Dogs are prone to digestive issues for a variety of reasons. One major cause is a poor diet. Common digestive issues in dogs include simple things like diarrhoea, bloating, vomiting, and constipation.
Dogs may suffer from these common digestive issues on a regular basis if their diet is not changed. Especially those that are fed a diet that includes processed food such as kibble.
Diets including processed food contain high levels of fillers and artificial ingredients. These can be difficult for dogs to digest. Additionally, sudden changes in diet or eating spoiled food can also cause digestive issues.
Another cause of digestive issues is related to a dog's anatomy and physiology.
Some breeds are more prone to certain digestive issues due to their specific anatomy and physiology. For example, small breeds are more prone to developing pancreatitis. A condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. Large breeds are more prone to developing bloat where the stomach becomes distended with gas. Additionally, dogs that have underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or liver disease, may be more susceptible to digestive issues.
What are the Common Canine Digestive Issues?
There are a variety of digestive issues dogs can suffer from, including but not limited to:
- Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea)
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Colitis (inflammation of the colon)
- Constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Intestinal parasites (such as worms)
- Bloat (a potentially life-threatening condition in which the stomach becomes distended and twisted)
What Causes Digestive Issues in Dogs?
There are several reasons for digestive issues in dogs, including:
- Diet: Commercial foods that are ultra-processed and full of fillers, or not nutritionally balanced, can cause digestive issues.
- Food allergies or sensitivities: Some dogs may have an allergic reaction or sensitivity to certain ingredients in their food, which can cause digestive upset.
- Gastrointestinal parasites: Intestinal worms and other parasites can cause digestive issues by damaging the intestinal lining. Or by stealing nutrients from the dog's food before it can be absorbed.
- Disease: Certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, can affect a dog's ability to digest food properly.
- Environmental factors: Eating foreign objects or ingesting toxic substances can cause digestive issues in dogs.
- Genetics: Some breeds of dogs are more prone to certain digestive issues, such as bloat or pancreatitis, due to their genetic makeup.
It is essential to consult with a veterinarian, pet nutritionist or pet naturopath if your dog is experiencing any digestive issues. Many of these problems can be serious and require prompt treatment.
In addition, we recommended a quality, all-natural supplement that support good gut health. PetWell's DIGEST is ideal for any dog or cat with gut issues.
How to Improve Your Dog's Digestion Issues
- Consult with a professional: Your veterinarian or pet nutritionist/naturopath can help to diagnose the underlying cause of your dog's digestive issues and recommend a treatment plan.
- Switch to a high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet: A diet formulated for your dog's specific life stage and health condition can help to improve digestion.
- Gradual diet change: If you need to change your dog's diet, do it gradually over a period of 7-10 days, to prevent stomach upset.
- Feeding smaller, more frequent meals: Instead of feeding one or two large meals per day, try breaking their food into smaller, more frequent meals.
- Provide fresh clean water: Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water to help them digest their food properly.
- Monitor your dog's stools: Keep an eye on your dog's stools and report any changes to your veterinarian.
- Regular deworming: Regular deworming can help to prevent and treat intestinal parasites which can cause digestive issues in dogs.
- Regular check-ups: Check-ups with your veterinarian can help to detect and prevent any potential health issues that may be contributing to your dog's digestive problems.
- Supplements: Providing supplements that contain probiotics along with other natural anti-inflammatory ingredients can help to promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria. This helps alleviate digestive issues. Try PetWell DIGEST
- Regular exercise: Exercise can help to keep your dog's digestive system regular and prevent constipation.
If your dog is showing signs of distress, vomiting, diarrhoea, or blood in the stool, seek veterinary attention.
Read more Poor Gut Health in Your Dog – Recognising the Signs
Support Your Dog's Digestive System with DIGEST Supplement
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DIGEST is easy to administer and can be added to your pet's food without affecting the taste. It is made with high-quality, all-natural, human-grade ingredients. Ensuring the highest level of safety and quality for your pet. Give your pet the gift of optimal digestion and try DIGEST today!
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this email and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet healthcare decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
