Proactive Ways to Promote a Healthy Gut

Nothing strikes terror into the hearts of dog parents like a dog with an upset stomach. The mess. The stench. The ruined rugs. Plus, it’s hard to see your pup not feeling like themselves. Luckily, there are ways to keep their digestive systems healthy, and the benefits extend far beyond clean floors.

The Importance of Gut Health

Like humans, a dog’s gut, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, does way more than simply digest food. It contains a baffling number of living microorganisms, like bacteria, that work together to help the body absorb nutrients from food, fight off viruses and infections, and send signals to the brain. When this gut microbiome is off balance, it can trigger the body’s immune response, causing inflammation, upset stomach, and inhibiting the immune system, making your dog more susceptible to illness. Scientists are also researching a potential link between dogs’ gut bacteria and mental health and behavior.

So, how can you keep your dog’s gut healthy? Be proactive. Don’t wait until your dog is hurting. By doing the following things now – when your dog is well – you can maintain a healthy digestive system and their overall health.

Proactive Ways to Maintain a Healthy Gut

1. Feed Gut-Friendly Food

If you want to help support your dog’s gut health, consider feeding them a diet, like Dogswell® Nutrisca® Digestive Health Dry Dog Food, that features these ingredients:

• High-Quality Protein – Dogs need high levels of protein from high-quality sources. However, some dogs don’t digest certain protein sources well. For example, if you suspect your dog could be reacting to its chicken-based food, you could try switching the protein source to lamb or fish. Egg is also an easily digestible protein source.
• Natural, Gentle Fiber Sources – Fiber not only helps support the digestive system, it also helps dogs feel fuller when eating, helping to maintain a healthy body condition. High-quality sources of fiber for dogs include pumpkin, flaxseed, lentils, brown rice, apples and carrots.
• Prebiotics – Prebiotics are complex carbohydrates, such as fructooligosaccharides, that help to feed and grow probiotics, the good bacteria living in the GI tract that aid digestion and support the immune system.
• Antioxidants – The immune system’s function is tied to the digestive system’s function. Antioxidants, like vitamins A and C, support immune health and help fight off the bad bacteria that can invade a healthy gut microbiome.

2. Treat Wisely

When it comes to rewarding your pet, it’s easy to forget the labels and focus on flavor, but don’t skimp on the quality of their treats. Look for treats that are both delicious and supportive of their gut health, like Dogswell® Gut Health Jerky Treats, with high-quality protein and fiber sources, live probiotics, and no artificial ingredients.

3. Avoid Toxins

Some human food and products are dangerous for dogs and can cause serious illness and GI distress. Keep alcohol, chocolate, garlic, grapes, onions, and yeast dough away from your dog. And, limit toxins in your home by switching to cleaning products with natural, non-toxic ingredients. 

4. Keep a Consistent Routine

Dogs can get upset stomachs when stressed, just like us. They find comfort in familiarity – being with people they know, and knowing what to expect. But, life happens. Maybe you moved, added or lost a family member, got a new job requiring long hours away, or had a loud party. As much as possible, keep your dog on a consistent daily routine. But, when change is inevitable, be sure to give your dog plenty of attention and ease them into the transition as needed.

What if my dog is already experiencing GI issues?

The first step is to consider your dog’s condition. Sometimes it’s clear that your dog is having digestion issues, with signs like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, gas or bloating. But, an unhealthy gut can also show itself in less obvious ways, such as:

• Rashes, hot spots, hair loss
• Chronic ear infections
• Weight loss
• Changes in appetite
• Behavior issues
• Lethargy
• Joint pain

If you notice your dog experiencing any of these, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian. Talk to them about your dog’s symptoms, current diet, and any recent changes in their environment. You may need to change up their diet, eliminating certain ingredients and/or adding others like pre and probiotics. It may take some trial and error, but the time and effort put into finding the right food and treatment plan is well worth it in the long run, when your dog is healthy and happy.