Stomach Ulcers in Dogs

In dogs and horses, Gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers may develop from common anti-inflammatory medications, known as "Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs" (NSAIDs). These medications are often used for pain relief in arthritis, after injury or surgery, and are typically used for extended periods of time. Just like horses, dogs can suffer from ulcers affecting the stomach and/or intestines. In a 2022 study of dogs receiving long-term NSAIDs, 80% of the study dogs had GI ulcers.

Dogs, however, may not show clinical signs of GI ulcers as easily as horses do. Signs may be subtle, including intermittent periods of anorexia (poor appetite), soft stools, diarrhoea, poor coat and skin health, cranky behaviour from abdominal pain, increased infections, vomiting, or weight loss. Severe ulceration is serious, possibly life-threatening if GI perforation occurs. Prevention of ulceration may be attempted via the addition of medications such as "Omeprazole", which affect the acid secretion in the gut; although such medications can have variable results.

Veterinary Herbal Medicine is highly effective in treating and preventing GI ulceration in both dogs and horses. The basis of therapy includes the use of herbs that contain natural mucilages and demulcents. These components work to literally coat the GI mucosal surfaces - producing a slimy, "mucousy" coating. As a result, there is a reduction in mucosal inflammation, a physical barrier forms against the GI acidic contents, there is a soothing effect on inflamed tissues, and healing of the damaged GI tract cells proceeds. In the short term, GI ulceration is healed, and in the long term, protection from further ulceration is provided.

By healing the GI ulceration, clinical signs may be reversed. Stool quality improves, digestion of food improves, and behavior improves via the reduction of GI pain. As 70% of the immune system cells reside in the intestinal tract lining, when these damaged cells heal, there is improved immune system function. The animal's vitality improves, skin and coat condition improve, and we have a more active, happy dog with increased longevity.

At Silverson Vet Clinic, Veterinary herbalist Dr Joan Deetman has developed the dietary supplement "DogPro," a blend of dry herbs which can be mixed into food 5 days/week. Enormous success has been achieved in many of our patients, patients who may have had chronic skin, coat, gut, immune, and vitality issues, as well as patients on long-term NSAIDs. "DogPro" is an important part of our treatment protocol for any dog receiving chronic NSAID medications.

"DogPro" is essential in our treatment protocols for arthritis, treating chronic itchy skin, and treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients. In fact, every dog, with or without a medical or surgical condition, will benefit from improved gut health using "DogPro" 5 days a week.

Ref: Hudson, S. 2022 Prevalence of GI Ulcers in Dogs Treated With Long-Term NSAIDs

Auburn University

Mabry K, Hill T, Tolbert MK. Prevalence of gastrointestinal lesions in dogs chronically

treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. J Vet Intern Med. 2021;35(2):853-859