As a dog owner, you want your furry friend to be happy and healthy. One of the main ways to achieve this goal is by ensuring that your dog’s digestive health is in check. Just like humans, dogs can get stomach upsets that can make them feel uncomfortable, and in severe cases, lead to serious health problems. In this blog post, written by our pals, doggy health experts, Buddy & Lola, we’ll share some tips on how to keep your dog’s tummy happy and healthy, so you can enjoy your time with them without any worries.
Introduce Prebiotics and Probiotics into Your Dog’s Diet
Just like humans, dogs need good bacteria in their stomachs to help them digest food properly and stay healthy. Probiotics are the good bacteria that your dog needs, and you can introduce them into your dog’s diet through food or supplements. It may be that your chosen dog food contains ingredients that help with digestion, but a great way to help boost those is by adding a supplement to your dog’s diet. Buddy & Lola’s Super Tummy Daily supplements come as either a meal topper to sprinkle over food (or your pooch’s favourite enrichment toy!) or as plant based chews which are a yummy chicken & bacon flavour but without the meat content, making them perfect for canines who have an intolerance to chicken or pork.
Watch What Your Dog Eats
Some dog owners are guilty of giving their pets table scraps or titbits, let’s face it we all give in to those puppy dog eyes at some point, but doing this too often can cause their gut microbiome to become unbalanced and even cause a bout of some seriously runny poop. Sometimes it can also lead to something more serious if your dog is a bit of a scavenger and manages to pilch something they shouldn’t such as food that’s toxic to them or a foreign object. If they do end up picking up something they shouldn’t and end up with a poorly tum then there are products out there such as Buddy & Lola’s Super Tummy Instant which can help firm up poops within 24-72hrs. It’s a great store cupboard item to keep for those ‘just in case’ moments especially if you have a counter surfer in the house.
Try a Slow Feeder or Enrichment Toy
Some dogs take their time with their food but others may end up wolfing it down like they’ve never been fed before in their life. If you have a dog that’s a fast eater, slow feeder bowls or mats are a great way to help them slow down. When your dog eats too fast they can take in too much air causing a build up of gas in their stomach. Not only can this be painful for them but the air that’s gone in more often than not will come out as a stinky fart, potentially one that can clear the room. Flat nosed breeds such as Pugs or French Bulldogs are particularly prone to swallowing too much air as they eat so whatever you can do to slow them down will help both them and you!
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Water is essential for your dog’s digestive health. Not having enough water can lead to constipation and other digestive issues. Make sure that your dog has access to enough water throughout the day. You can also add wet food to their diet to increase their water intake.
Take Your Dog on Regular Walks
Regular exercise is great for your dog’s overall health, including their digestive system. Going on walks can help stimulate your dog’s digestive tract, aiding in food movement and keeping their bowel movements regular. Not only is exercise great for your dog’s gut but they help with mental stimulation, especially if they’re exploring a new location, plus it’s great for your own mental health to experience the great outdoors. The amount of exercise a dog needs will depend on their age and activity levels but make sure they get some exercise each day and even better if you’re able to try something new with them.
Get Regular Vet Check-ups
Finally, regular veterinary check-ups can help detect any digestive issues with your dog early. Your vet can advise you on any necessary dietary changes or supplements that may be beneficial for your dog’s digestive health. They can also diagnose and treat any underlying digestive issues before they become more significant health problems.
Do You Have Any Tips?
Your dog’s digestive health is essential to their overall well-being. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your furry friend’s tummy is happy and healthy. Adding probiotics to their diet, watching what they eat, keeping them hydrated, taking them on regular walks, and taking them for veterinary check-ups can all contribute to their digestive health. By doing so, you can guarantee more happy, healthy, and comfortable years with your dog. For more doggy health advice on digestion and a whole range of other topics, visit @buddyandlolauk or head over to buddyandlola.co.uk.
