As pet parents, we want our doggos to be as healthy and happy as possible. While the occasional bathroom accident is a relatively normal part of living with a four-legged friend, there are times when our pets’ tummy troubles could be a sign of something serious.
Some dog digestive issues are fairly minor and can clear up on their own within a few days. Others can be more serious, leading to health problems such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition, and even stunted growth.
Keep reading to learn more about five common dog digestive issues including causes, signs, and how to address them.
Vomiting
As far as dog digestive issues go, vomiting is a relatively frequent problem, as it can be an indicator of health issues ranging from minor to severe.
Causes of dog vomiting can include:
- Food allergies
- Intestinal parasites
- Eating too fast
- Ingestion of something toxic (cleaning products, antifreeze, unsafe foods, etc.)
- Motion sickness
- Overheating
- Nausea as a result of various health issues
If your pup throws up and then happily continues with his day, he may have just resolved the issue on his own. If he’s vomiting frequently or throwing up undigested food, though, it’s worth visiting the vet.
Diarrhea
Like vomiting, dog diarrhea is practically inevitable at some point or another—especially since our furry friends have an affinity for exploring with their mouths!
Causes of dog diarrhea can include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Illness or other health issues
- Food allergies
- Change in diet
- Parasites
- Eating spoiled food (or something unsafe for dogs)
As with vomiting, dog diarrhea is not always a cause for concern and can typically run its course in a matter of days. That said, if your dog’s diarrhea is accompanied by other signs of illness such as vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite, it’s a good idea to visit your vet.
Constipation
If your dog is having trouble doing his business—or not going at all—he may be constipated.
Common causes of dog constipation include:
- Lack of exercise
- Dehydration
- Not eating enough fiber
- Intestinal blockage
- Stress or anxiety
- Matted fur near the rear end
- Underlying health issues
Make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise and water. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, it may be worth talking to your vet to get to the bottom of the issue.
Parasites
Roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, and heartworms—regardless of the type, they’re all unpleasant. One of the most obvious signs that your dog has worms is seeing the evidence in his poop. However, other signs of worms include: coughing, diarrhea or loose stool, vomiting, and scooting.
Causes of worms in dogs include:
- Mosquito bites, which can lead to heartworm
- Feces from other dogs
- Fleas
- Contaminated water
If you suspect that your dog has worms, talk to your vet about the appropriate next steps.
Bloating
We’ve all experienced occasional bloating, often after eating a large meal. When dogs become bloated, though, it’s a much more serious problem. Bloating can cause your dog’s stomach to twist or flip, and can be a dangerous issue.
Common causes of dog bloating include:
- Consuming toxic ingredients
- Eating too fast
- Eating too much
- Intestinal blockage
If your dog is bloated, his enlarged belly may be easily visible and firm to the touch. Other signs of dog bloating include vomiting, restlessness, panting, and excessive drooling. Allow your pup plenty of potty breaks to get rid of that extra food; you may also want to reduce the amount of food you give him the next day.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to discuss potential health issues with your vet for a proper diagnosis.
Promote Healthy Digestion with Pet Honesty
As a pet parent, there are many steps you can take to promote your dog’s digestive health: reduce stress, provide plenty of opportunities for exercise, and feed your dog a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet, for example.
You can also give your dog dietary supplements to support his digestive system. Choose a high-quality supplement with lots of prebiotic fiber, or a probiotic to replenish and rebalance your pup’s gut. Supplements containing fibrous ingredients such as green veggies or pumpkin are also a great option.
Not sure where to start? Try Pet Honesty’s Digestive Probiotics Chews, made with a blend of natural ingredients including pumpkin, carrot, sweet potato, and flaxseed in addition to probiotics and enzymes. These vet-recommended soft chews promote healthy digestion and intestinal health to keep your pup feeling happy and healthy. Plus, they come in a tasty duck flavor that your dog is sure to love!
Sources:
https://www.lucypetproducts.com/blog/7-most-common-dog-digestive-issues/
https://bondvet.com/b/digestive-issues-in-dogs-causes-prevention-and-treatment
https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/healthcare/dog-gastrointestinal-and-digestive-problems
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/introduction-to-digestive-disorders-of-dogs
