Gut Health for Dogs

Did you know that your dog's gut makes up the majority of your dog's immune system?

The gut might not be the first area you consider when you are considering your pets' health and wellness. Hundreds of different types of microorganisms live in your dog's digestive system. The gut microbiome has an impact on your dog’s overall health. This is one of the reasons gut health is so important for your beloved friends. When your dog's gut is in good shape, wellness follows.

What do I need to look out for?

• Abnormal poos
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Fatigue 
• Frequent licking of paws and/or other areas
• Poor coat/skin condition
• Weight loss or gain
• Excessive wind
• Allergic responses

Once and potential issue have been ruled out by your vet working on the dogs gut health is the next sensible approach. Some symptoms of poor gut health may not seem to be gut related at all but if the gut is out of kilter the immune system will not be performing at its best. This can mean the dog is more susceptible to potential allergens in its diet or environment.

Dogs can also be susceptible to leaky gut syndrome. Most of the time, this condition is a result of long-term intestinal damage caused by bacterial imbalance in the gut. 

Essentially, too much bad bacteria outweighs the good bacteria for too long, and it compromises the barrier function of your pet's intestines.

Usually, this condition occurs as a result of long term bacterial imbalance in the gut causing intestinal damage. An overpopulation of bad bacteria compared to good bacteria for a long period of time. Compromising your pets gut function.

If you see symptoms like these please consult your veterinary surgeon to rule out anything more serious underlying before working on your dog's gut health. 

4 Ways You Can Work on Your Dog's Gut Health.

4 tips to guide you whether you have been instructed by your vet to work on your dog’s digestive health or you just want to take some steps to avoid any gut-related issues.

1. Feed a good quality diet.

The starting point of working on your dog's health. Investigate what you are currently feeding. The simplest way to start working towards a healthy gut is to provide a diet that contains all the nutrients required for a healthy life.

Check with your vet to see what they would recommend to best suit your dog. A raw diet might suit some dogs. Raw meat contains enzymes that aid nutrient absorption and a healthy microbiome in the gut. Grain free diets can also be helpful and are proving very popular. There are also brands that focus on sensitive stomachs.

2. Add Pre and Probiotics

This is the best way to top up your dog's good gut bacteria. They help to build the microflora to bane the microbiome. They provide all sorts of gut friendly benefits. Increased resistance to harmful bacteria, regulated digestion, defence against environmental pathogens and optimum immune system function.

If you are looking for an effective pre and probiotic, Radiance Gold Dog Digest is a great choice.  This simple formula contains proven digestibility enhancers and helps your pet glow. Health and shine from the inside out. It contains no added sugars, cereals, fillers or preservatives.

3. Reduce Stress

Did you know stress can have a negative impact on the gut? When stressed the body releases cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Over time this can weaken the immune system.

Keeping your dog well exercised and providing plenty of playtime is the best way to reduce stress.

4. Consider the water he drinks

It may be beneficial to try your dog on filtered water. Sometimes their tummies can be affected by the residue of chemicals in our drinking water.

Gut Health For Dogs: What to keep in mind

Veterinary experts are only beginning to understand the depth of the connections between pet health and the gut's microbiome. But it's clear that maintaining the proper microbial balance in the GI tract has a positive effect on your dog's overall health. 

Improving gut health for dogs involves feeding a high-quality diet, supplementing the diet with prebiotics and probiotics, resolving any food allergies or intolerances, and doing your part to keep your dog's life as stress-free as possible. And when you keep your dog's gut health in order, it's good for their entire body. 

If you would like more information please contact us via our Facebook page or on the number below.

Radiance Gold 

Clare Ellam - 01630 434330