Included in this article:
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Causes
- Treatment
- Gastric torsion
- What helps with stomach pain?
- Points to note
- Product tips
Gastrointestinal problems in dogs
Our dogs come into contact with germs, bacteria and viruses every day. They are curious and it quickly happens that the dog eats something during a walk that was not intended for its stomach. In the best case, these contacts remain without consequences, as our four-legged friends' own body defences register and fight the harmful germs. If the symptoms get worse or last longer than 24 hours, you should have them checked by a vet.
In this article we show you how to recognise gastrointestinal complaints, what causes there are, when you absolutely need medical support and how you can alleviate your pet's complaints.
How to recognise gastrointestinal problems in your dog
Gastrointestinal problems can be a side effect of various illnesses - so you should not take them lightly.
Typical symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Frequent licking of the muzzle
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Frequent belching
- Flatulence
- bloated stomach
- stomach noises
- Weight gain or loss
- Sensitivity to touch (especially on the stomach)
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
If your dog frequently goes into the so-called prayer position, this may indicate that he is trying to avoid stomach pain.
In the case of diarrhoea and vomiting, it usually helps to put your pet on a 24-hour diet - please make sure that he drinks enough water. If the symptoms last longer than 24 hours, you should seek advice from your vet.
In addition to visible and audible symptoms, dogs with stomach problems often suffer from:
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Pain in the last thoracic and vertebral joints
- Depressions in the spine
If you notice these warning signs, you should go to the vet immediately:
- Severe vomiting and/or with blood
- Blood in the faeces
- Fever
Causes of gastrointestinal upset in dogs
Some causes of an upset stomach are harmless and can be quickly remedied. Watch your dog and head to the vet's office if the condition worsens.
Typical causes:
- Stress - Triggered by small changes in routine (lots of visitors, meeting other dogs, loud noises, etc.).
- Changes in diet
- Food that is too cold - Tip: Take the food out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before feeding.
- Survived allergies, illnesses or operations
- Over-exertion
- Feed intolerances
- Worm infestation/parasites
- Infections with bacteria or viruses
- Food mites - can get into your dog's food via house dust. Tip: Store only as much food as your dog can eat within 4 weeks to prevent mite infestation.
- Certain medicines can irritate the stomach - please inform the vet in case of intolerance. Do not stop the medication on your own.
If you suspect any of the following causes, you should go to the vet's surgery immediately:
- Poisoning - Tip: Watch your dog closely while walking. Has he perhaps eaten a poisoned bait?
- Ingested foreign bodies can lead to intestinal obstruction in the worst case.
- Serious illnesses such as gastritis (inflamed stomach lining) or intestinal inflammation can also cause gastrointestinal problems.
What helps with gastrointestinal problems?
Fortunately, in most cases gastrointestinal problems in dogs are quickly overcome. To alleviate the symptoms, you should take the following tips to heart:
- If your dog has diarrhoea and vomiting, put him on a no food diet for 24 hours and make sure he drinks plenty of water.
- Adjust the food in consultation with the vet.
- Ensure a balanced amount of exercise and relaxation.
Preventing gastrointestinal complaints: this is how it works
Malnutrition and overeating are among the most common causes of stomach problems in your four-legged friend.
That's why an individual nutrition strategy is the most important way to prevent them.
This is what distinguishes good dog food:
has a high proportion of animal ingredients (meat) (more meat content than plant content)
- is free of unnecessary additives
- does not contain sugar
- is predominantly natural
If you know that your dog has a sensitive stomach, you can use special dog food for dogs with sensitive st omachs. It should be easy to digest and easy to digest - meat types such as chicken, turkey or turkey and pork liver are recommended. If your dog suddenly can no longer tolerate normal food, you should discuss a change of diet with your vet.
- Sufficient fluid intake: Always provide your dog with enough fresh water and make sure that he drinks enough.
- Besides proper nutrition, exercise and activity play an important role in the health of your pet. Long walks and sporting activities are very popular with most four-legged friends.
Rotten stomach vs. gastric torsion
Can you tell the difference between a bad stomach and gastric torsion in your dog? Untreated gastritis can, in the worst case, lead to the dog's death. If you notice the following symptoms in your dog after eating and walking, you should go to a veterinary clinic immediately:
- Restlessness
- Pain
- Shortness of breath
- Choking
- Heavy salivation
- Attempt to vomit if necessary
- Bloated, hard stomach
- Circulatory problems
- Panting
- Pale mucous membrane of the mouth
The symptoms may resemble an upset stomach at first, but this is an absolute emergency that needs immediate veterinary attention.
What is gastric torsion in dogs?
In gastric torsion (torsio ventriculi), the organ overstretches and then rotates on its own axis. This pinches off the blood vessels and nerves of the stomach and partially cuts off the blood supply. The dog can die within a few hours from a circulatory collapse, as its body is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen and blood. Large breed dogs such as the German Shepherd, the Boxer and the Great Dane are often affected by gastric torsion.
What are the causes of gastric torsion in dogs?
The causes of gastric torsion are usually not clearly identifiable - but there are factors that promote it. These include:
- Gulping down food too quickly.
- Only one large portion of food a day
- Romping around immediately after eating
- Excessive stress
- Frequent swallowing of air
- Weak gastric bands in older dogs
Tips: Anti-gulping bowls prevent hasty eating. Allow your dog to rest after eating.
Treatment of gastric torsion in dogs
Only quick action will help - therefore, visit a veterinary clinic immediately if there is any suspicion. A gastric torsion can only be treated surgically.
What soothes the intestines?
Many herbs can alleviate symptoms of minor complaints as a home remedy or - after consultation with the vet - as a supportive measure.
Here are some examples:
- Fennel: Fennel can help your dog with mucous membrane irritations or coughs - for example as a tea for colds. But the tuber is also a popular food and convinces with its high vitamin C content.
- Chamomile: Cham omile has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect - dried chamomile or chamomile tea quickly soothes gastrointestinal complaints.
- Marjoram: Marjoram helps with flatulence and other gastrointestinal complaints.
You should remember this
Dr.Clauder's for stomach and intestines
Puppies, older or sick dogs often have a weaker immune system and have little to counter the effects of harmful germs, bacteria or viruses. We can actively support our pets in building up their own immune system. Even in healthy dogs, strengthening the immune system helps to prevent possible diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the best possible way.
