended diets. A bland diet (like boiled chicken and rice) is often recommended during flare-ups, but talk to your vet for a long-term plan. Here are some of the foods you should avoid feeding your dog if they’re suffering from colitis: 

• High-fat foods  
• Dairy products 
• Grains with gluten 
• Spicy or heavily seasoned foods 
• Table scraps and processed human food 
• Raw meats or bones  
• High-fiber foods (in some cases) 

How long does colitis last in a dog? 

Colitis can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the underlying cause and how quickly treatment begins. Acute colitis (sudden onset) often resolves within 3 to 5 days with proper care, such as dietary changes, hydration, and medication if needed.  

Chronic colitis, on the other hand, can last for weeks or become a long-term issue, requiring ongoing management through diet, lifestyle adjustments, and sometimes medication. Prompt veterinary attention, a consistent diet, and avoiding known triggers are key to faster recovery and preventing recurrence. 

Dog breeds prone to colitis 

Even though any dog breed can develop colitis, there are some that are more susceptible to this condition than others. This happens because certain breeds may have a genetic predisposition to digestive issues, or they can simply be more sensitive to environmental factors that trigger colitis. Here are some dog breeds that may be more prone to this condition:

• German Shepherd dogs
• Border Collies
• Golden Retrievers
• Boxers
• Cocker Spaniels
• Labrador Retrievers
• French Bulldogs

Keep in mind that a proper diet, exercise, and stress management will be a great help in reducing the risk of colitis in all dog breeds. If your dog is showing any signs of the condition, contact your vet as soon as possible in order to determine the best course of treatment.

That’s our guide to colitis in dogs! Is your dog suffering from a different dog illness with similar symptoms? It may be gastroenteritis in dogs instead! Find out all about it with our guide.