Poor digestion in dogs may be a temporary problem, but may also be permanent and is due to genetics, an imbalanced diet or may signal an underlying health issue. The cause of poor indigestion should be detected and there are a few ways to help a dog with digestion problems.
Symptoms of Poor Digestion
A dog with poor digestion may display a number of symptoms that may include:
- Lack of appetite
- Bloated stomach
- Vomiting undigested food or clear fluid
- Constipation (no feces for over 48 hours) Adult dogs should defecate once per day.
- Stomach cramps and stomach pain
- Stomach ulcers
- Flatulence
- Undigested food in feces
- Lethargy, due to the fact that the nutrients are not assimilated
- Weight loss
- Dull coat
- Dry skin
Causes of Poor Digestion
Poor digestion can be a genetic problem, but it may also be caused by the dog’s diet. A diet that is rich in fats and proteins and lacks the necessary fibers will not be properly digested.
Also, poor digestion may signal the dog has a health issue, which can range from allergies to cancer. A dog with poor digestion may be affected by:
- A tumor, cyst or polyp located in the stomach or digestive tract
- Stomach ulcers
- Unusual production of gastric juice
- Autoimmune diseases
- Dehydration and lack of sufficient water
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Intestinal occlusion
- Anemia
- Food allergies or intolerance to different ingredients
- Fungal or bacterial infections that disrupt the normal micro flora of the stomach and digestive tract
Poor Digestion Remedies
If the poor digestion is caused by an underlying condition, the vet will prescribe a treatment and the digestion should be normal again.
If the dog has a poor digestion due to no detected causes, there are a few remedies and digestive aids that can be used. Firstly, the dog’s diet should be thoroughly analyzed and the vet may recommend a diet that has all the nutrients. The lack of necessary fibers or an excess of proteins and fats can affect the digestion.
Preventing Poor Digestion
Poor digestion cannot always be prevented, but there are a few tips that may facilitate the dog’s digestion. Fiber supplements are always recommended. Fruits, vegetables, rice, oatmeal or seeds are rich in fibers and can be added to the dog’s normal diet.
Alternatively, yogurt, which is an essential source of probiotics can be fed to the dog.
Digestive enzymes, glucosamines or glutamines can also be supplemented to ensure a normal digestion in your pet.
If you notice your dog has a slow digestion rate and he doesn’t respond to fibers or other supplements, you should visit a vet clinic for a checkup. The dog may be affected by a medical condition that causes poor digestion.