As a pet owner it is important to understand how to support and maintain healthy digestive function in pets to prevent unwanted trips to the vet. Dogs are especially curious and can pick up objects they shouldn’t.
Maintaining healthy digestive function in pets ensure they are able to live a healthy and happy life. However, there are a number of causes that can affect your dog’s digestion. These can include: eating spoiled food, scavenging, food intolerance, bacteria imbalance, change of diet, stress or parasites. Typical signs of a sensitive tummy can be characterised by: a frequent runny nose, loose stools, loss of appetite, excessive flatulence and marked lethargy.
To help soothe your pet’s sensitive tummy and maintain healthy digestive function in pets, there are some positive things that you can do, which include:
Water
Your pet should be encouraged to consume more fresh water, which should be presented in a way that your pet prefers whilst having access to a constant supply. The aim of this is to reduce the chances of dehydration.
Diet
Your vet will be able to offer the best advice on your pet’s specific dietary requirements. A bland diet that is easily digestible, such as boneless cooked chicken breast and white rice can be advisable. A specialised diet for gastrointestinal imbalance may be beneficial with small amounts of food given several times a day. Try to keep treats to a minimum as too many could cause your pet to have a sensitive tummy.
Outside access
To avoid accidents within the home be sure to take your pet outside frequently or ensure that they have easy access to the outside. However, it is important to monitor your pet’s toilet activities and general demeanour. Be sure to keep a close watch on them and not let them stray too far.
Avoid table scraps
Food we eat may not be suitable for your dog or cat. To maintain your pet’s healthy digestion, try to prevent family members from feeding your pet food not intended for them. Try not to give your pet table scraps or snacks, which could lead to a sensitive tummy.
Try to prevent your pet from scavenging
When out on walks keep an eye on your dog to prevent them from picking up any foreign objects or discarded food. Also, prevent them from drinking from puddles and eating plant material.
Minimise stress for healthy digestive function in pets
Try to reduce any stress within your pet’s home and outdoor environment. You could do this by keeping to your pet’s routine as much as possible, including sleeping, food and walking routines. Ask your vet about Nutracalm, which can helps to reduce stress and calm your pet’s behaviour.
Keep up-to-date with deworming and vaccinations
Be sure to keep on track with deworming and disease vaccinations. Speak to your vet who will be able to advise a suitable course of action for your pet, dependent on their age or size.
Foreign bodies
Be careful when giving your dog or cat small toys to play with. These can get chewed and swallowed.
Consider natural probiotics for dogs
Nutrabio is a naturally formulated dog probiotic paste for maintaining normal digestive function. It has been developed with a high strength composition of probiotic bacteria, prebiotics for dogs and cats, sweet basil and kaolin, which combine to help normalise digestive function.
Follow your vet’s advice
Be sure to take on board and follow any advice from your vet. They will be best placed to help maintain your pet’s digestion.
To help your pet stay healthy and to support digestive function, ask your vet about Nutrabio, which is specifically formulated to aid healthy digestive function in dogs and cats.