Can Dogs Get Ulcers?
They can bleed, so dark stools or blood in vomit mean you should see a vet quickly.
Yes, dogs can get ulcers, most often sores in the lining of the stomach or upper intestine. Common causes include certain medications like NSAIDs, swallowing something harmful, and underlying illness. Signs include vomiting, appetite loss, dark stools and belly pain, and can overlap with those of food poisoning. Because ulcers can bleed, they need timely veterinary care.
Symptoms to Watch For
| Sign | What you might notice |
|---|---|
| Vomiting | Sometimes with blood like coffee grounds |
| Appetite loss | Turning away from food |
| Belly pain | A hunched posture or discomfort when touched |
| Dark, tarry stools | A sign of digested blood |
| Weakness | Lethargy, and pale gums if bleeding |
Common Causes
What leads to ulcers
- NSAIDs and steroids, especially human painkillers
- Swallowing toxins or abrasive objects
- Severe stress or serious illness
- Liver or kidney disease, and rarely tumors
What to Do
- See your vet. Get a diagnosis and stop any suspected medication.
- Follow treatment. Acid-reducing and gut-protecting medicines help it heal.
- Feed bland. Offer easy-to-digest food as your vet advises.
- Treat the cause. Address the underlying trigger to prevent a return.
- Never self-medicate. Do not give human painkillers, which can worsen ulcers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes stomach ulcers in dogs?
Common causes include certain medications, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids, swallowing something toxic or abrasive, severe stress or illness, liver or kidney disease, and, less often, tumors. Never give human painkillers to a dog, as they are a frequent cause of ulcers.
What are the signs of an ulcer in a dog?
Watch for vomiting, sometimes with blood that looks like coffee grounds, loss of appetite, belly pain, drooling, weakness, and dark, tarry stools that signal digested blood. Some dogs also lose weight. These signs mean you should contact your vet promptly.
Are ulcers in dogs dangerous?
They can be. A mild ulcer may cause only an upset stomach, but a deep or bleeding ulcer can lead to significant blood loss or even a perforation of the stomach wall, which is life-threatening. That is why any sign of blood or sudden weakness needs urgent care.
How are dog ulcers treated?
Treatment usually involves stopping any medication that may be causing it, medicines that reduce stomach acid and protect the lining, a bland easy-to-digest diet, and treating the underlying cause. Severe or bleeding ulcers may need hospitalization. Most dogs recover well with timely treatment.
⚠️ Emergency? If your dog may have swallowed something toxic or is seriously unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately (in the US, the Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661).
Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. See our editorial & review policy.
