Like humans, dogs can suffer from digestive problems . Diarrhea , vomiting … These signs may be harmless, but they can also reveal a deeper underlying issue that absolutely must be addressed .
But how can you tell if your dog's digestive problems are pathological, or simply related to indigestion ? And above all, how can you understand where they come from?
BFPetfood explains everything.
Digestive problems in dogs: what causes them? 🐕
Digestive disorders in dogs can encompass many symptoms: vomiting , diarrhea , bloating , or even loss of appetite.
They can be the expression of a benign problem, but also the sign of a more serious disorder.
Indeed, a dog's digestive system , composed of the stomach , small intestine , colon , and associated glands , plays a vital role in nutrient absorption. Therefore, any disruption to this system can have repercussions on its overall health.
But what could be the causes of digestive upset in your dog ? And when should you be concerned? BFPetfood presents the 8 most common causes.
1 – A sudden change in diet
First, if your dog is suffering from unusual diarrhea or vomiting, it could be due to a sudden change in diet . Have you changed the brand of wet dog food ? The flavor of dry food ? The treats ?
If so, be aware that your dog's digestive problem could stem from this. It could mean several things:
- Your dog's digestive system needs time to adjust to this new food.
- The new kibble contains an ingredient that he does not tolerate.
This is precisely why, when changing your dog's diet , a gradual transition is often recommended. Start by mixing the new kibble with the old food so your pup can get used to it slowly! 🐶 BFPetfood's tip:
If you haven't changed your pet's eating habits , it might mean they're intolerant to an ingredient you're giving them, or that they're having an allergic reaction . Don't hesitate to check the ingredients of their kibble and wet food to be sure!
2 – An unsuitable diet
As you probably know, some ingredients are forbidden for dogs because their intestinal system cannot digest them. However, dogs tend to be greedy and will eat anything they find.
Chocolate, onions, grapes, cooked bones, or dairy products can be toxic or cause digestive irritation.
If your dog has a digestive problem, pay close attention to what he eats, and what he may not be eating.
3 – A foodborne illness
Of course, bacteria , viruses and parasites can contaminate food, especially if it is poorly stored.
So check the expiry date of the wet food , and above all, remember to clean your dog's bowl ! Indeed, if you give him wet food , traces of wet food left in the bowl can breed bacteria , which may cause digestive problems.
4 – Excessive stress
As with humans, stress , whether occasional or chronic , can disrupt a dog's digestive system.
Stress can result from a change in the family environment, a prolonged separation, or even noisy factors such as fireworks.
In practical terms, digestive problems caused by stress are often accompanied by unusual behaviors such as restlessness or withdrawal. If you observe this type of behavior in your dog, be sure to create a calm and secure environment where he feels comfortable.
5 – A lack of physical exercise
Dogs are pets that need exercise, movement, and running… And too much inactivity can lead to digestive problems in dogs. For example, if you only take your dog for a short daily walk without planning any longer outings, they are likely to get bored.
Make sure he gets regular physical activity ! This will not only be beneficial for his physical health, but also to regulate his appetite.
6 – Intestinal inflammation
But the origin of a dog's digestive problem can also be related to something other than its environment . It can also stem from a temporary illness that causes irritation of your dog's intestinal system.
Inflammation of the digestive tract, such as gastroenteritis or colitis , is a common cause of digestive problems. These conditions can be bacterial, viral, or even related to an allergic reaction.
If this is the case, you will need to make an appointment with a veterinarian as soon as possible in order to provide your dog with appropriate treatment.
7 – Chronic digestive disorders
Besides viruses and bacteria, your dog can also suffer from chronic digestive problems. In this case, the symptoms will appear frequently, with the same symptoms each time.
These inflammatory bowel diseases always require treatment by a specialist. Some can be treated, while others involve changing your lifestyle.
8 – Intestinal parasites
Finally, internal parasites such as worms can also be responsible for numerous digestive problems. Parasitic infestations not only cause vomiting and diarrhea , but can also lead to malabsorption of nutrients, resulting in progressive weight loss.
Ask your veterinarian for advice to find out if this applies to your dog!
How to prevent digestive problems in your dog? 🐩
Chronic illnesses, infections, food allergies, excessive stress… The causes of digestive problems in dogs can be numerous. This sometimes makes diagnosis a little complicated!
If your dog vomits only occasionally, simply pay attention to what he eats. But if it's a frequent occurrence, it's time to take some action.
Start by investing in good quality kibble specifically formulated for dogs with digestive issues . Its composition is designed to maintain a healthy digestive balance in your dog and to prevent irritation of sometimes sensitive intestinal systems .
Also, schedule regular appointments with your veterinarian so that they can monitor the progression of symptoms and advise you on any changes to make.
And above all, in all cases, pay close attention to your dog . Trace what he eats to understand the source of his problem: it is this attention to detail that can shed light on the origin of the issue.
Digestive problems in dogs: when to consult a veterinarian?
If your dog vomits or has diarrhea from time to time, it is most likely benign.
However, regardless of the frequency, if you observe a decrease in energy in your pet and it becomes lethargic , don't wait to go to the vet! It could be a sign of a more serious infection.
If you observe any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your vet immediately:
- Blood in the stool or vomit
- A significant loss of energy
- Obvious pain (your dog cowers, doesn't want to move…)
- Difficulty having a bowel movement
- A recurrence of digestive problems
- Refusal to eat
- The persistence of symptoms despite your efforts
🐶 BFPetfood's tip:
Initially, following a digestive upset, we advise you to remove his kibble for about 12 hours , to allow time for complete digestion.
Always give him fresh water, but remove his food to see if the problem persists. This is a good way to determine if it's due to his food , or something else!
Develop good habits to avoid digestive problems in dogs!
Digestive problems in dogs can be numerous. While these issues may be minor, be sure to remain vigilant for potentially more serious symptoms!
Start by analyzing your dog's eating habits and watch for signs of worsening conditions. Offer kibble adapted to their food intolerances, create a safe and secure environment every day, and above all, consult your veterinarian.
Prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to digestive problems in dogs!
