We all try to do right by our pets when it comes to their diets, but lord knows, they don’t make it easy. How many times have your turned away from your plate for just a second, only to turn back around and see the entire dinner vanish down your Labrador’s throat? How often have you taken your greyhound for a nice walk in the park only to see them emerge from behind a tree with a burger wrapper hanging out of their mouths? And how often have you been putting the shopping away and had to usher them away from that nice bit of cheese you were saving for a special occasion?
It goes without saying that the proper training can help your dog to be slightly less relentless when it comes to the food-foraging, but we’re often guilty of over-indulging our pets too, slipping them a bit of food off our plates because they’ve been very good or simply looked too adorable to ignore, or giving them an extra treat because, well, we love them!
However, while “hungry” is always a very easy emotion for a dog to convey, it can be harder for them to tell us when they’re having issues further down the line. Digestive issues are very common in dogs but that doesn’t mean that they’re not dangerous. It’s vital that you keep a keen eye out for any signs of developing problems in their digestive system, and that you take some easy preventative measures to keep everything working in tip top shape. Let’s have a look at some of the warning signs that can let you know that something isn’t right.
Diarrhoea
One of the more easily spotted symptoms of a digestive problem with your dog is diarrhoea, but it should not be written off as your pup struggling to handle something that they shouldn’t have eaten. It can also be caused by an infection, as excess fluid is passed into the intestines in response to some harmful bacteria, and it can be a sign that your dog is struggling to absorb the nutrients they need as the result of a virus. If your dog is suffering from these symptoms, then it is very important that you consult your vet as soon as possible. Even if the illness isn’t being caused by one of the more alarming problems listed above, they will be able to advise you on some ways to stop this issue recurring.
Bloat
Now we’re moving into the less immediately obvious signs that your dog is struggling with the food it has been ingesting. It’s important to keep an eye on your pet’s stomach, as that can often tell you what they can’t themselves. If your dog is having a hard time with digestion, you will often see that their tummy has becoming bloated, swollen or distended. This is categorically not a problem that you should ignore.
Bloat is often the warning sign of something a lot more serious, and if left untreated it can be fatal. When your dog’s stomach is stretched due to gas or food, a situation arises that is known as gastric dilation volvulus, or GDV. Not only is this extremely uncomfortable and even painful for the dog, but it also stops the blood from getting to the stomach. Other symptoms of bloat can include drooling, restlessness and retching without being able to vomit. If you think that your pet is exhibiting signs of bloat, it’s vital that you get them to the vet as quickly as possible because time is very much of the essence.
While some breeds of dog are more prone to suffering from bloat than others, there are some things you can do to help lower the risks. Dog foods that are high in fat should be struck off your shopping list, try not to exercise them immediately after eating, and if you’ve noticed that your pet is a very fast eater, then it’s worth investing in a slow feeding bowl. Finally, as with many of these issues, it’s important to try and keep your dog at a healthy weight as it’s often a problem with overweight pets.
Gas
We’ve all experienced the unique aroma of a doggy fart (and, in fairness, some of us have blamed our own on the pet), but if your dog is passing wind to an excessive degree, it’s usually a sign that something isn’t right. A particularly foul smell is also a dead giveaway that they’re having trouble processing something, so If the problem persists then it’s time to consult your vet as it can be one of the signs that your dog is developing bloat.
One of the potential causes of excess gas in your pet is leaky gut, something that happens when your dog is struggling to digest food that’s high in sugar and carbohydrates. A common culprit for this in pet food is grains, a cheap building block of many pet foods that raises the sugar levels in your dog’s blood. This is one of the many reasons why a lot of pet owners prefer raw dog food, which is all-natural and grain-free. If you look up grain free dog food UK, you’ll find several reasons why making this switch is the right thing to do for you pet, and Bella & Duke has done a lot of research into all the health benefits for both dogs and cats.
Constipation
If your dog has not passed a stool in over 24 hours, then they are suffering from constipation. Other tell-tale signs include struggling to defecate, and indicators of discomfort or pain when they are doing so. You’ll notice that their stools are hard and small, and there may be some spots of blood in their poo. If your dog is constipated, you will also notice that their anus is swollen and red, and there may be some mucus. This is another problem that should not be ignored as it can lead to more severe issues if left untreated, so if you notice these signs, contact your vet ASAP.
Your dog can become constipated if they’ve eaten something that they can’t easily break down, often something like a bone, or something containing bones and hair. So, if your doggie is fond of snaffling around in the trash looking for food waste, you’re going to want to keep an eye on that! It can also be brought about by a lack of fibre and exercise, and other internal problems.
Vomiting
Any pet owner will tell you that being sick isn’t always a sign that something is seriously wrong with your dog. It can often be brought on by simply eating too much too quickly, or because they’ve eaten something that they shouldn’t have done. It’s not always pleasant for them, or for you, but it’s certainly an efficient way of dealing with a problem! However, if it persists, it could be a sign of something nastier. Your dog may be vomiting because they’ve swallowed something that they can’t pass (often an object like a toy), or something toxic, or it could be a symptom of a larger health issue like bacteria or something viral. If your dog is continuing to be sick, make sure to call your vet right away.
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