Whilst we’d obviously always rather see our pets healthy and happy, digestive upsets are really common sensitivities which most dogs will experience at some point during their lives. If you’d like to learn more about your dog’s digestion, why not read on for advice from one of our in-house vets?
What is a digestive upset?
The most common form of digestive upset seen by vets across the UK is the acute form. ‘Acute’ simply means sudden in onset, so this is usually noticeable when an otherwise healthy dog suddenly becomes unwell with symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting.
Interestingly, on average, around 17.5% of visits to the vet in dogs1 are due to gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, gastroenteritis and colitis.
Why do pets get acute digestive upsets?
There are many reasons. In some cases the cause is unknown. Most often you will find the pet has eaten something that they shouldn’t have, which has upset the normal balance of their digestive system. This is particularly common when dogs scavenge for things they shouldn’t really be eating, or when owners unknowingly feed inappropriate/additional treats. All of these factors have the potential to cause a lot of trouble! Other possible causes of digestive symptoms could include worms, other digestive parasites, infections or diseases and potential foreign bodies within the gastrointestinal tract.
Why should you do if your pet has a digestive upset?
It is highly important for you to support your pet if they develop a digestive upset, so you can get them feeling back to normal as quickly as possible. We would always recommend speaking to your veterinary practice if your pet is unwell and seeking their advice.
It may be that they can give you some initial advice over the phone but they would usually recommend that you take your dog to them to be checked over. Either way, they will be sure to confirm that nutrition plays a very important role in helping to support the pet with a digestive upset. Your vets will be able to advise on the most suitable ROYAL CANIN® diet to help nutritionally support your dog through their period of sensitivity.
If you have any concerns about your pet’s digestive health please do not hesitate to contact a veterinary surgeon for advice.
1O’Neill DG, Church DB, McGreevy PD, Thomson PC, Brodbelt DC Prevalence of disorders recorded in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England (2014) PLOS One
© ROYAL CANIN® SAS 2017. All rights reserved.