Dogs Digestive System Articles

Keeping your dog’s digestive system working properly is easy if you understand the specific parts of the dog digestive system, how they work, and the importance of diet and nutrition. The dog digestive system is also connected integrally to your dog's diet and nutrition. Many of the common digestive issues such as diarrhea and constipation can all be easily prevented and treated with a more conscious effort on your part on what you feed your dog and a simple diet change. Learn tips on how to keep your dog's digestive system functioning well, the symptoms to look out for if it breaks down, treatments to help you relieve your dog of his discomfort and what you can do to prevent future issues below.

• Why Your Dog Has Diarrhea: 5 Possibilities

  If you notice that your dog has diarrhea, you will have to determine the cause for this condition and establish whether you need to see a vet or you can treat your dog...

• Which Dog Diarrhea Medicine Has Proven Results?

  One of the most effective dog diarrhea medicine options is easy to find and safe for all ages. Canned pumpkin is something dogs love and seem to help control mild cases of diarrhea.

• When to Take A Puppy With Diarrhea to the Vet

  A puppy with diarrhea can cause its owner considerable concern. Viruses, bacteria, parasites or food changes all cause diarrhea in puppies.

• What to Feed a Dog With Diarrhea

  If you have a dog with diarrhea, his diet should be significantly changed. A case of acute diarrhea may be treated at home, while chronic diarrhea should be taken to the vet.

• What to Do for a Constipated Dog Beyond Laxatives

  Many pet owners have faced the challenge of a constipated dog. Due to the canine tendency to eat any food item that is available, dogs tend to experience a higher rate of indigestion and related problems as compared to cats and other pets.

• What Is the Most Effective Canine Constipation Home Remedy?

  It's important to use an ideal canine constipation home remedy to treat your pet if he suffers from chronic constipation. Home remedies, unlike conventional medicines, don't cause side effects.

• What Is the Best Dog Constipation Remedy?

  Constipation in dogs is a problem that's uncomfortable for dogs and owners alike. Finding a dog constipation remedy that works will not only alleviate discomfort for all involved, but may prevent further bouts of constipation in the future.

• What Causes Diarrhea in Dogs?

  Diarrhea in dogs is a common condition characterized by frequent bowel movements and abnormal stools that are softer than usual. The key to treating dog diarrhea is to understand the different types of diarrhea and their causes.

• Vomiting problems in Dogs

  It is definitely possible that you might be seeing a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) when daily vomiting is a problem. It would also be a good idea to rule out parasites (worms and protozoans like giardia). Food allergies cause some cases of chronic vomiting but not too many.

• Using Immodium to Treat Dogs With Diarrhea

  Diarrhea is a frequent medical concern for dogs and dog owners.If your dog gets diarrhea often, immodium may be a viable treatment option.

• Using a dog laxative for your dog’s digestive problems

  Dog laxatives are a type of medication to relieve dog constipation. The best type of canine laxative and dosage amount can be recommended by your vet.

• Understanding Dog Diarrhea Treatment and Prevention

  Canine diarrhea is both a highly common and also a potentially serious symptom. Dog diarrhea treatment varies widely according to the situation...

• Ulcerative Colitis in Dogs

  Ulcerative colitis in dogs is an inflammatory condition of the large intestine. It's most often associated with Irritable Bowel Disorder or with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

• Treatment Options for Gastritis in Dogs

  Gastritis in dogs is a common ailment in the canine world. Because of his sometimes indiscriminate eating habits or because of another irritant such as disease...

• Treatment Options for Dog Diarrhea

  If your pet has diarrhea, you can try some forms of dog diarrhea treatment. In most cases, a mild case of diarrhea will resolve itself in a day or two, but recurrent diarrhea, or diarrhea that's bloody or very watery, may require veterinary treatment.

• Treating Dog Gas Problems

  The first step in treating gas in dogs is identifying the cause. Once you are able to determine what is causing your dog to have gas, you can take the steps needed for treatment.

• Treating Diarrhea in Dogs with Imodium

  Although there are several treatment options available to treat diarrhea in dogs, you should first find out the cause of the diarrhea instead of merely administering over the counter drugs to treat the symptoms. Diarrhea is characterized by loose or watery stools along with symptoms of gastrointestinal upset.

• Treating Chronic Diarrhea in Dogs with Paraguard

  Diarrhea in dogs is not just a literal pain for canines, but a cause for worry especially if it is chronic. Chronic diarrhea is when a dog has diarrhea for more than three weeks, and it can be a symptom of an intestinal illness that may be serious.

• Treating Canine Constipation With Bisacodyl

  It is important to determine the cause of any canine constipation problems. Constipation in dogs can be the result of an electrolyte imbalance (especially in an older dog), a metabolic problem (kidney failure) or due to an obstruction (an object swallowed accidentally or enlarged prostate gland).

• Treating Bloat in Dogs: 4 Helpful Tips

  Bloat is the common name for a condition known as Torsion and Gastric Dilation-volvulus or GDV. Bloat manifests as an expansion of gas, food, or fluid in the stomach.

• Treating Bad Dog Gas: 6 Steps

  Bad dog gas is not a true emergency, but it certainly can seem like one sometimes. If your dog is not experiencing any signs of illness such, as severe diarrhea or vomiting, you can treat bad dog gas with the following six steps.

• Treating a Dog with an Upset Stomach

  A dog with an upset stomach may show some mild signs such as vomiting and diarrhea, which only requires some easy home remedies to fix. However, if the vomiting persists, it may be more serious and require veterinary treatment.

• The Digestive Process in Dogs

  The digestive process in dogs is a simple process that can be broken down by parts of the body. It starts with the mouth as that is how food enters a dog's system.

• The Difference Between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is often confused with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as their symptoms are fairly similar. Most dogs that suffer from persistent vomiting are diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease.

• The Difference Between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is often confused with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as their symptoms are fairly similar. Most dogs that suffer from persistent vomiting are diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease.

• Symptoms of Small Intestine Diarrhea in Dogs

  Diarrhea in dogs is generally a symptom of underlying disease. Although most causes of diarrhea are related to the pet's gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea often occurs due to the side effects of certain medication and severe conditions such as lymphosarcoma.

• Symptoms of Colitis in Dogs

  Colitis in dogs is the inflammation of the large intestine, also known as the bowel. Colitis is a general term that covers a variety of ailments with different causes, ranging from irritable bowel syndrome to acute colitis. No matter the variety of colitis your dog has, prescription treatment should be sought to alleviate the problem.

• Suggested Dog Food for Diarrhea

  Diarrhea in dogs can often be attributed to their dog food; most dogs suffer from periodic bouts of intestinal upset, but if it is a recurrent problem, it could be a food sensitivity. If you make a change in dog food, diarrhea symptoms may subside.

• Stop Dog Diarrhea With Over-the-Counter Products

  A list of effective products and procedures that can help relieve your dog from bowl problems.

• Stomach Bloat in Dogs

  Stomach bloat in dogs is a condition that warrants immediate medical help. Since the symptoms mimic other gastrointestinal problems, pet owners often overlook the condition.

• Rimadyl (Carprofen)

  Rimadyl (Rx) (Carprofen) is reported to be much less likely to cause gastrointestinal upset and kidney damage than older non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications.

• Relieving Dog Stomach Problems at Home

  For mild dog stomach problems, often all your dog needs is a little rest and a bland dog diet for a few days while he heals. However, before you begin treating stomach problems at home, make sure you know the problem isn't serious.

• Recalled Dog Food and Treats 3

  Complete list of recalled dog food and treats.

• Recalled Dog Food and Treats 2

  Make sure you're not feeding your pet recalled food and treats. Check our comprehensive list of recalled dog and cat foods.

• Recalled Dog Food and Treats 1

  What pet owners should know about dog and cat food products that have been recalled.

• Puppy Diarrhea Treatment

  Puppy diarrhea is more common than diarrhea in older dogs, as puppies have a weaker immune system and are also exposed to several parasites. Puppy diarrhea may also be a consequence of an inappropriate diet.

• Probiotics for Dogs with Diarrhea

  When confronted with the problem of diarrhea, probiotics for dogs may be the right course of action to get things cleared up and get your dog back to normal. It is considered a healthy, normal form of treatment.

• Probiotics for Dogs That Help Digestion Problems

  Probiotics are a number of bacteria and yeast that can be added to the dog's diet to help digestion. There are bacteria and yeast cells in the dog's gut and these are healthy, ensuring a balanced digestion.

• Primary Causes of Dog Diarrhea and Vomiting

  Dog diarrhea and vomiting are two symptoms that can go hand in hand. Diarrhea and vomiting can signal a severe illness, but it may also be a sign of an upset stomach.

• Poor Digestion in Dogs

• Perianal Adenoma and Perianal Adenocarcinoma

  Perianal adenomas are usually a benign tumor that affects older, intact, male dogs. In male dogs these occur in tissues around the rectum that are responsive to androgens (like testosterone) and develop into benign tumors under the effect of these hormones

• Pancreatitis and Pancreas Problems 2

  Dr. Mike, We have a 2-1/2 yr. old miniature schnauzer, Duffy, that is having some difficulty with his pancreas. We lost a 5 yr. old. two years ago to pancreatitis so are reaching out to stave off this horrible ailment before we lose our precious Duffy.

• Pancreatitis

  Canine Medical Encyclopedia

• Pancreatic Insufficiency

  Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is usually a life long problem. It may be a good idea to try to confirm that it is present, although the response to treatment is certainly very suggestive.

• Natural Treatment for IBS in Dogs

  Since the cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a mystery, veterinarians don't always have a pill for treatment of IBS. Luckily, there are many natural remedies and diet changes that may improve your dog's health.

• Natural Dog Remedies for Canine Incontinence

  Canine Incontinence is different from submissive urination. Submissive urination occurs when a dog (usually a young pup) is acting submissive to a person or to another dog.

• Natural Dog Laxative Remedies

  Learn more about choosing and using a natural dog laxative. Discover natural remedies proven successful by pet owners, and know when you should use a laxative and when to call a vet.

• Natural Dog Diarrhea Remedies

  Dog diarrhea may occur due to a food the dog has consumed, but it may also be a symptom of a more serious health condition.

• Natural Dog Constipation Remedy Options

  A natural dog constipation remedy may be the perfect treatment for your distended dog. Constipation can be painful, awkward and can lead to further complications if not treated.

• My Puppy Has Diarrhea - Preventing Dehydration

  When a puppy has diarrhea it is important to prevent dehydration when these symptoms begin.

• My Dog Has Diarrhea: Next Steps

  If your dog has diarrhea there are tried and true methods for relieving his misery. In some instances, diarrhea is a sign of inflammatory bowel disease and will require professional help.

• My Dog Experiences Diarrhea and Vomiting - What Do I Do?

  If you own a dog, diarrhea and vomiting will most likely be part of your experience. Most dogs go through periods of gastrointestinal distress and the condition resolves itself in a few days.

• Megaesophagus in Dogs

  Megaesophagus is a condition that occurs when the pet's esophagus fails to contract and expand normally. The esophagus is the tube that connects the dog's throat to the stomach and transports food down the throat for proper digestion.

• Megaesophagus in Dogs

  The treatment protocol for megaesophagus is what you have stated already - careful feeding, proper choice of food and quick treatment of secondary problems associated with the regurgitation which in most cases is aspiration pneumonia.

• Medications that Cause Constipation in Dogs

  Some medications can cause constipation in dogs, the result of a side effect to medication taken for some other medical condition. Some of these medications include antihistamines, antacids, diuretics and iron supplements.

• Larynx and Throat Problems in Dogs

  Most dogs that have been "debarked" still vocalize, they just make a lower pitched sound that is quieter. So it seems a little odd that your poodle doesn't make any sound at all. There are two surgical approaches to debarking that I know of.

• Is Your Dog Not Eating? Learn Why This Happens

  There are many reasons why a dog is not eating including a stomach bug, throat problems, reverse sneezing, or stress.

• Is There an Effective Dog Indigestion Remedy?

  The appropriate and most effective dog indigestion remedy will be best determined by what's causing the ailment in the first place. Dogs commonly experience indigestion, and when it's a simple case that should pass within a day or two, a simple treatment option should suffice.

• Is Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea Common After Surgery?

  Dog vomiting and diarrhea may occur following surgery as a side effect of any medications your dog may be taking. However, be sure to discuss the side effects of post-op medications with your vet, because vomiting and diarrhea are not common after dog surgery.

• Is Diarrhea in Puppies a Side Effect of Certain Medicines?

  Illness often causes diarrhea, but the troublesome condition is also a side effect of many medications. If your puppy is taking medication, be certain to watch for any bowel changes.

• Is Colitis in Dogs Hereditary?

  Colitis in dogs is the inflammation of the large intestine. This inflammation can be acute or suddenly occurring for a brief time, or it can be chronic or long lasting.

• Intussusception in Dogs

  Intussusception in dogs can be a life threatening condition if it isn't treated. Dogs with intussusception usually need surgery to correct their condition. However, intussusception is largely preventable. Read on to learn more.

• Intussusception

  Intussusception occurs when a section of intestine over-rides another section, trapping it inside in a telescoping effect.

• Intestinal Blockage in Dogs

  Intestinal blockage, or bowel obstruction, in dogs is common; dogs are vulnerable to this condition because they aren't particularly picky about what they eat. Intestinal blockage may mean only a partial obstruction of the intestinal tract, or it could be a total obstruction of the intestines.

• Insufficient Digestive Enzymes in Dogs

  Digestive enzymes are important to a dog's overall health, in that they are responsible for many aspects of proper digestion. Digestive enzymes help to initiate certain chemicals in the body into action and also help to repair damages inside the digestive tract.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs

  Inflammatory bowel disease, also known as IBD, is characterized by a constant invasion of white blood cells in the intestines or colon. The white blood cells are released by a dog's body in a natural response to fight off infection, but what they end up doing is creating a lot of unnecessary inflammation in the colon or intestines.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

  I strongly agree with your feeling that it is better to control inflammatory bowel disease through dietary means than with corticosteroids, when it is possible to do that. It is also worth trying therapies other than corticosteroids prior to settling on them.
  

• Infectious Diseases of Dogs

  Canine influenza has been in the news lately. At the present time this appears to be an adaptation of equine influenza that can infect dogs and spread from one dog to another. It has been seen in Florida, Wisconsin and New York, so the odds are good that it has spread widely in the U.S. at this time or that it will soon.

• Inducing Vomiting In a Canine After Ingesting a Foreign Object

  Whether or not to induce vomiting in your canine depends on what he has eaten. In some cases, it is appropriate.

• Incontinence in Older Dogs

  Older dogs are especially vulnerable to health problems, including incontinence. While urinary incontinence can occur in younger dogs due to congenital deformity or injury to the nerves controlling the bladder muscles, the condition typically affects older dogs, and can be hormonal in nature.

• Impacted Colon in Dogs

  An impacted colon occurs when the rectal cavity becomes backed up with fecal matter. While it may take some time for the symptoms of an impacted colon to become obvious to a dog owner, the condition is serious and requires treatment just the same.

• Identifying Dog Gas Symptoms

  Dog gas can be treated fairly easy, especially if you can pinpoint the cause and identify the symptoms.

• Identifying A Constipated Dog: 3 Signs

  Dogs get constipated, too. Most dog owners can't recognize the signs of constipation. If you know what to look for, you can ease your dog's uncomfortable state right away.

• IBD in Dogs

  Dear Dr. Richards I have a very bright and normally highly energetic 3 year old Shiba Inu named SaSi who has some sort of digestive difficulty.

• How the Dog Digestive System Works

  A dog digestive system is different than a human's and therefore dogs process and eat differently than us. This is important to know and understand so that you can feed your dog the correct diet and be aware when something goes wrong.

• How Effective Are Herbal Cures for Diarrhea in Dogs

  Herbal cures may be used in dogs with different ailments. Diarrhea can be cured with herbal remedies, but not in all cases.

• Home Remedies for Dog Flatulence

  Everybody laughs about dog flatulence, but it can be a sign of an uncomfortable or potentially serious gastrointestinal problem. Before you start making dog fart jokes, be sure your pet is not suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, parasites, a viral inflammation or a pancreatic disorder.

• Home Gas Remedy for Dogs

  Nearly every dog will experience some occasional problems with flatulence or canine gas; most often, this is not the sign of any problem, but it's still useful to keep in mind a good home gas remedy for your pet. In other cases, the gas problem may become chronic.

• Herbal Relief for Constipation in Dogs

  Constipation in dogs is a common occurrence and may be due to an item ingested by the dog or an internal problem. If the constipation is not caused by a serious internal problem such as a tumor, herbal relief is available.

• Herbal Dog Remedies for Canine Diarrhea

  Canine diarrhea is a common ailment that is often caused by mild illnesses or stomach upset. This can usually be treated with dietary changes and herbal remedies.

• Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis or HGE

  Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) usually causes a very sudden onset of vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration and depression. Dogs affected by this condition get very sick, very fast. This can be life threatening so it is important to treat each instance aggressively. Some dogs have one bout of this in their entire life and others have repeated incidences that seem to correspond with stressful situations.

• Healthy and Unhealthy Puppy Poop Consistency

  Whether you are a first time dog owner or a seasoned veteran at raising pets, you may need a brief refresher course on how to tell if your puppy is healthy based on his puppy poop. The waste deposits that young dogs leave behind are a good indicator of many different things about their health.

• Giardia

  Giardia is a protozoan parasite that lives in the intestine of affected animals. It is unclear whether there are several species of this parasite or whether there is one species that affect several different animals, including people.

• Gastrointestinal Disease in Dogs

  Gastrointestinal disease in dogs can be either minor or more serious in nature. Dogs most commonly suffer from dietary intolerance, toxicity due to ingestion of poisonous substances, inflammatory bowel disease and stomach cancer.

• Gall Bladder problems in dogs

  If the gallbladder is not functioning properly it will almost always cause problems with the liver. Usually, if sludging of bile in the bile ducts or gallbladder occurs then there is a rise in the alkaline phophatase level and there is usually a rise in the ALT as well.

• Foodborne Dog Illness Symptoms: A Short Diagnostic Guide

  Foodborne dog illness symptoms can mean your dog has contracted botulism, salmonella infection, or e. coli infection. Here's a guide to the symptoms of these common foodborne dog illnesses.

• Female Dog Incontinence Treatment

  Female dog incontinence is one of the most common problems facing older female dogs, or ones who have been spayed. Female dogs are more prone than males to incontinence, which occurs when a dog no longer retains full control over the muscles of the bladder.

• Fecal or Bowel Incontinence

  I asked the staff about its medical condition and was told she had no anal tone. Her lack of anal tone causes her to have fecal incontinence. My question is, can this be medically or surgically treated? I am going to call my vet tomorrow and ask her but I would like a second opinion.

• Fecal Incontinence in Dogs

  Fecal incontinence in dogs occurs when a dog is no longer able to control his bowel movements. This can often happen when a dog is sleeping, walking around the house or playing outdoors.

• Dog Vomiting: How to Determine the Causes and Choosing a Cure

  Dog vomiting can be an unsettling spectacle to witness. Not only is your dog uncomfortable, but he may also be suffering from something a bit more serious than a simple puke-fest.

• Dog Toilet Training

  Successful dog toilet training is a very important aspect of integrating your dog into your house. There are several skills to make housetraining work, including developing a feeding schedule and establishing a consistent designated toilet area.

• Dog Throws Up Every Morning

  If you notice that your dog throws up nearly every morning, there is likely some sort of gastrointestinal disturbance or issue that is causing him to experience this problem. Unfortunately for your diagnostic process, dogs tend to vomit quite regularly and for a number of different reasons, many of which are not particularly serious.

• Dog Throwing Up Undigested Food

  If your dog is throwing up undigested food you needn't panic. Most pets throw up food and undigested matter at some time or another during their entire life span.

• Dog Stomach Problems

  With many possible causes of dog stomach problems, it is critical to pay attention to your dog's normal habits. Some diseases and disorders require urgent treatment to prevent death or serious complications.

• Dog Kidney Disease Treatment with Dialysis

  Dog kidney disease and renal failure are serious diseases that affect canines, mostly senior canines. Dialysis is a treatment option that may help dogs with kidney dysfunction.

• Dog Gas Pain

  If a dog is experiencing gas pain, it may be difficult to discover. If the condition is mild, it may be temporary and isn't likely to lead to further problems.

• Dog Food for Canine Colitis Treatment

  Canine colitis is a common dog affliction, and most dogs face a bout of colitis at some point in their lives. The disease itself is difficult to assess on sight alone, but it typically results in frequent bowel movements, diarrhea and other related intestinal upsets.

• Dog Feeding Tips for Preventing Canine Constipation

  Canine constipation, like constipation in any animal, is the condition of an inability to defecate, or a profound difficulty in defecating. Constipation is not usually a very serious condition in dogs, but if left untreated it can lead to extreme discomfort on the dog's part, and possibly even more serious problems.

• Dog Digestive Problems

  Dog digestive problems are common, and all dogs are affected by vomiting and diarrhea or constipation at least once during their lifetime. The digestive problems may be caused by various factors including viruses, the ingestion of foreign objects or cancer.

• Dog Diarrhea: Prevention, Causes, Symptoms and Warnings

  Dog diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is a serious condition that can be fatal for your dog. If your dog moves its bowels more often than usual and the bowel movements are watery, its a sure sign of dog diarrhea.

• Dog Articles
• Cat Articles
• Local Veterinarians
• Ask A Vet