Caring for Dog Indigestion

Dog indigestion is a common problem that many dogs experience at some point in their lives.

Changes in diet, eating too fast, or consuming something that doesn't agree with their stomach may lead to dog indigestion. As pet parents, it is important to properly understand how to care for our furbabies when they experience indigestion.

In this article, we will discuss how to identify indigestion in dogs and ways to provide necessary care. By understanding how to manage and care for dog indigestion, we can ensure our dogs stay healthier and happier.

What is Dog Indigestion?

Because of the limited variety in your dog's diet, it can be surprising when they experience dog upset stomach. Many pet parents mistakenly assume that dogs possess an exceptionally resilient and vigorous digestive system.

Why Does It Happen?

Typically, dog indigestion can be attributed to the following primary gastric issues:

Excessive accumulation of stomach acid: Normally, stomach acid helps break down food in humans and dogs. It aids digestion by turning food into nutrients and waste. However, overproducing stomach acid can be problematic.

It leads to increased pressure within the gastric system, resulting in dog stomach ache, discomfort, and bloating. To counter this, a dog's body instinctively seeks to relieve the pressure by any available means, often resulting in the release of pressure through the dog's openings, namely the mouth and anus.

Stomach inflammation: This can trigger muscle contractions leading to a dog throwing up.

Intestinal inflammation: This prompts muscle contractions within the intestines, accelerating the passage of stomach contents through the digestive tract. This rapid transit allows insufficient time for proper fluid absorption back into the intestines, causing diarrhea.

Recognizing the Signs of Dog Indigestion

The first step in caring for your dog's indigestion is to recognize the signs. Some common symptoms of indigestion in dogs include:

Treating and Preventing Dog Indigestion

After identifying signs of indigestion in your furbaby, there are various measures you can take to manage their discomfort:

Give it time. In many cases, indigestion in dogs can be a one-time occurrence caused by something they ate. Sometimes, the best option is to let nature take its course and see if the issue resolves on its own.

Withhold Food. Giving your dog a break from food for 12 to 24 hours allows their digestive system to rest and recover. This period of fasting can be beneficial for their overall health. During this time, their body can focus on repairing any issues or imbalances in their digestive system. It is important to ensure that your dog has access to fresh water during this fasting period.

After the fasting period, you can gradually reintroduce food to their diet, starting with small, easily digestible meals. During this intentional pause in feeding, your dog's gastrointestinal tract can pause and recover from any problems it may have been experiencing.

Offer Small Meals. To reintroducing food to your dog, start with easily digestible, small portions. Then, gradually increase the amount over time. This incremental feeding strategy serves as a thoughtful means to support your dog's digestive system as it transitions back to its regular eating routine.

Commencing with small meals allows dog's upset stomach to reacquaint itself with the process of digestion without overwhelming it. You can gradually increase the amount of food you give to your dog as they become accustomed to eating again. This will help their digestion adjust to the change more easily.

Provide Digestive Supplements and Multivitamins. Enhance gut health in dogs by incorporating beneficial digestive supplements into their diet, such as probiotics or enzymes. These supplementary additions can play a pivotal role in optimizing your dog's digestion and overall well-being. Notably, products like Probiotic SoftSupps® and Multifunctional SoftSupps® offer a specialized solution designed to bolster dog upset stomach.

Provide Turmeric and Curcumin. Utilize the potential benefits of Turmeric & Curcumin SoftSupps® as a solution to address dog indigestion. These specialized supplements have been formulated to support healthy digestion and alleviate discomfort associated with gastrointestinal issues in dogs.

Turmeric, known for its active component curcumin, possesses natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could contribute to a soothing effect on the digestive system. By incorporating Turmeric & Curcumin SoftSupps® into your dog's regimen, you aim to provide them with a natural and potentially effective way to manage indigestion-related symptoms.

Avoid Trigger Foods. Steer clear of potential digestive triggers by identifying specific foods that might be contributing to your dog's indigestion, and subsequently refraining from including those particular ingredients in their meals.

Pinpointing these trigger foods is a crucial step in managing your dog's digestive well-being. Identify ingredients that may upset your dog's stomach. Adjust their diet to meet their specific nutritional needs and sensitivities. This strategic approach involves careful observation and monitoring of your dog's response to various foods.

This adjustment serves as a preventive measure, minimizing the likelihood of future occurrences of indigestion. It also helps in promoting a more harmonious digestive experience for your furry companion.

If you're unsure about the foods causing your pet's indigestion, it's best to consult a vet or animal nutritionist for advice.

Provide a Balanced Diet. Ensure gut health in dogs by providing a well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional requirements.

Prioritize a high-quality diet that offers essential nutrients tailored to your dog's specific age, size, breed, and activity level. A balanced diet supports not only overall well-being but also aids in maintaining a healthy dog gut health. Quality protein sources, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can contribute to a wholesome and nourishing meal plan for your canine companion.

Regular Exercise: Regular exercise plays a pivotal role in maintaining the overall well-being of your furbaby. Its benefits extend to dog gut health.

Engaging in regular physical activity stimulates the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. This aids the movement of food and waste through the digestive system. This natural rhythm contributes to efficient digestion and can help prevent the discomfort and sluggishness often associated with digestive issues.

Moreover, exercise encourages increased blood flow to the digestive organs, supporting optimal functioning. Improved blood flow helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the digestive system, aiding nutrient absorption and promoting better digestion.

In most cases, mild indigestion can be resolved with the steps outlined above. However, there are certain situations where it's important to seek veterinary care:

• If your dog's symptoms persist for more than 24-48 hours, or worsen over time, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
• If your dog is experiencing excessive vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, or dehydration, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
• If your dog has a pre-existing health condition or is on medication that may be contributing to their indigestion, it is important to consult with a veterinarian for appropriate treatment.

Follow these suggestions and pay close attention to your dog's needs to make sure they get the right care for indigestion. If you have any concerns about dog indigestion, or your dog's health, it is always recommended you seek advice from a veterinarian.