What is the most common form of gastroenteritis in dogs?

The most common form of gastroenteritis in dogs is associated with parvovirus infection. Canine parvovirus, particularly known for causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms, is highly contagious among dogs and primarily affects puppies that have not been fully vaccinated.

Parvovirus leads to inflammation of the intestines, resulting in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), lethargy, and dehydration. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in the intestinal lining, which is why the symptoms can be so severe and life-threatening if left untreated. Vaccination has significantly reduced the incidence of parvovirus in many populations, but outbreaks can still occur, especially in areas with low vaccination rates.

Other conditions listed, such as canine distemper, salmonellosis, and infectious hepatitis, can cause gastrointestinal signs or be associated with other systemic issues but are not primarily characterized by gastroenteritis. Canine distemper predominantly affects the respiratory and nervous systems; salmonellosis typically arises from contaminated food or water; and infectious hepatitis has a broader range of clinical manifestations including liver involvement.