The gastrointestinal system of dogs carries out a variety of functions and a simple way to think of it is one long tube, starting at the mouth where food enters, and ending at the anus, where stools are passed out of the body.
Dogs can suffer from a variety of digestive issues, but there are some common ones which are easily spotted and treated. Find out more about the signs, causes and treatments of these common problems below.
While dogs can have robust digestive systems, they can be disrupted by several factors including infections, diet and lifestyle. As there could be several potential causes of the signs they develop, it’s important to consult your vet for further advice and treatment.
Vomiting and Regurgitation
Some digestive problems can result in your dog regurgitating or vomiting, which are two different bodily functions with different causes.
Regurgitation is a passive activity which can happen soon after swallowing, and results in your dog bringing up undigested, solid food. They may also show pain when swallowing. Vomiting is a reflex action which is accompanied by nausea, retching or excessive salivation; food and liquids are brought up and food may be partially digested in stomach acid. These signs are most often associated with digestive problems such as issues with the transport of food to the stomach via the oesophagus, and with the stomach or broader gastrointestinal system itself.
Signs and causes of diarrhoea in dogs
If your dog has diarrhoea, its bowels will empty more frequently than normal and stools may be of a looser consistency. Your vet will make the distinction between diarrhoea caused by small intestinal problems, and those caused by issues in the large intestine; the latter generally results in more frequent, mucus-like diarrhoea of a small volume.
Diarrhoea can be caused by your dog eating something which disagrees with them, a bacterial or viral infection, worms or other parasites, or can be an indicator of an underlying health condition or a diet that is unsuitable for them. Puppies are particularly at risk as they have very vulnerable digestive and immune systems.
An infestation of parasites, including roundworms, and protozoa like coccidia, can cause diarrhoea in your dog. Although de-worming can help get rid of worms in the digestive tract, your dog is still at risk as not all treatments are effective against all parasites.
Your dog may also have diarrhoea if they have a dietary hypersensitivity, or allergy. Gastrointestinal signs caused by food allergies are usually more chronic than diarrhoea caused by something like dietary indiscretion. However, if your dog has chronic diarrhoea, talk to your veterinarian before changing their diet as there may be another cause.
Treatment of diarrhoea in dogs
Depending on the underlying cause, your vet may recommend different treatments for your dog’s diarrhoea. This may include de-worming, medicine to treat an infection, and dietary management, such as giving them a specialised diet to help reduce the workload on the gut and help improve stool quality.
Signs and causes of constipation in dogs
If you notice your dog struggling to empty its bowels and straining, it may be constipated. Signs of constipation include having stool that is infrequent, hard or dry.
Constipation can be caused by a lack of exercise, diet, trauma, a change of environment or an underlying disease.
Treatment of constipation in dogs
Your vet is likely to recommend medication as immediate relief for your dog and may also suggest gentle surgical procedures depending on the severity of the problem. Dietary changes can also help manage this condition in your dog; for example, balancing the types of fibre in your dog’s diet can help improve stool quality and the overall health of their digestive system.
Signs and causes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in dogs
Like humans, dogs can be affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The signs can include chronic diarrhoea, vomiting and weight loss, which often become more frequent or severe over time.
Unfortunately, it’s not clear what exactly causes IBD in dogs, and it may stem from multiple problems. Because there can be many possible underlying causes, your vet will attempt to rule out all other causes first. Diet can play a significant role in management of dogs with IBD.
Management of IBD in dogs
Dietary intervention is often used to manage IBD in dogs. The amount of fat may be changed, and a highly digestible, high quality protein source included as part of their diet, so they get the energy they need without putting undue strain on their system. For some dogs with IBD, it can be beneficial to use foods whose protein content is supplied by hydrolysed proteins. This means the proteins are basically broken-down using enzymes into much smaller molecules, similar to what happens in normal digestion.
Summary
As well as diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting and regurgitation, your dog may exhibit changes in their behaviour and appearance which can signal digestive problems. For example, chronic digestive issues can cause an inability to absorb all the nutrients the body needs, leading to weight loss and a dry, dull, brittle coat.
Appetite changes, along with flatulence and abdominal discomfort, may be a sign of problems in the small intestine, and if your dog exhibits many of these signs frequently, this could indicate they are affected by a chronic gastrointestinal problem.
There can also be a combination of digestive signs relating to issues with some body organs that are involved with digestion such as the liver, pancreas and kidneys. Your vet is best placed to advise if this is relevant for your individual dog’s signs.
Getting to know your dog’s eating habits and other bodily processes is the first step in recognising when they may have a digestive issue. If their behaviour has changed significantly, including showing signs of vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea, it’s crucial to visit your local vet so they can advise you on the best course of action.
ROYAL CANIN® has a wide range of diets, in a variety of formats, to help support in the management of digestive problems; with nutrition tailored depending on the underlying cause.
Article sponsored by Royal Canin.
