Common Remedies for Dog Digestion and Nausea Issues
The dog digestive system is complex. It is a system that takes care to balance and maintain, yet is susceptible to all kinds of problems. Unfortunately, it is a system that regularly sends pets and their owners to the vet. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common dog digestion problems encountered. Plus, get tips on common remedies, including hemp oil for dogs.
I Don’t Know Anything About my Dog’s Digestive System!
No worries! Most pet owners are not veterinarians. When you think of the digestive system you may only think about the stomach. However, a dog’s digestive system encompasses much more. It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, rectum, and anus. This system has four main functions:
- Digestion – Enzymes found in saliva in the mouth begin breaking down the food chemically. Once swallowed, digestion continues in the stomach.
- Absorption of nutrients – As food passes moves through the body and to the intestines, important nutrients are absorbed from the food.
- Motility – Motility refers to the movement of food through the digestive tract. As in whether the body is properly moving it throughout the system. Motility can be compromised due to an obstruction.
- Elimination of feces – Elimination of feces, or pooping, gets rid of the leftover food and other unnecessary components in the body. Healthy elimination is an indicator that gut bacteria are doing their job to break down food.
The digestive system is essentially the path that food follows from beginning to end. Now that you understand which areas are a part of this complex system, you can understand how diverse the problems that affect it can be.
Common Causes of Dog Digestion Problems
The cause of dog digestion problems are plentiful and range from minor to severe. The root of the issue can be a simple as the ingredients in their food or as unexpected as an underlying condition. Besides, some dog breeds are prone to specific digestion problems or diseases. Before you panic about any of the following causes of dog digestion problems, take your pet to a vet. The following list of common diagnoses’ should not be used to self-diagnose a pet.
An abrupt change in diet
Unknown to most, a sudden switch to your dog’s food can cause an upset tummy. When switching foods it should be a slow change.
Foreign objects
Plenty of dogs get into things they shouldn’t, oftentimes eating a bit as well. In this scenario, a dog may end up with a blockage. Sometimes it will pass by itself and cause discomfort, other times surgery may be required.
Medications
Most medications have a risk of side effects. And while the likelihood that your dog will experience one of these side effects is slim, it is possible. Many of them can cause both minor and severe problems in the digestive system.
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites
A dog’s digestive system is delicate and is a constant balancing act. If it is thrown off, whether due to bad bacteria, a virus, or parasite, it can lead to some nasty side effects and sometimes, fatal issues.
Symptoms of Dog Digestive Issues
There will be visual indicators that your dog may be facing digestive problems. Keep an eye out for the following. If for any reason you think that your dog is seriously ill, you should seek the attention of a vet immediately.
- The loss of appetite, including eating or drinking.
- If your dog vomits blood or vomits yellow.
- Diarrhea or loose stool.
- Constipation.
- Weight loss.
- Excess gas or flatulence.
- Straining when passing stools, or not passing stools.
- Blood or mucus in the stools.
Easy Digestion Dog Foods
If your dog is facing digestion problems due to their food, look for easy digestion dog foods. They can be a quick solution for dogs with allergies or intolerance. Alternatively, you can feed your dog a mix of chicken and rice. This mix is an easy to digest, single-protein and low-fat option, that your dog will love. For regular food, consider the following brands.
Canidae Grain Free Pure Dry Dog Food
For adult dogs, Canidae’s first ingredients are lamb, turkey meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, and peas.
Wellness Simple Ingredient Dry Dog Food
With deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes. For adult dogs only.
Hill’s Prescription Diet I/D Digestive Care Wet Dog Food
Fine for both adults and puppies, the first five ingredients are water, turkey, pork liver, rice, modified rice starch.
Common Remedies
Once your dog is diagnosed with a digestion problem, your vet will recommend a treatment. Here are some of the most common remedies.
Surgery
This option is most often needed due to an obstruction, to remove the foreign body. In some cases, however, surgery may be required to help diagnose the issue or resolve a more serious problem, like a defect.
Fluids
In simpler cases, a dog’s digestive problems can be resolved with fluids. This is often used for animals with severe hydration who are experiencing vomiting and diarrhea.
Drugs
Drugs are commonly prescribed for digestive issues. Whether to eradicate bad bacteria or a virus, or to prevent post-surgery complications.
CBD Oil for Dogs
A more natural remedy, CBD for dogs has a range of benefits. By balancing the endocannabinoid system, it promotes healthy digestion and overall wellbeing. Besides, it can improve appetite and provide natural relief.
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