Wondering why your dog may have diarrhea? There can be many causes, including stress. Learn how to treat and prevent dog diarrhea from Purina pet care experts.
Does Your Dog Have Digestive Issues?
Have you noticed a change in your dog’s digestion? Do you suspect that your dog’s food or allergies are upsetting your dog’s stomach? Read on to learn the signs of dog digestive issues and how to treat them.
Dog Digestive Issues
Dog digestive issues, including gastrointestinal disease, are among the most common reasons why dogs are brought to their veterinarians. Dog digestive issues can be the result of:
- Food allergies
- Infections
- Dietary indiscretion
Causes of Digestive Problems in Dogs
Gastrointestinal disorders generally affect the dog digestive system and impair a dog’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients. These problems can be caused by a wide range of factors, including:
- An abrupt change in diet
- Trauma
- Indiscretionary eating
- Toxins
- Allergies
- Foreign objects
- Parasites
- Medications
- Infectious agents
Signs and Symptoms of Dog Digestive Issues
There can be a wide range of symptoms of dog digestive problems, including:
- Loss of appetite
- Excess gas
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty swallowing
Some dog digestive problems may resolve once the dog’s digestive system is given a chance to rest. However, more serious conditions could result in weight loss, dehydration and debilitation. If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Issues in Dogs
Once your veterinarian pinpoints the cause of your dog’s digestive issues, the type of treatment your dog receives will depend on the severity and type of problem. Treatment ranges from dietary management with special dog food for sensitive stomachs, medical management and, in some cases, abdominal surgery.
If additional diagnostic tests are needed, your veterinarian may recommend laboratory analyses, radiographs, or a procedure like an endoscopy, which involves inserting a tube with a small video camera into your dog’s digestive tract. This can help visualize the problem.
Since many gastrointestinal disorders can irritate the stomach and intestine, a diet that’s easily digested can help ensure your dog gets the nutrient balance necessary to support recovery. Discover our Sensitive Skin & Stomach formulas to learn more.
