Tummy troubles affect us all from time to time and our dogs are no different. Symptoms of digestive distress can vary from quite mild to severe, and unfortunately there are dozens (if not hundreds!) of potential causes. Very unhelpful, we know!
Trying to self-diagnose your dog’s digestive issues on the internet can be a harrowing experience and it’s easy to get carried away and want to rush them to the vet immediately. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common causes of tummy troubles and outline some simple interventions which can make a huge difference to your pet’s gut health, without any costly or stressful trips to the vets.
Why Is Gut Health Important?
The canine gut, just like yours, relies on a diverse and abundant range of gut flora to stay in optimal health. In fact gut health has arguably the biggest overall impact on your dog’s wellbeing, with an unbalanced gut flora leading to a range of digestive issues.
The gut is the gateway to your pet’s overall health and wellbeing, acting as the first line of defence against harmful pathogens and toxins, whilst also supporting the absorption of vital nutrients from their food. With over 70% of your pet’s immune system being present in their gut, maintaining optimal gut health is super-important to keeping them feeling healthy from the inside out.
The gut also controls certain elements related to behaviour, energy levels and even seasonal allergies. ‘How is this even possible?!’ we hear you cry. Well, it’s made possible by something called the microbiome. You may have started to come across this term more regularly, as we humans also have a gut microbiome that performs very much the same as our canine companions’ does.
Essentially your microbiome is a delicately balanced, complex ecosystem made up of trillions of microorganisms, living within your digestive tract (i.e. the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, etc.) The microorganisms that make up the microbiome perform a variety of essential functions, including assisting with digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, disease prevention and even regulating mood. When the balance of the microbiome is off, it can affect a range of different areas, not just gut health.
What Do The Experts Say?
It was great to listen to the amazing Dr Carol Hughes at this year's Natural Dog Expo, sharing her expert knowledge. Dr Hughes outlined that for many dogs, their gut microbiome has been compromised due to several environmental factors of modern life.
Overuse of household cleaners and chemicals for example, exacerbated by the global pandemic, have a hugely negative impact on both human and canine gut microbiomes. Dogs ingest antibacterial agents from the environment by licking their paws and coat, which in turn negatively affect their gut flora balance.
Dr Hughes analysed over 10,000 canine faecal samples, finding that a once diverse and healthy biome containing hundreds of different types of gut flora, now on average contain only a handful.
What Can We Do To Help?
Interestingly a large amount of these beneficial bacteria missing from our dog’s gut are abundant in the forest leaf litter during the Autumn.
With that in mind, Axel’s advice would be to go out and enjoy your local forest. Getting out into the forest, woods or park can really help your dog’s microbiome become repopulated by the good microbes and help restore their overall gut flora balance.
But we’re not just here to talk about the microbiome though. We’re here to talk about what you can do generally to improve your pet’s gut health and offer practical advice on how to help restore balance to their digestive system.
What Are Some Common Symptoms?
Common symptoms that may indicate that your dog is experiencing a digestive health issue include:
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Excessive Gas
- Loss of Appetite
- Weight Loss
- Abdominal Pain, Swelling or Distension
- Lethargy
What Can We Do To Help?
1. High Quality Balanced Diet: A cornerstone of good digestive health is a high quality balanced diet. Opting for easily digestible protein sources and foods rich in fibre like carrots, pumpkin or broccoli will help to promote a healthy digestive system. Healthy fats, like those found in fish oil, are also essential for nutrient absorption and contribute to your pet’s skin and coat health. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can also have anti-inflammatory benefits for the gut.If your doggo is unfortunate enough to suffers with a sensitive stomach, bone broth can also be extremely beneficial. The gelatin contained in bone broth soothes, protects and heals the lining of your pet’s digestive tract, keeping everything working exactly as it should. This can be especially beneficial for dogs with leaky gut syndrome or other digestive issues such as colitis or irritable bowel syndrome. Adding a couple of Happy Bones to your dog’s meals could do wonders for their digestive health.
2. Be Mindful of Food Intolerances and Allergies: Food allergies or intolerances can cause chronic digestive issues, with common allergens including chicken, beef, dairy and grains like wheat or corn. If your dog frequently suffers from digestive problems outlined above, this may be a sign that they have a food intolerance or allergy. In these instances, we would recommend consulting your veterinarian who may recommend an elimination diet to identify the problematic food. Hypoallergenic dog food or novel protein sources like venison or duck may be helpful in managing food sensitivities.
We would also recommend you always read labels and avoid foods with artificial additives, preservatives, or too many fillers, as these can often be the cause of tummy troubles. The introduction of any new food or treat should always be done gradually, as to not negatively impact the balance in your pet’s gut and allow you to easily identify any specific intolerances.
3. Probiotics and Prebiotics: Consider incorporating probiotics (live beneficial bacteria that support the gut's natural flora) and prebiotics (non-digestible fibres that feed beneficial bacteria) into your pet’s diet. You can find a range of dog supplements on the market containing both prebiotics and probiotics, with the former also commonly found in foods like bananas, asparagus and chicory root. Our Happy Bones also contain prebiotics that can help to feed and support the good microbes and flora in your dog’s gut.
Before investing in any probiotic supplements however we would always encourage you to do your research, as there are several considerations and things to look out for, including the number of different strains, cost, palatability and the specific health function you’re trying to support. The quantity of microorganisms in a product is generally measured in billions of CFUs, or colony forming units, so this is also something to look out for strength-wise.
4. Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise helps to promote a healthy digestive system and keep everything moving through your dog’s system as it should, with the added benefit of keeping them fit and reducing the risk of other health concerns like obesity. Creating a calm and stress-free environment for your doggo will also help, as stress can negatively impact their gut microbiome.
Keeping your dog hydrated will also help with nutrient absorption, as a well-hydrated dog can process food more efficiently - this will also help prevent issues like constipation. It’s important to always provide your four-legged friend with fresh drinking water and monitor their intake, particularly during hot weather or after exercise. If your dog isn’t drinking enough water, you could try adding a couple of Happy Bones to their food, giving them all the benefits of bone broth outlined earlier, whilst also helping to keep them hydrated. Happy Bones are over 90% water, so they can add a delicious and nutritious splash of hydration to your pet’s mealtime.
Conclusion
Whilst it’s clear that gut health can be an incredibly complex area, it is important to take some time to understand what’s going on with your dog’s gut, as this controls so much of their overall health and wellbeing. It’s clear that good digestive health begins with a high quality balanced diet, supported by regular exercise and specific supplementation where your pet may need it.
Armed with a better understanding of the gut microbiome and how it supports your pet’s immune system and the healthy functioning of almost every organ in their body, you’re better placed to support them and keep them feeling healthy from the inside out.
For more helpful advice and guidance, check out our Blog Hub or contact us directly by emailing hello@axelselixir.com and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.