The list of bacterial pathogens in dogs is long. And so it feels like there are countless bacteria that can attack the dog’s gastrointestinal tract, among other things.
One such bacterium is Helicobacter in dogs.
What symptoms can you use to recognize Helicobacter in dogs and what are the causes and treatments? The following lines tell you that.
What is Helicobacter in dogs?
Helicobacter is a bacterial pathogen.
If one speaks of Helicobacter in dogs, one speaks of different types of Helicobacter, which can primarily affect the gastrointestinal tract of the dog.
Other organs can also be affected by Helicobacter in dogs.
stomach
- Helicobacter heilmannii
- Helicobacter bizzozeroni
- Helicobacter rappini
- Helicobacter felis
- Helicobacter bilis
Colon
- Helicobacter rappini
- Helicobacter canis
- Helicobacter bilis
liver
- Helicobacter canis
- Helicobacter bilis
The exact health consequences of Helicobacter in dogs have not yet been fully researched.
However, it is assumed that Helicobacter bacteria can be responsible for many gastrointestinal diseases and liver problems in dogs.
Good to know
Helicobacter pylori is often the reason for stomach problems in humans. To what extent this is also the case with dogs has not yet been fully explored.
What are the causes of Helicobacter in dogs?
The cause of Helicobacter in dogs is a bacterial infection. This usually takes place in three ways by which the pathogen enters the dog’s body:
- Oral: Dog ingests Helicobacter through contaminated feed
- fecal-oral: Dog ingests Helicobacter through contaminated feces
- gastric-oral: Dog takes up Helicobacter again via contaminated food
Eating vomit can also lead to infection with Helicobacter in dogs.
Good to know
Transmission of Helicobacter from dogs to humans and other pets such as cats is possible.
Correctly recognize Helicobacter in dogs
Since Helicobacter in dogs affects the gastrointestinal tract in most cases, you can indicate an infestation, among other things vomiting and diarrhea recognize.
Loss of appetite can also be a sign that your dog is struggling with Helicobacter.
Much more difficult to recognize at first glance is a secondary disease caused by Helicobacter in dogs, such as the frequently occurring gastritis.
You can recognize these by symptoms similar to those of Helicobacter.
Here, heartburn and flatulence can be signs of gastric mucosal inflammation – and of course also of the underlying Helicobacter infestation.
Furthermore, these symptoms are an indication of a possible infection with Helicobacter in dogs:
- exhaustion & weakness
- Dehydration (through diarrhea & vomiting)
- Bowel sounds (bloating, stomach rumbling)
- Weight loss (due to loss of appetite & diarrhea)
Treatment and therapy of Helicobacter in dogs
If there is a suspicion that your dog has been infected with Helicobacter, you should have this confirmed by the veterinarianso that he can treat your dog and determine the therapy.
Please do not hesitate to take your dog to the vet if he is in pain or if the symptoms have not gone away after a few days.
diagnosis
In order to be able to detect an infection or disease caused by Helicobacter, different tests are necessary.
These can range from the creation of a blood count to urine and faecal analysis. Only the associated laboratory results can then enable further treatment.
Treatment
Since Helicobacter is a bacteria, it can only be treated with an antibiotic.
Of course, this has further effects on the already attacked intestinal flora, which is why a supporting probiotic makes sense.
If Helicobacter has triggered gastritis, acid-regulating agents are also used to bring the gastric acid content back into balance.
What is the life expectancy of Helicobacter in dogs?
As a rule, an infestation of Helicobacter affects the dog not negatively affect the life expectancy of the fur nose.
If it is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa that has been treated in good time, this usually has no effects.
It can look a little different with gastric ulcers, which can be the result of chronic gastritis.
If a gastric perforation also occurs here, this naturally has a massive impact on the life expectancy of the dog.
Because a gastric perforation can be fatal. Stomach ulcers are also not a positive development for the dog’s health in the long term.
If Helicobacter has caused liver inflammation in the dog, which is also possible, then if left untreated, this can mean that the dog’s life expectancy is then only a few weeks.
How can you properly prevent Helicobacter in dogs?
There is no 100% guarantee that you can always avoid Helicobacter in your dog, but there is with proper hygiene you are taking an important step.
What other preventive measures against Helicobacter can be useful? You will find out now.
hygiene
Effective prevention of Helicobacter in dogs starts with really meticulous hygiene.
Because if there’s one thing bacteria can’t stand, it’s an environment that’s almost clinically clean. This hygiene isn’t just limited to making sure your dog doesn’t eat feces.
You too can help ensure that Helicobacter does not make life difficult for your dog.
Firstly, you should wash your hands thoroughly before each feeding. On the other hand, you should regularly rinse the food and water bowls with very hot water.
stress reduction
Also, reducing stress can help your dog avoid becoming a target for Helicobacter.
Among other things, stress weakens the immune system. And if this is not fully functional, bacteria can settle and multiply much faster.
As a result, it can not only lead to vomiting and diarrhea, but also to, among other things, inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
Species-appropriate nutrition
A species-appropriate diet has a positive effect on the intestinal flora and also has a positive effect on the stomach.
Does the food of your beloved fur nose contain everything it needs?
Then you can ensure some prevention against Helicobacter by supporting the gastrointestinal tract.
Correct feed size
Species-appropriate nutrition also includes the right amount of feed. Because obesity has just as negative an effect on dog health as bacteria.
The liver in particular, which can also be attacked by Helicobacter, then has a real problem – and of course your furry friend too.
Has your dog already had a Helicobacter infestation? If so, we hope he’s doing great again and we’d love for you to share your experiences in the comments.