Related Image Content
Gastrointestinal Disorders in Dogs
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and diseases affect a dog's stomach and intestines, resulting in pain and other problems.
Tasty Tips
Your dog may have a GI disorder if he suffers from:
¯ Vomiting
¯ Regurgitation
¯ Flatulence
¯ Weakness
¯ Diarrhoea/Constipation
Veterinarians recognize many potential types of GI disorders including:
Colitis: An acute or chronic inflammation of the membrane lining the colon. Most frequently caused by whipworms (a parasite), tumors or polyps, a change in food, allergies (including those to food), swallowed foreign objects and certain other diseases.
Constipation: Usually caused by insufficient fibre and water intake, eating hair, bones or other foreign objects, aging, tumors, trauma or fractures, prostate disease, spinal cord disease, large bowel nervous disorders, metabolic or endocrine disorders and debilitation.
Diarrhoea: Caused by infections, internal parasites, stress, a change in pet food, table scraps or rich snacks, eating spoiled food from the garbage and body organ dysfunction.
Gastroenteritis: Inflammation or infection of the gastrointestinal tract, primarily the stomach and intestines. Causes may include eating rancid or spoiled food, swallowing foreign objects, eating toxic plants, internal parasites, stress, food allergies and disease conditions.
Pancreatitis: An inflammation or infection of the pancreas (an elongated, tapered gland that is located behind the stomach). Origins are frequently unknown. Potential causes are feeding foods high in fat or rich table foods, infections, disease or trauma.
Your dog's food can have a significant impact on his GI tract health. Veterinarians recommend feeding dogs a food that is highly digestible to help prevent irritation to sensitive stomachs and intestines. Also, high-soluble and insoluble fibre foods combined with moderate fat levels in your dog's food help support proper intestinal function. Because several of these conditions may be ongoing, long-term nutritional management of the disorder may be required.
For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.
Related products
Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition shown to support joint health and improve mobility
Adult Light Large Breed Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active large breed dogs
Adult Light Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active dogs
Related articles
What to Look For in Food for a Mature Dog
Learn about choosing the right dog food to help ensure your mature older dog will receive the correct balance of nutrition.
Helpful Tips for Exercising with Your Dog
Though it may seem like your four-legged friend loves nothing more than to nap on the couch, dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy just like people do.
Exercise Tips to Keep Your Dog Active
A little exercise can make a big difference. Not only will it enhance your pet’s health, but it will beef up your relationship as well.
Keeping Your Dog From Begging at the Dinner Table
Learn how to stop your dog from begging at the dinner table, and understand how it can help contribute to his health.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.