Most dogs will experience digestive problems at some point in their life.

As dog owners, we can’t always prevent illness. But we can do our best to help.

Today we’ve put together this post to give you some information on what can cause digestive issues in dogs… 

And to help you help them…

What Causes Digestive Issues In Dogs?

You might be wondering what the causes of digestive issues can be.

The truth is, there are many.

And it can start from  almost anywhere in your dog’s digestive system. Like their mouth, stomach or intestinal tract.

This can make it  hard to know what is really behind your dog’s digestive problems.

To help you, we’ve made a handy list of the most common reasons for digestive problems below…

Sudden Change In Diet

Change your dog’s diet too much, too fast, and you may see a bad reaction.

You see, dogs thrive on routine. Your dog’s diet is one of the biggest routines they have. 

That’s why disrupting a dog’s diets is at the top of the list for things you should check.

However some dogs need to change their food, due to vet’s advice.

But it’s important to take steps to introduce any changes slowly. This will give your dog’s digestive system time to get used to them.

If you suddenly change the type of food your dog eats, it might cause a bad reaction.

And because dog’s thrive on routine…

You should feed meals at regular times of the day to avoid causing stressful changes.

Stress

Stress is a common cause of stomach upset in dogs.

Have you recently moved house? Been renovating? Or been on any long journeys?

If it was stressful for you, then there’s a high chance it sparked stress in your dog.

The key here is to ease them into any changes gradually. This can reduce the risk of problems caused by stress.

Usually, your dog’s bowel habits will return to normal once the stressful period is over.

Toxins Or Allergies

Certain foods are toxic to dogs and will cause intestinal and stomach problems when eaten.

You probably know that this includes grapes, raisins, chocolate, onion and garlic.

But certain foods that are safe for the majority of dogs could also cause upset in some cases.

If you notice your dog has a bad reaction to a certain food, they could be intolerant to it.

Most vets can carry out allergy tests to determine the cause of this and recommend a solution.

Eating Things They Shouldn’t

Dogs love to explore.

And as you know, if they can bite something they probably will.

Now, most things won’t cause any serious problems.

But eating foreign objects can be a big cause of digestion and intestinal problems.

Signs Of Digestive Problems

If you’re worried about your dog’s digestion, you should seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

It is important to remember that symptoms like changes in appetite or rejecting food can be normal. 

And even many symptoms such as loose stools or vomiting can have a non-serious cause.

That being said, it is important to keep an eye on any of the following symptoms in your dog…

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Loose stools
• Constipation
• Excess gas
• Difficulty passing stools
• Blood in stools

If any of these symptoms appear, make sure you contact your vet who can advise the best course of action. Your dog could be having digestive problems.

How To Help Digestive Problems

Here’s the good news…

Many digestive problems in pets can be prevented.

The following easy measures can be taken to give your dog the best chance of a healthy, happy digestive system…

Feeding The Correct Diet For Their Stage Of Life

It is important to make sure that your dog has the right food for their age.

Each stage of life requires different nutrition. What a puppy needs from a food is very different from an elderly dog.

If you feed your dog food that isn’t designed for their age, they could be missing out on vital nutrients that benefit their digestive system.

Feeding The Right Amount Of Food

Just like humans, every dog needs a different amount of food.

Feeding your dog too much, or too little, can cause problems.

If you feed too much, your dog might become overweight. This can put more stress on their body and digestion.

If you don’t feed your dog enough, they won’t get the right amount of nutrients and can become underweight.

Avoid Table Scraps And Unhealthy Treats

Table scraps can be very unhealthy for your dog. This is because your food is usually cooked in oils and seasonings that can irritate their stomach. Foods high in salt, like bacon and sausages, can also cause stomach problems like pancreatitis. They are also very fattening.

Any treats you feed your dog should be healthy and low in fat. Some treats found in supermarkets and pet stores can be full of nasties.

Add Extra Healthy Foods To Your Dog’s Diet

Adding healthy superfoods to your dog’s diet can be a great way to boost their digestive system and help their overall health.

This includes raw vegetables and also certain fruits.

Just make sure they’re safe for dogs before feeding.

Consider Superfoods, Probiotics and Prebiotics

Superfoods, like certain fruit and vegetables can really help with good functioning of your dog’s digestive system.

Some dog owners also find that probiotics and prebiotics are great for reducing stomach problems.

You might be thinking that all of this might be difficult to find…

Or maybe you’re concerned about the extra costs on top of your normal dog food.

A good solution to this is to find everything you need in a supplement. There are many on the market that cater for all breeds of dog.

One of these is Canine Prime. A one-of-a-kind supplement for total dog health. 

Canine Prime combines 5 probiotics and prebiotics with 9 superfoods and a whole lot of other nutrients. 

These can aid digestion, prevent stomach issues and help overall gut function.

All in one simple powder…

So instead of sourcing a variety of different superfoods and probiotics, you can get them all in one sprinkle.

You can find out more about Canine Prime and it’s breakthrough formula here.

Final Tips For Keeping Your Dog’s Digestive System Healthy

Most of the time, your dog’s digestive problems will get better on their own.

But if you have concerns, it’s best to contact your personal veterinarian to determine the best plan of action.

Simple steps, like cutting out fatty and salty foods from your dog’s diet, can have a positive impact on their digestive health.

As can adding extra superfoods and nutrients to their diet.

And by using a supplement like Canine Prime, you can get all of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients your dog needs in one sprinkle.

You will get to know what works best for your dog…

So you can keep their digestive system healthy and keep them happy.

References

https://www.purina.co.uk/dogs/health-and-nutrition/symptoms-to-watch-out-for/digestive-problems

https://www.royalcanin.com/uk/dogs/health-and-wellbeing/what-makes-your-dogs-digestive-system-healthy