Look For Signs Of Digestive Problems In Your Dog
Maintaining your dog’s health is very important. Giving him Life’s Abundance dog food can be an easy way to keep your dog healthy. If you have recently noticed some changes in your dog’s behavior while eating or defecating, this could be a sign of digestive problems. If you notice any changes in your dog’s digestion, bowel habits, or eating behavior, it’s best to take them to the vet for a full examination. However, there are also many signs you can look out for that may indicate certain digestive problems.
Understanding your dog’s digestion and what is “normal” for them with their bowel movements and other bodily functions is helpful because you can immediately notice if something is wrong.
Diarrhea and digestive problems in dogs
Diarrhea is a common symptom of digestive problems, especially with the large and/or small intestine. If Dogs have diarrhea they feel they have to move their intestines more often and do it regularly enough. The stool tends to be more liquid, less dense and may contain mucus. The condition of the colon causes the dog to have small volumes of diarrhea but excretes it very often.
Constipation in dogs
Constipation is another common symptom of digestive problems, and the potential causes may be several. If your dog is constipated, their stools will appear hard or dry, and they will have less frequent bowel movements. They may also show signs of increased tension when trying to pass a bowel movement.
Adult dog lying on a leather sofa.
Vomiting and regurgitation in your dog
Some digestive problems can cause your dog to regurgitate or vomit, which are two different body functions with different causes.
Regurgitation is a passive activity that can occur immediately after swallowing and causes your dog to excrete solid, undigested food. Your dog may also show pain when swallowing. Vomiting is a reflex action accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or excessive salivation; food and fluids rise to the top, and food may be partially digested in stomach acid. These symptoms are most commonly associated with digestive problems, such as problems with the transportation of food to the stomach via the esophagus, and with the stomach or the wider digestive system itself.
Your dog’s behavior and appearance
As with diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and regurgitation, your dog may exhibit changes in behavior and appearance which can signal digestive problems. For example, chronic digestive problems can result in an inability to absorb all the nutrients the body needs, leading to weight loss and dry, dull, brittle hair.
Changes in appetite, along with flatulence and stomach discomfort, maybe a sign of problems in the small intestine, and if your dog exhibits these symptoms frequently, it may indicate chronic digestive problems.
Identifying eating habits and other bodily processes is the first step in recognizing if your dog has digestive problems. If the behavior has changed significantly, including showing signs of vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea, it is important to visit your local vet so they can advise you on the best course of action.