Helicobacter Infection in Dogs and Cats: A 2025 Veterinary Guide to Stomach Health 🐶🐱🦠

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. Many dogs and cats carry Helicobacter bacteria in their stomachs without issue, but under the right conditions, this bacterium can trigger painful ulcers, vomiting, and inflammation. In this 2025 guide, I’ll explain how Helicobacter works, when it causes disease, and what you can do about it. 🧬

🔬 What Is Helicobacter?

Helicobacter is a spiral-shaped bacterium that survives the intense acid of the stomach by forming a protective layer of bicarbonate. It burrows into the stomach lining and can disrupt the protective mucus barrier. 🌀

Key facts:

• 🧪 Not all Helicobacter cause disease
• 🐕 Most dogs and cats have some presence of it
• 🧼 In certain conditions, it causes ulcers and inflammation

⚠️ When Does It Cause Illness?

• 🧫 Disrupts mucus lining, allowing acid to damage stomach tissue
• 🔥 Triggers inflammation and may cause extra acid secretion
• 🤮 Leads to vomiting, nausea, poor appetite, or ulcers

Often, stress, other stomach diseases (like IBD), or concurrent infections allow Helicobacter to overgrow and cause illness. Not all strains are harmful. 😷

💣 Does It Cause Cancer?

In humans, yes—it can increase stomach cancer risk by 400%. But in pets, this link has not been established. Most Helicobacter species in dogs and cats are different from the cancer-causing human strains. 🧬

🔍 Diagnosing Helicobacter Infection

1. Biopsy (Gold Standard)

• 🧫 Obtained via endoscopy
• ✅ Assesses inflammation and infection

2. Rapid Urease Test

• ⚗️ Special broth turns color when Helicobacter urease is present
• 🕓 Gives results in under an hour

3. PCR Testing

• 🧬 Highly sensitive DNA test
• 🔬 Only available at select labs

4. Antibody Testing

• 🧪 Detects immune response
• ⏳ Not reliable for post-treatment monitoring—antibodies remain for months

5. Breath Testing (Humans)

• 🌬️ Measures Helicobacter metabolites after a special meal
• 🧫 Not commonly used in pets (yet)

💊 Treatment Options (Triple Therapy)

Treatment typically combines two or three antibiotics and a stomach acid reducer. Common combinations include:

• 💊 Amoxicillin
• 💊 Metronidazole (Flagyl®)
• 💊 Clarithromycin or Azithromycin
• 💊 Omeprazole (Prilosec®) or Famotidine (Pepcid AC®)
• 💊 Pepto-Bismol (bismuth has direct bactericidal effects)

⏱️ Treatment lasts 2–3 weeks. If symptoms return, a second round or alternate antibiotics may be needed. 🩺

📢 Can My Pet Infect Me?

• ⚠️ One Helicobacter species can infect both humans and cats
• 🧼 Risk is low, but wear gloves to clean up vomit or feces
• 🚿 Wash hands thoroughly after pet contact

📱 Ask A Vet: GI Help for Pets with Helicobacter

• 🧪 Testing options and interpretation
• 💊 Choosing the right antibiotics and acid blockers
• 📆 Managing post-treatment care and follow-up
• 🧼 Hygiene strategies to limit spread

Reach out at AskAVet.com or use the app for 24/7 support. 🐾📲

✅ Summary: Helicobacter in Pets

• 🦠 A spiral bacteria that lives in the stomach
• 🔥 Causes inflammation and ulcers in some pets
• 🧬 Diagnosed with biopsy, rapid test, or PCR
• 💊 Treated with acid reducers + antibiotics
• 🧼 Risk to humans is low but hygiene is important

If your dog or cat shows signs of chronic stomach issues, testing for Helicobacter may be a key part of their recovery. 🐶🐱❤️

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc