As a dog professional being both a holistic dog health coach and dog walker, the health issue I see being the most prevalent among dogs today is digestive issues.
With this I mean dogs who have ongoing diarrhea, are throwing up after their meals or struggling with constipation. I’m often shocked when I hear dog owners saying that their dog has been challenged with this condition for months, some even years!
This hurts my dog mom’s ears most of all because can you imagine experiencing diarrhea and vomiting after consuming a meal on a daily basis for months and years?
Gastrointestinal (GI) issues in dogs refer to a wide range of problems affecting the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. These issues can be sudden onset (acute) or long-lasting (chronic)) and can significantly reduce the quality of a dog’s life.
Common GI problems in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), colitis (inflammation of the colon), IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) as well as food allergies or sensitivities.
More serious issues like pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), intestinal parasites (such as roundworms or giardia) and bloat (Gastric dilatation-volvulus) are also included in this category and definitely requires a visit to the veterinarian immediately – particularly Bloat which is a life-threatening condition.
If you suspect your dog has a compromised GI system, he or she might be exhibiting the following symptoms:
*Important: Please note that while some GI issues can be managed at home with holistic approaches, others require immediate veterinary attention. Always consult with a veterinarian if your dog shows persistent or severe GI symptoms, especially if accompanied by lethargy, fever, or signs of pain.
While conventional treatments have their place, holistic approaches can offer comprehensive, long-term solutions and focus on getting to the root cause, not just treating symptoms.
Below are some key points to take into consideration when you want to keep the GI tract healthy:
Diet is the #1 factor of GI issues!!
Consider ditching kibble entirely and switching with fresh, whole foods but when doing so, do it gradually, so as to not cause any further upset to your dog’s tummy. Include lean meats, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates.
Consider raw or gently cooked meals: Raw diets can preserve enzymes and nutrients, while gently cooked meals may be easier for some dogs to digest, such as senior dogs.
Why is kibble bad, you ask? Kibble is very dry with a low moisture content, which leads to dehydration and constipation in some dogs.
Kibble is also very high in carbohydrates, and this food group is not a natural part of a dog’s diet, and more difficult for dogs to digest. Additionally many brands add gluten and grains such as wheat, corn and soy – foods that many dogs are sensitive or allergic to.
If you look at the back of a bag of many commercial kibble brands, you will most likely see a list of artificial additives like artificial colors, flavors and preservatives that have the potential to irritate a dog’s digestive system.
Since kibble is heated to very high temperatures several times, all the vitamins and minerals and natural enzymes are destroyed and will have to be added to the food after the processing, which most often will be in the form of synthetic vitamins. These vitamins are not properly recognized by the body and can also cause irritation and upset. (more on this topic later in a separate blog post!)
Kibble also can cause the dogs to eat too quickly, causing them to swallow air and potentially leading to bloat and other digestive problems. And finally, there have been many situations of bacterial contamination both during production and afterwards, due to improper storage and handling of kibble which can cause digestive upset.
These supplements can help balance gut flora and aid in nutrient absorption of the food. Clients of Nacho Average Dog Health Coach are provided with links to my favorite brands that I trust (not all probiotics are created equal and also have to be fitted to your dog’s situation) as well as custom-made meal plans and recipes for their individual dogs.
Many medications like steroids, antibiotics and NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Apoquel, Carprofen and Meloxicam which are often over-prescribed can cause GI issues over long term use, particularly when not given in conjunction with probiotics or other protocols that help flush out the toxins from the system.
In my practice we also identify and eliminate food sensitivities through a rotation and elimination diet where we identify foods that your dog might be sensitive to.
Hydration is key, especially if you are feeding kibble!: Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh, clean water to support digestive health.
Herbal remedies can help a dog’s digestive issues for several reasons. First and foremost, they have natural anti-inflammatory properties which can soothe an irritated digestive tract. Examples include slippery elm which forms a protective layer in the digestive tract, soothing inflammation and absorbs toxins.
Chamomile can soothe an upset stomach and help reduce inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Making a chamomile tea and adding some to your dog’s food can help.
Ginger and fennel seeds are both effective for nausea, gas and bloating.
Herbs are much gentler on the system compared to synthetic medication, the latter often also causing side effects and further irritation.
Some herbs also have prebiotic and probiotic effects, feeding the beneficial gut bacteria, or have probiotic properties on their own- helping to balance the gut microbiome.
What I love about herbs is that they often address multiple aspects of digestive health at the same time, and support overall gut function rather than just treating symptoms.
Different herbs target various digestive issues and I love helping my clients with an herbal protocol and seeing the positive results they are getting!
These holistic modalities both stimulate specific points to improve digestion. For instance, acupoints like Stomach 36 (located below the knee) and Pericardium 6 (on the inside of the foreleg) are commonly used for digestive issues.
Acupuncture and acupressure can help with chronic conditions like IBD by reducing inflammation and improving overall gut health. If you want to try this for your dog, consult with a professional acupuncturist or someone trained in acupressure, who migh suggest weekly sessions and tapering off as symptoms start to improve.
These modalities can be very effective when combined with dietary changes and herbal remedies as described above.
Many dogs experience digestive issues when they are stressed – either because they are living in a stressful environment or experiencing separation anxiety.
Implement calming techniques:
Massaging your dog and learning a few techniques to relax your dog can be helpful, and this will also stimulate digestion.
Another wonderful stress reducer is aromatherapy. Using dog-safe essential oils like lavender or chamomile (alway dilute your oils, never use them directly on the skin) can be a heaven sent for many dogs. Did you know that Nacho Average Dog Health Coach teaches how to use essential oils safely on your dog?
We also implement sound therapy in our practice- soft, calming music can help reduce anxiety in your dog.
Also, never underestimate the benefits of maintaining a consistent routine. Implement regular feeding times and walk schedule to reduce stress.
Finally, if your dog shows signs of chronic stress or anxiety, it’s never a bad idea to work with a behaviorist and even an animal communicator to address underlying issues.
I hope these tips were helpful and if you have any questions, please get in touch with me at sunny@nachoaveragedoghealthcoach.com and I’d be happy to learn more about your pup and help with additional suggestion for how to work with your fur baby specifically. Remember, all dogs are individuals, and one size does not fit all.
We all want to see our pups lead happy, healthy and stress free lives!
Disclaimer: medical information or statements made on this site are not intended for use in or as a substitute for the diagnosis or treatment of any health or physical condition or as a substitute for a veterinarian-client relationship which has been established by an in-person evaluation of a patient. This information and advice published or made available through this website is not intended to replace the services of a veterinarian, nor does it constitute a veterinarian-client relationship. Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary based upon the circumstances, the patients’ specific situation, as well as the health care provider’s medical judgment and only after further discussion of the patient’s specific situation, goals, risks, and benefits and other relevant medical discussions. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
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