common dog digestive issues

7 Nigh Common Dog Digestive Issues

Just similar humans, dogs too demand to swallow a nutritious and balanced diet. In fact, a balanced nutrition is essential for dogs to alive long, salubrious lives.

With the correct combination of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and complex carbohydrates, our dogs tin can bask a more robust immune system, a shinier coat, more free energy, and a whole host of other essential wellness benefits.

While many people may remember they tin can treat their dogs similar garbage disposals, offer all sorts of treats, table scraps, and other foods, this is a bad idea, considering it can quickly and easily pb to serious digestive stomach problems.

Many well-pregnant owners don't even realize that the poor diet choices they've made for these dogs are the reason their dog exhibits regular stomach issues, including symptoms similar nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or other more pressing concerns.

In some cases, the pain and discomfort associated with digestive issues tin can even prevent dogs from eating altogether, which simply causes their health to deteriorate further.

Diagnosing and treating a dog's digestive problems must be handled with great intendance, but likewise urgency, as declining to seek medical aid will just increase the severity of symptoms and prolong the canis familiaris'southward suffering.

This commodity explains how to place and bargain with 7 of the nigh common stomach issues in dogs, giving you lot all the information you lot need to provide your domestic dog with salubrious, safe, and supportive nutrition.

Symptoms of Stomach Problems in Dogs

1 moment your dog is gleefully gallivanting around the dog park, and the next, he is sluggish, irritable, and not himself.

The moment you lot notice a departure in behavior, information technology's crucial that you take inventory of what symptoms your dog is exhibiting, think most what they could bespeak, and starting time dealing with what could get a much more significant problem if yous were to simply ignore it.

What are the surefire ways to tell that your dog's alter in demeanor has to do with a compromised digestive system in dogs?

Below are some of the most common signs of dog digestive issues:

  • Excessive gas (rumbling breadbasket, burping, etc.)
  • Nausea
  • Airsickness
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight Loss (ordinarily acquired by excessive vomiting and diarrhea)
  • Constipation
  • Disinterest in pet food

Unfortunately, the in a higher place-listed symptoms could bespeak either an ailment that is non-threatening or they could point that you demand to take immediate activity considering your dog is in grave danger. This is why we e'er suggest consulting with your veterinarian as presently equally you notice something is off.

All the same, if your dog is experiencing any of the below, so you absolutely MUST seek medical attention immediately as you could be facing a life-threatening emergency:

  • Excessive shaking or panting
  • Astringent dehydration
  • Dry heaving
  • Vomiting liquids

Causes of Digestive Problems in Dogs

While dogs are incredibly resilient, even a modest amount of sure foods that are completely safe for humans (like grapes, chocolate, or garlic) tin disrupt a dog'due south allowed and digestive wellness. Many domestic dog owners aren't fifty-fifty aware that but some vegetables are rubber for dogs!

Some digestive issue causes are benign and require picayune more home treatment; however, specific instances require a veterinarian'due south diagnosis and treatment.

Knowing the distinction is crucial to helping your dog heal, and, in some instances, saving your dog's life.

Here are several common causes of dog digestive disorders that you should keep in heed while assessing your pet's tum consequence:

  • Bacteria (pathogenic)
  • Viruses
  • Parasites
  • Worms
  • Sharp alter in your dog's diet
  • Excessive consumption of grass (non-life threatening)
  • Consuming chocolate (potentially life-threatening)
  • Bloat (a astringent, life-threatening condition that requires immediate attending)

Seven Well-nigh Mutual Canis familiaris Digestive Issues

The number of dog digestive issues that can arise is extensive. From diarrhea to toxicity or poisoning, knowing the nuances of your dog's health and behavior is the key to ensuring a happy and healthy life.

Below you lot'll observe vii dog tum problems we feel you need to know about, as well as details well-nigh their virtually common symptoms.

Outcome #ane: Vomiting

If at that place are any guarantees in your experience as a canis familiaris owner, you tin exist certain that ane day you'll be confronted by your dog airsickness.

This is one of the near common digestive ailments in dogs, and more often than not, the root cause is relatively benign. Sometimes a dog will vomit then continue frolicking in the yard as if null ever happened!

Nevertheless, vomiting can also be an indicator of something more serious. According to the American Kennel Gild's article "Canis familiaris Vomiting: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment," your dog is (probably) fine if he vomits once, but if he vomits multiple times in conjunction with any of the below symptoms, then at that place's likely a more than serious ailment afoot:

  • Repeated vomiting
  • Vomiting a big amount
  • Vomiting upwardly claret
  • Diarrhea containing blood
  • Seizures

Airsickness tin can indicate a wide variety of conditions or illnesses, ranging from heat stroke to liver failure. Almost conditions are curable, specially if you seek medical attention every bit soon as something seems amiss.

Issue #2: Diarrhea

With an insatiable curiosity for the contents of any trashcan and a mysterious passion for gnawing on grass, diarrhea is an inevitable occurrence in any domestic dog's lifetime.

Similar to vomiting, diarrhea is not necessarily e'er a cause for concern. To make up one's mind the severity of your dog's bowel irregularity, first, you lot must become acquainted with the four C's of dog poop. According to Certa Pet, these are:

  • Color – Your dog's stool should take a rich dark-brown hue.
  • Blanket – There should non be any sort of fungus-like coating on your dog's stool.
  • Contents – The contents of your domestic dog's stool should appear well-digested and processed. Occasionally, food matters such as vegetables will appear, and this is perfectly healthy. Yet, if yous see white, string-like material, this indicates the presence of worms.
  • Consistency – Your canis familiaris's stool should be firm enough to remain intact, merely also slightly soft to the touch.

Any departure from the above could indicate the presence of dog digestion problems. Diarrhea can exist characterized as a liquid-like, loose stool. While this is not an uncommon occurrence for many dogs, it's important to know both how to treat one's dog at dwelling house and how to determine when the state of affairs at manus may be serious.

In the Whole Canis familiaris Periodical commodity "Dog Diarrhea Causes and Remedies," author Catherine Ashe states that:

"If your domestic dog seems otherwise normal, and he is currently taking regular parasite preventative medications, then symptomatic treatment at home is advisable. Ordinarily, most diarrhea will run its form within ii to iv days, although in some cases, it can last longer. If in that location are any other signs of illness like vomiting, loss of ambition, low, or pain, a veterinarian trip is in social club."

Before escalating to a trip to the vet, many pet parents choose to administrate an at-domicile treatment that is similar to the grade of activity for humans: a banal nutrition, access to fresh h2o, aplenty remainder, and frequent walks.

In some cases, consumers too supplement with a quality, refrigerated probiotic to replenish a dog'southward gut. However, if the symptoms persist for more a few days and are accompanied by other atypical behaviors, it's time to bring your ailing pooch to the vet.

Consequence #3: Chocolate Toxicity

The bottom line is to proceed all chocolate well out of reach of your dog. Much beloved by humans just lethal for their trusted canine companions, chocolate—cacao specifically—contains the bitter alkaloid Theobromine.

This alkaloid, along with the caffeine present in chocolate, is incredibly toxic for dogs. The corporeality of chocolate, as well as the type (dark chocolate is far more toxic than milk chocolate due to the college concentration of cacao) your dog consumes, volition determine the severity of their symptoms.

That said, a medical professional should ever be consulted in the event of accidental chocolate consumption.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning typically arise six to twelve hours after ingestion and can last up to 72 hours. Co-ordinate to VCA fauna hospitals, signs that your dog has consumed chocolate vary but typically include at to the lowest degree one of the beneath:

  • Airsickness
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased thirst
  • Excessive urination
  • Restlessness
  • Panting
  • A racing heart
  • Seizures
  • Heart Failure

The American Kennel Club'southward guide "What to Do If Your Domestic dog Eats Chocolate" states that the all-time methods of preventing your domestic dog from consuming chocolate are:

  • Put your chocolate away – This doesn't mean merely hiding the chocolate from sight. Instead, AKC suggests that you "make certain all chocolate items, including cocoa powder and hot chocolate mix, are stored where the dog cannot accomplish them, such equally on a loftier shelf in a closed-door pantry."
  • Exit information technology – Didactics your dog this control is non only uncomplicated but could—potentially—go the difference between life and death (for your canine).
  • Crate training – The most surefire method of guaranteeing your canis familiaris volition not break into your clandestine candy stash is to go along your dog in a crate when you are not watching him. According to AKB, the fundamental to making your dog comfy in his crate is to "offer toys, a stuffed Kong, a favorite blanket, and treats to assist him experience similar the crate is his den.

Issue #four: Worms

Worms are some of the most mutual dog digestive problems and the well-nigh terrifying for their man guardians. If y'all notice your dog's coat has become dull, their tummy starts to resemble a pot belly, or merely that they're low in energy and losing weight; you may be contending with worms.

Co-ordinate to Blue Cross for Pets (BCP), there are four predominant types of worms that afflict dogs:

Roundworms – Roundworm larvae typically begin their journey in a dog's intestinal tract but can travel to other internal organs.

According to BCP, "[roundworms] are long, white and spaghetti-similar in appearance and absorb nutrients from the infected dog." Many puppies are born with roundworms; thus, information technology's crucial to have your puppy examined.

  • Hookworms – Hookworms are one of the more lethal types of worms, frequently causing death in puppies. These vampiric pests tend to exist shorter worms and have teeth for sucking blood.
  • Whipworms – Whipworms tend to be the most benign sort of parasite. They mostly dwell in the large intestine and produce few symptoms, if any.
  • Tapeworms – According to BCP, tapeworms "alive in the small intestine, grabbing onto its wall with six tiny rows of teeth to absorb nutrients as nutrient is digested." Despite the potential for horror pic stardom, tapeworms typically are not notably harmful to a dog's wellness.

If you doubtable that your domestic dog has worms, it is crucial to visit the vet for diagnosis. Each type of worm has a form of handling, and so identifying which type of worms your dog may have is imperative.

Issue #5: IBD

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (henceforth IBD), is not unlike the human being counterpart IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). IBD is a chronic status, suggesting a broad array of symptoms that hint at underlying harm to the digestive tract and advanced inflammation of the intestinal tract.

According to Doctors of Veterinary Medicine Krista Williams and Ernest Ward in their article for VCA Hospitals:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a syndrome rather than a disease. The syndrome is caused by a specific reaction to chronic irritation of the intestinal tract. Virtually dogs with IBD have a history of recurrent or chronic vomiting or diarrhea and may accept a poor appetite. During periods of vomiting or diarrhea, the dog may lose weight only is normal otherwise.

While trivial is known about what causes IBD, through a multipart treatment of a salubrious nutrition, medication, and vitamins, the soothing of discomfort is highly possible.

Result #6: Gastritis

While vomiting is non an unusual occurrence in a dog's life if vomiting occurs oft and in conjunction with other symptoms, your pooch may be afflicted with gastritis.

An inflamed intestinal lining characterizes this status, oftentimes accompanied by infection. Unremarkably, this condition is caused by your canis familiaris eating food out of the garbage, ingesting toxins, or a viral infection. While gastritis is typically an acute ailment, this can as well take the form of chronic disease.

Co-ordinate to the Banfield Pet Hospital, the typical signs of gastritis are:

  • Airsickness
  • Diarrhea
  • Depression
  • Fever
  • Abdominal pain
  • Decreased appetite and water intake
  • Weakness
  • Weight loss and other abnormalities

If not accordingly treated, gastritis can be fatal. This is certainly not i of the dog digestive issues to take lightly!

Effect #7: Pancreatitis

Last just not least, pancreatitis is considered to be one of the most threatening dog digestive bug, one that absolutely threatens the health of your best friend.

The pancreas is an important organ in the digestive process, releasing digestive enzymes that help in the breakup of food and other essential functions when "digestibles" meet the pocket-size intestine.

In the outcome of pancreatitis, the pancreas releases enzymes that become activated immediately upon release, destroying the pancreas itself. This condition can be incredibly painful and life-threatening for dogs.

You notice your dog is unwell, but how practice you know if pancreatitis is the culprit? Co-ordinate to Whole Dog Journals' article "Canine Pancreatitis," a few telltale signs are:

  • Persistent vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Disinterest in nutrient
  • Abdominal hurting
  • Walking with an arched back
  • Lying in a corner refusing to motion

Treatment varies from administering intravenous fluids to hospitalization and even surgery. It's of the utmost importance to pay shut attention to the onset of any of the above symptoms and act as swiftly as possible if pancreatitis is a possibility. While beingness of the more serious dog digestive issues, luckily, it's highly treatable if caught in fourth dimension.

Monitoring Your Dog

Now that you're aware of the 7 most common dog digestive issues, yous must remain alert for warning signs and go on to monitor your pup.

By taking the proper precautions, you aid your domestic dog live a long and happy life.

Domestic dog Digestive FAQs

For more information regarding canis familiaris digestive issues, please refer to the FAQs beneath.

If your dog is experiencing whatever of the negative symptoms discussed above, please seek immediate medical assistance from your veterinarian as soon as possible.

How Practice Y'all Know If Your Canis familiaris Has Digestive Bug?

Digestive problems in dogs are easy to spot once yous know what to await for.

Symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating are easily identifiable and are indicative of an upset stomach.

In most cases, these symptoms are fleeting and will dissipate on their own; however, if these symptoms get regular occurrences, information technology's important to seek medical assistance from your veterinary to discover the root of the trouble.

Other symptoms, such as constipation and stomach discomfort, tin can exist harder to identify. In these cases, it'southward important to observe your dog on their daily walks to meet if they're in any discomfort while handling their business.

Additionally, if your dog whines or cries when you rub their belly, it may be because of breadbasket discomfort, in which case, yous'll desire to phone call your veterinarian.

What Can I Requite My Domestic dog For An Upset Tummy?

If your dog has an upset tummy, it may be a good idea to fast your dog for up to 24 hours. Although it seems barbarous, this will give your dog a chance to empty his or her stomach, which in many cases, will alleviate any excessive bloating or stomach discomfort.

While your dog is fasting, brand sure fresh water is always available.

Once the fast is over, feed your dog, a bland diet consisting of unseasoned chicken breast and brown or white rice. If your dog responds positively to this nutrition and shows no signs of digestive issues, continue feeding this nutrition for an additional iv-v days.

At the stop of the 5 days, begin mixing their regular food into the chicken and rice and run into how they react. If your domestic dog appears to accept the food without issue, slowly integrate more than of their regular food until the chicken and rice are phased out entirely.

How Do I Know If My Dog's Tum Hurts?

If your dog is refusing to eat, airsickness, eating grass, or whining during belly rubs, at that place's a good take a chance he or she is experiencing stomach discomfort.

In these cases, it'southward important to put your domestic dog on a bland diet as soon as possible and to call your veterinarian.

How Long Does A Dog's Upset Stomach Last?

Symptom elapsing depends on the severity of the crusade: in many cases, digestive issues in dogs will resolve in as little as 1-2 days.

However, if the cause is more severe, symptoms can last much, much longer.

That'due south why we recommend contacting your veterinarian one time symptoms manifest so that your canis familiaris can receive the appropriate treatment equally shortly as possible.

What Is The Best Domestic dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs?

If your canis familiaris has any kind of food sensitivities, sticking to a bland (craven and rice) or limited ingredient diet can exist highly beneficial.

Lucy Pet's limited ingredient chicken, brown rice, and pumpkin dog food, and our duck and potato express ingredient dog nutrient formulas are an excellent option for dogs with food sensitivities.

Our express ingredient formulas are made with real meat equally the commencement ingredient, they comprise no meat by-products, and what's more than, they likewise contain healthy complex carbohydrates similar brown rice and sugariness potatoes.

Additionally, our limited ingredient formulas comprise our special P.B.F Prebiotic Balanced Fiber blend that promotes gut and digestive health, helping to reduce digestive problems similar those explained above.

Our P.B.F formulation is based on 40 years of research and studies by one of the tiptop scientists in brute nutrition, Dr. George C Fahey. It contains a unique, high-quality mix of fiber sources similar quinoa, flaxseed, and more!

Back up Your Dog'south Digestion With Lucy Pet Formulas For Life™

Lucy Pet'due south Formulas for Life™ dog food is precisely formulated to incorporate nutritious, all-natural ingredients delivering all the vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids your best friend needs to thrive.

Lucy Pet as well offers a variety of delicious, express ingredient dog treats for training your pup how to perform tricks or heel.

And so, make the switch today and care for your dog to Lucy Pet's Formulas™ for Life dog nutrient!

Sources

Sources
 American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/skilful-advice/health/what-to-practice-if-your-domestic dog-ate-chocolate/
Us National Library of Wellness: https://world wide web.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1215566/
Certa Pet, "Dog Diarrhea": https://www.certapet.com/dog-diarrhea/
 Merck Vet Transmission: https://world wide web.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system
 VCA Hospitals, "Inflammatory Bowel Affliction in Dogs": https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/inflammatory-bowel-disease-in-dogs