Chronic Digestive Problems in Dogs

Helping Your Dog With Chronic Digestive Problems

Many dogs suffer from chronic digestive problems, and the incidence is on the rise. Veterinarians are often at a loss to pinpoint the exact cause and end up treating the symptoms rather than addressing the root issue.

Why is it so hard to diagnose chronic digestive problems in dogs? There are many reasons, most of which revolve around the fact that dogs cannot speak for themselves, leaving veterinarians dependent on the owner’s description of the problem. As a concerned pet owner, you can help your veterinarian diagnose the issue by following a few simple guidelines:

Correcting Chronic Digestive Problems

The most common treatment for chronic digestive disorders in dogs is a change in diet. This usually involves switching to food that is easier to digest or a diet that avoids certain reactive ingredients. Owners often embrace this new regime, taking home bags of kibble and cans of wet food. Once home, they donate the old kibble to a shelter and begin the new diet immediately.

However, there are two major issues with this approach. First, the sudden change in diet often leads to diarrhea. Second, owners forget to discard old treats, chews, and biscuits, and don’t purchase new, vet-approved treats that won’t aggravate the dog’s digestive issues.

A dog’s diet should always be changed gradually to avoid further digestive upset. Typically, the transition happens over four days: On day one, feed three parts old food and one part new food; on day two, it’s a 50/50 mix; on day three, give one part old food and three parts new food; and by day four, the dog should be fully transitioned. Sometimes, a veterinarian will recommend an even slower switch, depending on the dog’s digestive sensitivity. Regardless, when introducing any new food to your dog, whether they have chronic digestive issues or not, the change should always be gradual.

Treats, chews, and biscuits can be particularly harmful to a dog with an upset stomach. Many contain wheat, sugar, corn, and preservatives, which can irritate an already sensitive digestive system. Thankfully, there are many treats available that are free of these ingredients and won’t exacerbate the problem. Always read the ingredients carefully! If you can’t pronounce an ingredient or if it includes something your vet has recommended avoiding, don’t give it to your dog.

My Dog Never Eats Anything I Don’t Know About!

We all know that kids, spouses, friends, and visitors sneak food to dogs—it’s just a fact of life! In addition, dogs often help themselves to grass, bugs, crumbs, food dropped under the table, dead animals, socks, and who knows what else.

The most surprising part is that your vet knows this, so when an owner insists that their dog never eats anything they shouldn’t, it’s taken with a grain of salt. If your vet suggests testing for Giardia, it’s worth listening. They may have seen cases recently and could suspect that your dog drank from a puddle or ate something they shouldn’t have while on a walk—something you might not even remember.

Was it Yesterday or the Day Before that My Dog Vomited?

With chronic digestive issues, keeping a daily journal of your dog’s food, water intake, activity level, and elimination habits can greatly help your vet make a diagnosis. Note anything unusual, such as mucus in their stool, vomiting, grass-eating, or excessive drinking. Your vet will appreciate the detailed record!

A Little Pepto Won’t Hurt Him!

Human medications are sometimes used to treat chronic digestive issues in dogs, as their systems are similar to ours. However, the dosing is species- and weight-specific, and some medications that are beneficial to humans can be lethal to animals. Never use human medication unless specifically directed by your vet.

Let’s Wait Until Morning to Take Him to the Vet…

We all know that emergency vet visits can be expensive, and while waiting until morning may seem like an option, it can often make the situation worse. The most common digestive problems in dogs are vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. If a vet visit can stop the vomiting and diarrhea early—thus maintaining hydration—it may prevent the need for hospitalization, sparing your dog from unnecessary trauma and saving you money.

Chronic digestive problems in dogs are common and may take several attempts to diagnose correctly. Once a diagnosis is made, there is often a steep learning curve for the owner in managing the condition and identifying flare-ups before they turn into emergencies. Work closely with your vet, ask questions, read up on the condition, and learn to recognize early warning signs in your dog. With patience and care, managing these issues is possible. Good luck!