As is the case with humans, dogs can experience flatulence or diarrhoea if they ingest something that disagrees with them. This is typically referred to as a sensitive stomach. Just to be clear – this refers to a mild upset of the digestive system, which includes a gurgling gut and sickness and diarrhoea. Given how important your dog’s digestive system is when it comes to absorbing nutrients in food, you need to be aware of any issues and take steps before things get worse. Read on to find out everything you need to know about sensitive stomachs in dogs.
The causes of a sensitive stomach
Some dogs are born with a sensitive stomach that they’ve inherited, and it can affect them at any age. Other pups may be affected by diet change or over-indulgence. Another issue that affects lots of dogs is worms, while bacterial infections and travel sickness also can’t be ruled out. It’s super important to diagnose your dog’s issue as early as possible, so you can start the correct course of treatment before things get any worse for them.
The symptoms to look out for
The most obvious sign of a sensitive stomach in your dog is diarrhoea or loose stools. You can also tell if your dog has a stomach upset if they’re passing excessive wind or if they’re not eating particularly well. Equally, you might notice blood in their stool or vomit. Even the most active of dogs might be less inclined to go for exercise if they’ve eaten something that disagrees with them, so behaviour change is another thing to look out for. So, if you notice any chronic changes that influence your dog’s stomach and digestive tract, it’s best to take them to a vet as soon as you can.
It’s also helpful to know that the symptoms of stomach upset in dogs are similar to those that humans experience with conditions like IBS, IBD, colitis, gastroenteritis, and pancreatitis. It’s for this reason that it’s important to seek advice from a vet as soon as you notice any symptoms. Another thing to watch out for is that a sensitive stomach can lead to itchy skin in dogs. If you notice your canine companion scratching a lot, it could be a sign that they have an upset.
Treating your dog’s sensitive stomach
When you realise that your dog has a sensitive stomach, consider what you’re feeding them. Begin by cutting out scraps and treats and make sure you are only feeding them high-quality pet food. Here are some important points to think about when seeking to improve your dog’s diet:
- Look for food that is easily digestible with a moderate fat content.
- Restricting your dog’s diet to specific foods is a good idea, as it will help to identify the food that is the cause of the issue.
- Some dogs experience issues when digesting certain proteins, so limit them to one protein source until you identify the issue.
- Certain grains may cause an inflammatory reaction in a dog’s digestive system, so look for grain-free pet food as a temporary solution.
- Feed your dog high-quality food that is free from artificial additives.
- The best products for your dog are those that are balanced and nutritionally complete.
Pure Pet Food’s pure and natural diets tick all of the above boxes, and their tailored meal plans are an excellent solution for your dog’s digestive issues. They include the likes of apple, parsnip, and egg, which all help to get your dog’s stomach back to working order.
The best dog food for sensitive stomachs
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, the best food you can feed them is highly digestible and low in fat. This ensures your dog receives more nutrients for the volume of food that they consume. You need to also be mindful of the fat content, as fat is one of the most difficult things for dogs to digest. What’s more, because a dog’s digestive tract is short, grain is difficult for them to digest, and it can lead to inflammatory issues in the gut.
The bottom line is that you should prepare meals for your dog that contain natural ingredients that don’t lead to GI issues. Dog food that is ultra-processed (sometimes referred to as kibble) is not at all digestible and can cause your dog’s stomach issues to worsen. So, discover the perfect meal plan for your dog today and set about improving their symptoms.
