Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) in Dogs

Overview

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE)—now often called Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS)—is an acute, rapidly developing disorder in dogs characterized by sudden vomiting and profuse, bloody diarrhea. This condition can be life-threatening due to the risk of severe dehydration and shock if not treated promptly1 2 3 4 5.

Symptoms

Dogs with HGE typically present with:

Acute onset of vomiting (may include blood)
Sudden, severe diarrhea containing a large amount of blood (often described as “raspberry jam” or jelly-like in appearance)
Lethargy or low energy
Reduced or loss of appetite
Abdominal pain (may yelp, stand in “prayer position,” or resist being touched)
Pale gums
Rapid deterioration in general health

HGE is a medical emergency. Dogs can go from apparently healthy to critically ill in as little as 12 hours2 3 4 5.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of HGE/AHDS remains unknown1 2 5. However, factors believed to contribute include:

Bacterial overgrowth: Most commonly Clostridium perfringens and its toxins
Dietary indiscretion (eating non-food items, sudden diet changes, or scavenging)
Immune-mediated processes
Stress or anxiety
Toxins
Gastrointestinal ulcers, trauma, tumors, or foreign bodies
Blood clotting (coagulation) disorders
Intestinal parasites or other infections

Small and toy breeds—such as Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, and Maltese—are particularly predisposed, though any dog can develop HGE1 3 4 5.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on:

Clinical signs (sudden bloody diarrhea and vomiting)
Packed cell volume (PCV) blood test: High PCV (>55%) suggests hemoconcentration and dehydration
Exclusion of other conditions (e.g., parvovirus, pancreatitis) with additional lab work, X-rays, and fecal studies2 3.

Treatment

Immediate veterinary intervention is crucial.

Standard treatment includes:

Intravenous (IV) fluids to combat dehydration, often in large volumes
Anti-nausea and anti-emetic medications
Bland, easily digestible foods in small amounts during recovery
Monitoring of blood and electrolyte levels
Antibiotics if sepsis or severe bacterial infection is suspected
Hospitalization and isolation, especially to prevent possible infection of vulnerable dogs2 4 5

Aggressive fluid therapy is often life-saving. Most dogs recover fully within a few days if treated swiftly. Without treatment, dogs may go into hypovolemic shock and risk death2 3 5.

Prognosis

Prognosis is generally good with prompt treatment; most dogs make a full recovery in 2–4 days.
Dogs experiencing HGE may have recurrences in the future1 2 5.

Key Points for Caregivers

Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog suddenly develops bloody diarrhea, especially with vomiting or lethargy.
Early and aggressive treatment saves lives—do not attempt to manage this at home without veterinary supervision.
Preventive strategies include controlling diet, avoiding sudden food changes, and minimizing stress for at-risk breeds1 2 3.

If you have further questions about using natural approaches alongside conventional treatment for HGE, consult with a holistic veterinarian experienced in emergency care.

I have a section below about a holistic approach to Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) in Dogs

Holistic Approach to Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) in Dogs

A holistic response to HGE (also called Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome) integrates conventional emergency care with natural and supportive therapies to address the whole animal—body, mind, and environment—while focusing on gentle healing, minimizing pharmaceutical use where possible, and strengthening overall resilience.

Immediate Priorities

Veterinary emergency care is essential: Rapid, severe dehydration and the potential for shock make immediate fluid therapy life-saving. Always seek veterinary assistance at the first signs of HGE. Natural therapies are supportive and complementary, not substitutes for essential medical intervention1 2.

Natural Support During and After Emergency Care

1. Hydration and Nutrition

Bone broth: Homemade broth helps maintain hydration and supplies nutrients while being gentle on the gut3.
Bland diet: After fasting, introduce small, frequent servings of easily digestible foods like plain cooked pumpkin or squash mixed with lean meat broth. Gradually transition back to a normal diet as the digestive system recovers4.

2. Gut Soothing Herbal Remedies

Slippery elm and marshmallow root: These mucilaginous herbs soothe inflamed intestinal mucosa and help protect the gut lining3 5.
L-Glutamine: An amino acid supportive to intestinal healing.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics: Supplement with species-appropriate probiotics (I use: FidoSpore ) to help restore and balance the gut microbiome after acute illness and possible antibiotic use6 7.

4. Binders and Detoxification

Activated charcoal: Useful immediately if there’s suspicion of toxic or spoiled food ingestion. It helps bind toxins and pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract4.
Bentonite clay: May help bind endotoxins in the bowel and aid recovery5.

5. Acute Care Strategies

Fasting: Short-term fasting (12–24 hours), with access to water, may benefit the inflamed gut. Never fast puppies or severely weak dogs4.
Energy-based therapies: Modalities like acupuncture, chiropractic care, gentle massage, and pulsating electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy can support comfort and recovery. These approaches are best used under the guidance of a holistic, integrative veterinarian4 8.

6. Homeopathic and Herbal Interventions

Yunnan Baiyao: Some holistic veterinarians use this traditional Chinese remedy for intestinal bleeding, including a special “red pill” for emergencies9. Always consult a vet knowledgeable in herbal medicine.
High-potency homeopathics: May be recommended by a practitioner for acute bleeding but require professional selection and dosing9.

7. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Stress reduction: Help the dog rest in a calm, familiar environment. Limit stressful stimuli—stress can worsen or trigger gut issues10.
Careful diet management: Avoid abrupt diet changes, table scraps, or scavenging. Feed high-quality, species-appropriate foods10.
Preventative care: Maintain regular holistic wellness routines, including parasite control, minimal vaccination (where appropriate), and routine wellness checks.

When to Use Caution

Antibiotics and anti-diarrheals: These are not always necessary and sometimes contraindicated unless sepsis or a confirmed bacterial infection exists2 4. Suppressing diarrhea can hinder the body’s attempt to rid itself of pathogens and toxins.
I suggest using Colloidal Silver which I find to work better and with no negative side effects. This is what I use

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Monitor hydration: Check for signs of dehydration (skin elasticity, gum moisture).
Track recurrence: Some dogs may have repeat episodes. Addressing underlying gut or immune issues with ongoing natural supportive care may be warranted.

Partner with a Holistic Veterinarian or Animal Naturopath.

A truly holistic plan is safest and most effective when tailored to the individual animal by a veterinarian experienced in integrative medicine. Emergency intervention can and should be complemented by natural, supportive care that promotes gentle healing and long-term intestinal health.

The above recommendations are intended for supportive and educational purposes—but always work closely with a veterinarian, especially in emergencies like HGE.

Below I a wrote a section about diets

Transition to a species appropriate diet.

I’m not going to engage in the debate about whether dogs are carnivores. I have written several articles on that topic. The results and feedback from my 30-year study on raw feeding (which has been ongoing for 23 years) have convinced me that recovery from any health issue is best achieved by feeding a dog the food it is designed for as a carnivore.

Example of a Raw Diet Starter Recipe for a 13 lbs Dog

Transitioning a dog to a raw diet should be slow and gentle, especially for those with sensitive digestion or recovering from health issues. For a 13 lbs (6 kg) dog, a balanced raw meal focuses on species-appropriate ingredients with a simple, easy-to-digest recipe for the first 1–2 weeks.

Key Principles

Start with a single protein source (e.g., chicken, turkey, or rabbit).
Avoid rich organ meats and fatty cuts initially.
Exclude complex supplements and high-fiber veggies at first for easier adjustment.
Maintain safe hygiene practices when handling raw food.
Always supervise the transition and observe for digestive upsets.

Starter Raw Recipe (for a 13 lbs/6 kg adult dog)

Daily Portion:
About 2–3% of body weight in food per day (so, ~3–4 ounces or 85–115 grams per meal, divided into two meals).

Ingredients (One-Day Total)

Muscle meat (e.g., ground or chopped chicken thigh, with skin removed): 60 grams
Raw meaty bones (finely ground chicken necks, wings, or backs): 40 grams
Note: Must be raw, never cooked. Grind for safety, especially for new raw feeders and small breeds.
Chicken or turkey heart (as part of muscle meat): 10 grams
Liver (chicken or beef): 5–6 grams
(Start low—organs can be increased after 1-2 weeks as digestion stabilizes)
Optional:
- Pumpkin puree (plain): 1 teaspoon (to aid digestion)
- Sardine in water (boneless): 7–10 grams (small omega-3 boost, once or twice a week)

Sample Day Plan

Meal 1	Meal 2
30g muscle meat	30g muscle meat
20g ground meaty bone	20g ground meaty bone
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin puree	1/2 teaspoon pumpkin puree
5g heart (if available)	5g heart (if available)
—	5–6g liver (alternate days)
—	Sardine (optional)

Transition Tips

First 7–10 days:
Stick to one muscle meat and one raw bone source, with minimal organ meat. As your dog’s stools remain firm and appetite is good, slowly add organs and variety.
Observations:
Watch closely for signs of loose stool, constipation, or lack of appetite. Mild changes are normal, but stop and assess if symptoms persist.
Hydration:
Fresh water should always be available.
Long-term Additions:
Gradually introduce new proteins, more organ meats, and dog-safe veggies or supplements after the starter phase.

Cautions

Never feed cooked bones.
Ensure bones are appropriately ground or small enough for your dog to safely chew and digest.
Monitor for allergic reactions when introducing any new foods.
Consult with a qualified animal nutritionist or holistic veterinarian to ensure the diet becomes fully balanced for long-term use.

—

This gentle recipe is an ideal starting point for a raw transition and supports healthy digestion for small dogs, especially those recovering from prior gut upset. Always adjust based on your dog’s response and individual needs.

Thomas Sandberg CSAN, CCNC, AADP

Thomas Sandberg is a board certified animal naturopath and carnivore nutritionist. He founder of Long Living Pets Research Projects, a 30-year observational study into raw-fed dogs and cats. Thomas also consults in animal naturopathy, including the prevention of chronic diseases and longevity using all-natural modalities. With more than 20 years of experience with hundreds of cancer cases, he has a deep understanding of why so many dogs and cats get cancer today and how we can lower the risk significantly.

Need help with your pet?

Do you have health issues that you cannot resolve with conventional therapies? Are you looking for a natural approach to help your pet live a long healthy life?

This is possible, and what I do. My approach is to restore the immune system in dogs and cats so they can achieve homeostasis. That is the best protection against pathogens that can lead to diseases.

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Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) in Dogs | Natural Modalities