Trouble shooting digestive issues in dogs
If you have a dog who is experiencing smelly farts, diarrhoea, constipation or constant tummy upsets, not only is it embarrassing and upsetting, it could indicate an underlying health issue that may need to get checked out.
Here are some things to consider and do before you get alarmed
With digestive tract issues, naturally our mind goes straight to the dog’s diet and the temptation is to simply change what you feed them. Some dogs are so sensitive that any change in their diet can result in a runny mess, so be sure to change it slowly and observe what happens.
How to change your dog’s diet
- Any dietary change should be done gradually. When you introduce any new food, mix it in with the dog’s current food, and over a period of time depending on how your dog responds, slowly decrease the proportion of that which you wish to wean them off.
- Be sure to check and take note of the colour and consistency of your dog’s poo. This is necessary to help determine what is happening inside their body.
- A light coloured poo is more likely there is liver involvement.
- Very dark or even black poo could indicate blood in the stool.
- If the poo is at either extreme you may want to get them checked out.
Your dog has diarrhoea, what should you do?
If your dog has diarrhoea, observe your dog’s overall well-being.
If they appear weak and lethargic with absolutely no interests in food of any kind, even boiled chicken mixed with some rice, this should raise the alarm that something is wrong, go and have them checked out.
Your dog is constipated, what should you do?
Constipation can occur for many reasons, it could be due to your dog having feasted on too many bones and there’s not enough gastric acid in their stomach to decalcify them and make them digestible. Rock hard poo can them be formed in their colon and be difficult to pass, this is generally temporary.
- A few teaspoons of old fashioned Castor oil can be helpful with passing them pass hard poo, especially when this change in their poo is sudden, and doesn’t happen all the time.
If your dog suffers from chronic constipation ask yourself if your dog gets enough walks. Moving helps the bowels move, which helps your dog to pass a motion.
Ongoing constipation always indicates an underlying intestinal weakness.
Homeopathy can help with digestive issues
If you’ve tried a few things and need more assistance, be assured that Homeopathy can support gut health in a safe and effective manner.
This month I’m offering a FREE 10 min pet phone consult. Book now to avoid missing out, and be sure to tell with friends and family who have a dog with offensive bowel odours!
