It often strikes at the In addition to these measures, the veterinarian may also recommend feeding your dog a bland or easily digestible diet. Look around for spills, open packets, vermin traps, garbage, or anything else your pet could have gotten into. A dog throwing up mucus occasionally may not be a cause for concern. Scavenging also increases the risk of foreign-body ingestion and toxin exposure. If your dog contracts Giardia lamblia after swallowing water that has been contaminated with the parasite, there is a high risk of developing gastrointestinal symptoms (such as diarrhea) and even chronic diarrhea. Tips + 4 Products. If the dog shows signs of discomfort or a change in appetite, then it is time for him to go on a diet. One of the most popular OTC remedies for vomiting is Pepto Bismol. Try these two simple things to avoid waking up to dog puke: Many dogs will stop vomiting first thing in the morning if given a midnight snack just before bed. Dog Vomiting Vomiting occurs when the contents from the stomach and upper intestines are forcefully ejected. Having inflammation in the pancreas may cause your dog to throw up bile in the morning. WebThe first reason why dogs might eat grass is grazing, where your dog happily munches on grass and suffers no ill effects. They are: These reasons are highly noticed, and they are sensible in causing the throw-up. This is not the same as vomitus or regurgitus. Also, with the help of H2-blockers, it is possible to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach of your dog. Sometimes, the actual worm is vomited up, and more often, we dont see the worm but the eggs that can be detected in the stool sample. Its usually preceded by signs of nausea, such as drooling, licking the lips, and swallowing excessively. Offer 1 teaspoon of water per pound of his weight every hour. Dogs sometimes vomit up yellow foam. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Bacterial infections (gastrointestinal tract), Foreign substances in the gastrointestinal system (toys, garbage). I am a practiced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets. For small intestinal bacterial growth, antibiotics can be used. Frequently, dogs only need a single dose each night to prevent early morning vomit piles. There will usually be a very heavy worm burden, however, before it causes vomiting. If your dog is vomiting with diarrhea or vomiting and has a poor appetite, call your veterinarian. If a pup has vomited more than one time in a row, is lethargic, having diarrhea, or may have gotten into something, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian to ensure nothing more complicated or severe going on. While it is normal and natural for your Frenchie to throw up, it is not always a good sign. Unless the puppies are delivered, the symptoms will stay. Peteducate.com uses affiliate links; where we may earn from qualifying purchases (at no additional cost to you). Vomit that is white and looks foamy can be caused by a buildup of stomach acid. Such diseases can also occur in vaccinated puppies if they get infected before the vaccines take full efficacy. There are a large number of arsenal medications with veterinarians. This is the reason why puppies need frequent de-worming. The bile irritates the lining of the stomach, causing vomiting. The dogs vomit is highly acidic and can easily cause severe damage to its mouth and throat, especially in cases of chronic vomiting. This usually happens in the morning because the dog has gone all night without eating. In this article, we will talk about dog vomiting. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. This is the reason for their throw-up at 3 am. They are given once the underlying cause of vomiting has been identified or in cases of motion sickness (anti-nausea medications). Avoidtable scraps. Your dog is most likely fine if he vomits once without any other symptoms, according to veterinarians. Why is my dog waking me up at 3am? Essentially, you need to first ask questions about how long this has been going on. The vet may advise you to feed your dog some home-cooked food like skinless chicken, boiled potatoes, and rice. How many times has your dog thrown up, and with what regularity? Well, maybe not starving, but it certainly could be hungry. I want to know why my dog is vomiting, and what I should do about it. What do You Need to Know? One way to tell if your dog has regurgitated instead of vomited is to look at what the dog has thrown up. There are specific dog foods on the market for sensitive stomachs. Its most common in puppies that are around other dogs in group settings. The vet will recommend giving your dog antacids if suffering from issues like stomach ulcers, acid reflux, or inflammation of the stomach (gastritis). It is ultimately noticed that the symptoms may worsen if untreated and lead to esophageal ulceration. Dog digestive health guidance from Fuzzy vets to help pet parents treat the most common dog stomach issues. It tends to happen shortly after eatingmaybe your dog ate too much or ate too fast. Web10 Causes of Diarrhea In Dogs Diarrhea in dogs can be caused by many different things, some of which are listed below: Dietary indiscretion Food intolerance Stress Intestinal parasites Food allergies Inflammatory Bowel Disease Autoimmune diseases Intestinal bacterial overgrowth Liver disease Cancer Parvovirus Your vet will first examine your dog. Once youre pretty sure that your dog is vomiting and not regurgitating, you can identify the type of vomit by the appearance of it. Sometimes the vomiting may contain blood or mucus. But following up on this habit for a long time may affect your dogs physical health, which can also drastically damage the mental health. First it would be important to differentiate between vomiting and regurgitating. However, if your dog is throwing up mucus frequently, you should take them to the vet. It is most common in large-breed and deep-chested dogs, including German Shepherds, Great Danes, Standard Poodles, and Labrador and Golden Retrievers. The meal is usually offered frequently but in small servings. Antihistamines work by stopping the bodys immune system from overreacting to misidentified threats. WebWhy does my dog throw up at 3am? But if your dog is vomiting and not eating, you should check with your vet to rule out serious conditions. However, if it vomits more than once in a 24-hour period or shows additional signs of illness (diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, dehydration, fever, lethargy), you should seek medical attention from a veterinarian. Finally, if the vomit contains food or vomit droppings, these could also cause problems for the dog if ingested. During the consistent vomit, if there is any blood seen, take a sample for that too. This will help increase the amount of mucus and saliva in the stomach area. Some possible causes include food intolerance or allergies, overeating, eating too rapidly, eating grass, ingested toxins or poison, an upset stomach or gas, a viral infection, or a bacterial infection. The vomiting can be prevented with small, frequent meals or an nighttime antacid if necessary. Blood itself causes nausea, so it is often vomited up if it pools in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. From getting into the trash to eating a poisonous outdoor plant, you will usually know very quickly that your dog is sick. Since vomiting is a symptom rather than a condition, the treatment your veterinarian suggests will depend on the underlying cause. Other reasons could be that they simply did not eat enough, had something stuck in their throat, or were licking their face too much. Scrubbing a rug or mopping a floor is nobodys idea of a perfect morning. Give him lots of affection: dogs love to be comforted by the people they love! WebThis is the most common cause of vomiting in dogs. Because the causes of and treatments for the two conditions are very different, and vomiting tends to be more concerning than regurgitation. Nauseous, and then I sneeze and feel better, but definitely need something to eat. Parasites Gastrointestinal parasites such as tapeworm, roundworm, and hookworm can also result in BVS. Keep plants away and minimize the amount of grass they ingest, Tullio said. Bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasounds, or biopsies are often necessary to diagnose the problem. https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/antifreeze-poisoning-in-dogs/#:~:text=Antifreeze%20can%20be%20extremely%20dangerous,kidney%20failure%20start%20to%20show. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Dont give your dog toys that can be swallowed or chewed into pieces, thereby causingGIirritation or blockage. AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. This highly contagious upper respiratory disease can keep you and your beloved pup awake for hours on end. Chat with us today about any dog health concerns and our vets can make recommendations on supplements, products, or if in-person diagnostics and treatment might be needed. We mentioned pancreatitis as a common acute cause of vomiting in dogs. Long-term dog owners know that vomiting is not uncommon. Vomiting or throwing up is an active process, often accompanied by retching or coughing sounds and visible contraction of the abdominal muscles. This brand offers a fantastic, high-quality custom meal plan via subscription service. Another way to get water into your dog is with ice chips. He will probably be feeling bad for vomiting, especially if hes housetrained and he knows to expel things outside. Traces of blood can appear brown at times if they are not profusely bloody. As overproduction of bile may cause some more disease, and it happens for irritation in the stomach. [Possible Reasons & Solutions], Do Puppies Pee In Their Sleep? Here are some of the common causes of chronic vomiting in dogs. To avoid this occurrence, you need to monitor your pets feeding habits more closely and ensure that the dog is eating slowly. But whether this is something to be seriously concerned with or something that will naturally clear up on its own accord will ultimately come down to context. 3) Clean down the outside of the face with a cotton ball dipped in vinegar- this will remove bacteria, dirt, and debris. Is there anything you can do to stop this from happening? If your puppy is vomiting, dont wait to see if it resolves on its own call your vet. Its time to call and visit your vet if your dog: Is a puppy (can become weak fromdehydrationor havehypoglycemiaif they cant keep calories down), Is projectile vomiting (potential sign of obstruction), Tries to vomit or dry-heaving and nothing comes out (symptom ofbloat, which can be life-threatening), Vomits pieces of a foreign object or an entire object, Is lethargic (sign that the whole body is affected), Has a tender or enlarged abdomen (seen with more serious causes of vomiting), Is showing signs of dehydration (the skin doesnt snap back into place after being gently pulled; dry gums), Has diarrhea with the vomiting (can quickly lead to dehydration), Ate people food (to determine whether its cause for concern), Is losing weight from vomiting often (chronic vomiting), Is declining in their appearance and overall demeanor (including weight loss, muscle mass deterioration). These symptoms may appear on a daily basis, though it is more common for them to present intermittently. Is it a recent development? If you go through the article, you will notice all the problems and see an effective solution. Vomiting in dogs is not a disease, but rather a symptom, and it can occur as an isolated incident or due to a more serious illness. If the gums are tacky, your dog may be dehydrated. There is no catchall answer for why a dog is vomiting. Dog Vomiting Treatment at the Vets Office, How to Prevent Some Cases of Dog Vomiting. My Dog Keeps Eating Grass - What Do I Do? Yellow vomit is very common when a dog has an empty stomach, and the yellow color that you see is due to bile secretions. One of the most important things to do is to find out if your pet has a digestive problem or if it was simply a bad night for them. If the vomiting continues, it could indicate a more serious problem. Its active ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate, is a strong antiemetic, antacid, and anti-inflammatoric and is fast-acting. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder until it is released into the small intestine. This condition can develop in dogs for a number of different reasons and is indicated by gastric immobility. Vomiting with other symptoms, like fever, weight loss, lethargy, anemia, etc. A vomiting dog may show abdominal heaving and nausea. Take out notes for proper medication and ask the veterinarian for a change in the diet plans of your dog. Think of dog vomiting as more of an active process and regurgitation as more of a passive practice.. The reasons behind Bilious Vomiting Syndrome can be single or multiple. Poisoning or eating spoiled food. WebIf your dog vomits more than once in a day, without a break, or for more than 24 hours, you should see a vet. Dog vomiting can often be a symptom of an underlying infection. This could be a result of severe abdominal pain or cramping from electrolyte imbalances. Cerenia (maropitant citrate) is the most commonly used antiemetic (medication that stops vomiting) for dogs in recent years. Our mission is to provide pet parents just like you with the most up-to-date expert information and resources you need to make better, more informed decisions that support the health and happiness of your companion animals. At least to rule out any serious conditions. On day 3, up the percentage of new food to 50% new and 50% bland food. Some dogs can be born with the condition because that is just how their esophagus is formed. Since this parasite is hard to diagnose and appears harmless if not diagnosed properly and treated, it is often considered to be a major cause of the syndrome in adult dogs. Other than that, intestinal blockage may be seen, IDB and food allergies may be observed too. All rights reserved. There can be many reasons why your dog can vomit in the middle of the night. What the vomit looks like can help determine the causes of vomiting in dogs. This can be especially helpful for dogs that wake their humans up for food in the middle of the night. Here is a list of possible causes of vomiting in dogs, whether its acute (one-time, sudden instance) or chronic (happens often over time): Eating grass (which can be caused by something else), Gastritisor an upset stomach from eating garbage or spoiled food, Gastroenteritis(inflammation of the stomach and intestinal tract), Ingestion of toxic plantsor other toxins, Intestinal obstruction from a foreign body. Sorting through all of that information is tricky, which is why we came up with this list of possible causes for dog vomiting, along with the steps you need to take to get your dog help. It can also be caused by certain diseases or health issues. Bilious vomiting, which is what this is called, is not terribly uncommon. The dog's system is notable to adequately process different foods in a normal way. You should also make sure your dog stays hydrated by giving small amounts of water. Some dogs get anxious about being unclean, and he may be relieved to know hes got a place to vomit if he needs to do it again. Your dog will almost always try to eat regurgitated food. In most cases of vomiting, treatment via injection is the most effective route. Manage Settings If you think that an X-ray or ultrasound is necessary for a check up, If you think that your dog needs a surgery. Dogs often eat grass when they have an upset stomach, which can sometimes induce vomiting. If you rush to the vets office immediately after your dog throws up, the veterinarian will want to know the answers. American Kennel Club: "Dog Vomiting: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment," Cooking for Your Dog: Dos and Donts of Homemade Dog Food., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Healthy Pets, Healthy People. However, it is important to note that not all early morning vomiting is caused by stomach acid build-up. Just like when we eat or drink too much, dogs, too, can throw up after big meals. Not eating enough will cause indigestion, which results in regurgitation. Based on the situation, the veterinarian will either recommend the wait and see approach or suggest making a visit. Most likely your dog is throwing up bile, which is a yellowish liquid, early in the morning or even sometime in the middle of In more severe cases, the veterinarian may suggest endoscopic examination or exploratory laparotomy. Why Does My Dog Rub His Body On Me? If you see your dogs vomit is greenish-yellow with nothing in it, this usually indicates hes vomited up bile. And the color can be white, green or yellow depending on their last meal. You can change the food time and the amount of food too to alleviate the throwing up of your dog. Vomiting can be caused by bloat. Manage Settings Dont give yourdog bones. At nighttime he can need extra comfort, particularly if he sleeps by himself. If the vomiting has been going on for less than 12 hours, and your dog is perky and keeping down food and water, then it may be okay to wait and monitor the situation. Diarrhea in Dogs: When Is Dog Diarrhea An Emergency? Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Or your dog could be overly excited or stressed out. Dog vomiting can be caused by certain contagious diseases as well, which are also more common in younger dogs. Somedogs may eat grass before or after they vomit, possibly to induce vomiting or protect theesophagus,because grass cancover sharp objects like bone shards when the dog vomits. Since young puppies only just begin receiving vaccinations, they are at an increased risk of contracting serious diseases like parvo or parasites. If your dog vomited worms, there is a possibility that there is a heavy intestinal worm infestation. This occurs because their stomach is empty and has been for some time. You do not want to wait too long without veterinary attention. Your dog becoming lethargic after vomiting, or vomiting with shaking. Following these steps may reduce the throw up of your dog: So these are the seven solutions that can help your dog not throw up at 3 am. WebThe first and most obvious cause of nighttime dog coughing is kennel cough, which is known to get worse at night. These conditions will cause your dog to vomit, often in the middle of the night. Dogs usually go in their beds with an empty stomach, and that is when the stomach acts as a buffer and causes acidity. Maintaining a proper diet will automatically help your dog to get well without any treatment. In the second scenario, try to arrive prepared with as much information as you have, including when your dog first got sick, how long it has been vomiting for, any changes in diet, foods or substances it may have ingested, medication it is on, what the vomitus looks like, and so on. While the occasional puking episode in dogs is relatively normal, constant and persistent throwing up is a cause for concern. Your dog could have eaten too quickly, swallowed something disagreeable, or merely snacked on too much grass. Most likely your dog is throwing up bile, which is a yellowish liquid, early in the morning or even sometime in the middle of the night. However, if your dog is throwing up mucus frequently, you should take them to the vet. Mostly after throwing, dogs remain happy, active and they become hungry afterward. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site I created to share everything Ive learned about pet ownership over the years and my extensive research along the way. If the vet rules out underlying concerns, treatment can be as simple as a diet change. A Helpful Guide for Pet Owners, Puppy Has Diarrhea But Still Playful: Your Questions Answered, Dog Vomiting Blood: Ultimate Guide for Pet Owners, Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea: Cause, Symptoms, and Treatment. The bowel system of your dog will face inflammation and which may cause continuous diarrhea. WebOne of the most common causes of frequent and regular vomiting is inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. This is an instinct that dogs have that is very unappealing to us as humans, but its not a big problem for dogs. Other dogs may need an antacid to help treat their early morning vomiting. Have you only just noticed it? One of the biggest dangers with dog vomiting is dehydration. An Empty Stomach: If your dog is throwing up the frothy bile at night or in the morning and isn't displaying any other symptoms, there is a chance it is because the poor thing is starving. It can help decrease nausea and also improve motility. There can be external causes or internal causes, and there are many factors, including the duration, color, severity, etc., that can Influence how to respond to the vomiting. Puppies are born with worms that they inherit from their mothers. This will prevent reflux gastritis, and the dog will not throw up. Blood in a dogs vomit should always be taken seriously. A bloated stomach can restrict blood flow to essential organs, making it difficult for your dog to breathe. Bloat is another serious health condition where a dogs stomach becomes so full of food, gas, or liquid that it bloats excessively. WebIf your dog consistently regurgitates fluids, check with your vet. Pancreatitis This is a condition that occurs as a result of inflammation in the pancreas and causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is especially true for dogs who suffer from acid reflux. It should feel wet and slippery. This occurs because their stomach is empty and has been for some time. Dog Vomiting vs. Regurgitating: Know the Difference, One of the most popular OTC remedies for vomiting is. There are a variety of of other issues that can cause pups to vomit, and sometimes dogs may need more than just over-the-counter assistance. Dried vomit can soil your dogs fur and matt his hair, so youll want to clean him up. A dog vomiting blood will quickly dehydrate. If its a once-off, its more likely something they ate. This occurs because their stomach is empty and has been I recommend moving them over to a whole-food diet and dog food designed with sensitive stomachs in mind. Regurgitated material comes from the esophagus or pharynx and travels backward out of the mouth or nose. His stomach will need to rest. As the name implies, one may associate IBD with lower GI symptoms, but in fact, sometimes vomiting is the main symptom. So, our final thought is that you need to maintain the proper health of your dog. The most common is systemic conditions and acid reflux disease in dogs. Dog vomit can contain yellowbileor dog food that has been partially digested, and it usually smells sour. If your dog vomits more than once, or has recurring bouts of vomiting, you need to call your vet immediately. Worms and other infectious organisms can cause vomiting in dogs. Thinking simply to eradicate reflux gastritis and making it not afflicted in your dogs usual life. The dogs vomit is highly acidic and can easily cause severe damage to its mouth and throat, especially in cases of chronic vomiting. These include-. Did it eat or drink anything between the vomiting episodes? Its also uncomfortable to be soiled, so use a warm, wet washcloth to gently wipe him clean. A vomiting dog can easily become dehydrated, experience acid-base imbalance or electrolyte abnormalities, especially if it has diarrhea too. Brown vomit could just be regurgitated food from the esophagus that never made it to the stomach to be digested. Generally, when inflammation is noticed in the pancreas, then Pancreatitis occurs. It can be due to an abnormality in the esophagus or narrowing of the canal. But vomit is partially digested and has some bile. Dogs are curious animals who like to explore with their mouths. A dehydrated dog experiences an imbalance in the electrolyte status and acid-base balance, which can be life-threatening. Your dog could have swallowed something toxic, or it may be a sign of a serious illness, which could require a visit to see your vet. Youll want to comfort your dog if hes thrown up, whether its during the day or at night. Fluid therapy, either through an oral rehydration solution or an intravenous drip, will help to correct these imbalances and get your pup back to normal quicker. Antidiarrheal for Dogs and How Supplements Can Support, My Dog Has a Swollen Stomach: Dog Bloat Signs and Management, The Most Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs, Why You Should Pay Attention if Your Dog Is Eating Fall Leaves, Rodenticide Toxicity in Dogs: The Dangers of a Cold Weather Household Poison, Holiday Hazards: 6 Things That Are Toxic to Dogs, Help! Giving this pre-bed meal will help them to ease reflux gastritis. Antihistamines work by stopping the bodys immune system from overreacting to misidentified threats. Also, it can indicate that a dog ate too quickly and didnt chew the food, or swallowed a lot of air by gulping it down. Moreover, for disrupting colitis, proper medicines should also be given. Please consult a licensed veterinarian for any medical condition or query regarding the health of your pet. If your dog vomits once and then resumes his normal activities and eats and poops normally, chances are it was a minor incident, although it never hurts to play it safe. It acts on a trigger zone in the brain to stop nausea, and also acts on receptors in the stomach. Histamine Blocking Medications. Sometimes, though, throwing up in the middle of the night can be because of acid reflux or more Apart from the treatment of reflux gastritis, the most common way to prevent vomiting during the morning is to give your dog enough food and fluids during the night. While the occasional puking episode in dogs is relatively normal, constant and persistent throwing up is a cause for concern. In this time, food passes from the stomach to the small intestine. Try to get your dog to rest by getting him to lie down. Dogs with bilious vomiting syndrome will be seen to regularly vomit bile as a result of gastric retention. Some pet parents whose dogs suffer from bilious vomiting may also choose to leave out puzzle feeders or kong toys with snacks in them that dogs can work on overnight. A major difference is that regurgitation doesnt involve abdominal heaving. When there is a sudden impede for your dog to process the food and it causes gastric reflexes, then it is colitis. Then, using what you tell them and what they learn from the examination, they may decide to do some tests like these: In some cases, your vet may also have to do exploratory surgery. The majority of the issues caused by chronic or frequent vomiting will not go away on their own and require the intervention of a veterinarian. There are some particular reasons that are primarily seen in the case of throwing up dogs. I guess I can relax now. If you suspect your dog is experiencing reflux gastritis, be sure to consult with your veterinarian for further examination and treatment. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics if the vomiting is a result of an infection. We need to use this with caution, especially in dogs taking anti-inflammatories or steroids, as it could cause GI bleeding. Its 3 AM, and youre heading to the bathroom, and suddenly you step into a pool of vomit. And thats not the first timeyour dog has thrown up in the middle of the night a few times now. Should you be concerned? Dogs can vomit any time, but vomiting in the middle of the night is actually quite commonly seen. Instead of ejecting the stomach contents by force, regurgitation is a passive motion that expels undigested food and fluids. As a result, the regurgitus comes out in a tube-like shape and may contain food, mucus, and saliva, but it cannot ever contain bile. You may notice your dog is lethargic, weak and has a decreased appetite, and this is a serious condition requiring It is characterized by episodes of vomiting and diarrhea that can be quite severe. With this in mind, let us explore the reasons further and how is best to approach it, in either circumstance. One possibility is that your dog has bilious vomiting syndrome, which occurs when the stomach is empty and may be due to bile reflux from the duodenum into the stomach. Unfortunately, vomiting can also be a symptom of infectious diseases, such as coronavirus, distemper, and parvovirus. WebThere are a huge number of reasons your dog may be throwing up. If they are eating grass on a regular basis, however, it is a possibility that they can be ingesting more pesticides and parasites. The causes of your dog vomiting may range from anxiety to an actual illness. Occasionally, healthy dogs will get sick for no apparent reason and then continue with their day as if nothing happened. Here is a detailed list of the common causes of hematemesis in dogs. Acute vomiting is when dogs vomit repeatedly, to the point where there is nothing left in their stomachs but bile. Ans: There are many reasons why a dog might vomit, so its not always possible to determine the cause just by looking at the vomit. Make a mixture of 1 part lean meat to 5 parts carbohydrates. Drinking out of lakes with cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) can be deadly. How the vet will treat dog vomiting. This occurs most commonly in the middle of the night or early morning hours. Antiemetics is the fancy name for medications that can block the signals from a dogs brain that stimulate the need to vomit. Usually, these meds are given in combination with other drugs that can damage the stomach lining or intestines.