What causes stomach problems in dogs?

We all know it’s no fun when you have an upset tummy. Just like humans, dogs can sometimes suffer from stomach problems and it can be a minefield trying to figure out the causes. So what is a pet owner to do when they believe their dog is experiencing some discomfort? 

Before we delve into the causes, it’s important to know the signs that your pooch has a sore tummy. Keep an eye out for:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation 
• Poor appetite
• Excessive drooling 
• Abdominal bloating 
• Gas and flatulence
• Weight loss
• Sudden behaviour changes

All of the above are classic symptoms of stomach problems in dogs and warrant further investigation. Always contact your vet if you have concerns. Generally speaking, stomach issues are normally the result of:

Poor diet 

What your pooch eats can have a massive impact on their health. When a dog regularly consumes low quality dog food (which is often high in bulking carbohydrates and low in protein) it can cause a lot of stomach issues. Dogs need a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals and finding the right food for your dog can be easier said than done. Here at Meatiful, we pride ourselves on providing sausages that ooze quality rather than saturated fats. We believe that the nation’s pets deserve only the best and your dog does too! Shop online today.

Allergies or intolerances

Some foods agree with certain dogs and some don’t. There is really no rhyme or reason as to what may result in an allergic reaction or intolerance in some dogs but not others. If a particular food disagrees with your dog, this often causes stomach upset. Many dogs are intolerant to grains (in which case, our Grain-Free Farm Reared Turkey Sausages are a great option) or may struggle to digest gluten (luckily, our British Chicken, Atlantic Salmon & Farm-Reared Duck sausages are all gluten-free!).

Eating too fast 

Dogs sure love their food and on occasion, eating too fast can result in an upset tummy. If your dog is guilty of gobbling up their food in three seconds flat, there are few things you can do. Consider giving smaller portions so they can’t eat too much too quickly and space out their meals throughout the day. They might not be too impressed when they see a smaller amount of food in their bowl but they should get used to it after a couple of days.

Eating something they shouldn’t

It’s just a fact of life that dogs, especially puppies, eat things they shouldn’t. Foreign objects can get trapped in your dog’s digestive system and cause your pet an extreme amount of discomfort. Usually, when your dog eats a foreign object, it will cause minimal disruption and pass through their system without lasting damage. However, sometimes things can be a little bit more serious; if you think your dog has eaten something large or something they can’t pass, contact your local vet for advice. 

Bacteria, viruses or parasites

Dogs catch bugs just like we do and many types of bacteria, viruses and parasites can cause an upset tummy. You may notice symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or just seeming a bit out of sorts and not their usual selves. Different bugs need different treatments so always seek advice from your local vet if your pooch is unwell. 

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