As a dog owner, you take responsibility for everything in your pup’s life. So, it can be alarming when your dog shows signs of digestive issues. Dogs’ digestive issues can range from mild to severe and indicate anything from a relatively minor illness to a severe underlying problem that requires medical attention. The good news is that most digestive issues are treatable or at least manageable with the proper care.
Knowing the most common symptoms will help you prepare for any potential problems and identify when it may be time to seek professional help for your furry friend. Let’s take a look at some of the telltale signs of trouble and solutions for common canine digestive issues.
Common Signs of Digestive Issues in Dogs
Digestive issues are a common concern for dog owners, especially in puppies. However, it can be challenging to determine whether your dog has digestive issues since it is possible for them to be caused by various factors. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian right away so that they can help you determine the cause:
- Vomiting or diarrhea (especially if accompanied by other symptoms)
- Unusual weight loss or gain
- Loss of appetite
However, you can avoid digestive issues if you feed your dog proper meals over time. One such recommendation for dry dog food is Purina Pro Plan Focus, which is suitable for your pet’s digestive system. However, you can also consult with your vet for an appropriate diet plan for improving your dog’s gut issues.
Indigestion
Indigestion is a common digestive problem in dogs. It’s characterized by pain or discomfort in the abdomen and can lead to vomiting, gas, and diarrhea. Indigestion can be caused by many factors, including eating too fast, consuming too much food at once, or even eating something your dog doesn’t tolerate well (like bones). Your vet may recommend several different treatments for indigestion, depending on the underlying cause of your dog’s symptoms.
Diarrhea
Loose and watery stools can be caused by many things, including a change in diet, stress, or an infection. If you’re concerned your dog is experiencing diarrhea (the passage of loose, watery stools more than three times per day), it’s worth having them checked out by a veterinarian.
Vomiting
Vomiting is a common symptom of many digestive issues, including food intolerance, parasites, and infection.
In general, vomiting is not a serious condition by itself. However, it can be a sign of a more severe illness such as pancreatitis or bloat if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain or distention.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is one of the most common signs of digestive issues in dogs, and it can be a sign of other illnesses as well. To get a better idea of what’s going on with your dog’s weight and how to help him put it back on, here are some common causes:
- Malnutrition (or not getting enough nutrients from food)
- Poor quality of food (such as dry kibble)
- Lack of exercise or activity level
- Stress
Constipation
If you have a dog, you probably know one thing: they love to eat. But sometimes dogs can overeat and become constipated. Constipation is a common problem in dogs, but it’s not dangerous if treated properly. Many people don’t even realize that their dog is constipated until they see some of these symptoms:
- Changes in behavior (they seem more sluggish than usual)
- Lack of interest in food or water
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
If your dog has these signs and no other illness is present, it’s likely due to constipation. However, remember that the treatment for this condition depends on the cause of your pet’s digestion issues. So if you suspect that your pet has ingested something toxic or spoiled food that caused an upset stomach with vomiting and diarrhea, you should contact a veterinarian immediately!
Dehydration
Dehydration is a serious issue that can affect your dog’s health, especially if left untreated. If you notice any of the following symptoms in your dog, it’s time to bring him to the veterinarian for an examination:
- Dry gums and thin skin
- A loss of appetite or decreased thirst
- Lethargy
If you see these symptoms in your pet, immediately consult with a professional. Your vet may ask questions similar to those below to assess dehydration levels and make an effective treatment plan:
- When did you first notice these symptoms?
- How long have they been present?
- Did anything trigger this episode?
- Is there anything else unusual about their behavior?
Stomach Pain or Stomach Gripping
Pain and stomach gripping are both symptoms of a dog digestive issue. When your dog is in pain, you may notice them lying down or holding their stomachs. When they are gripping their stomachs, they may be reluctant to eat or drink water and seem lethargic. If your dog has diarrhea and is gripping their stomachs, they could also have bloody stool or blood in the vomit (if he vomits).
If you see any signs that your dog may have a digestive issue such as these, go to the vet immediately! However, you should never wait until it worsens because it can become life-threatening for your pup.
Lethargy
Lethargy is a symptom of many different health problems. Lethargy causes your dog to be lazy, sleepy, and inactive. Lethargy can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as a lack of energy, motivation, and enthusiasm.
This issue may be caused by:
- Underlying medical illness such as kidney disease or heart disease (not uncommon in older dogs)
- Dehydration (the signs are similar to those of lethargy, but the dog will likely refuse water)
Conclusion
It’s essential to know the symptoms of dog digestive issues so that you can help your furry friend get better quickly.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, it could be difficult for you to tell if they’re having an issue with their digestive system or not. It may seem like they’re just being lazy or unresponsive when in reality, there may be something wrong with their stomach! If they’ve been eating grass, vomiting, or losing weight without any other explanation as to why this is happening (such as a new diet), then the chances are high that there is indeed an issue with their digestion system, and it’s time to take action.
If the symptoms are severe or last for more than a couple of days, bring him to see his vet. In addition to being aware of the signs of dog digestive issues, you can also work with his vet to identify ways to improve his diet and an exercise regimen to keep him healthy overall. If your dog does get sick in the future, we wish him a speedy recovery!
