3 easy ways you can improve your dog’s gut health

Digestive upsets are common in dogs, and are often mild and short-lived. However, there are some chronic conditions that require long-term management. Dogs with sensitive digestive tracts may show frequent mild symptoms such as the dogs stomach making noises and eating grass, or even your dog’s stomach making noises while sleeping. These indicate their belly isn’t quite happy - perhaps their food isn’t quite right for them, their microbiome is a little out of kilter, or they’re taking in too much air if they eat quickly which can be uncomfortable.

There are some simple changes you can make to your dog’s diet and environment that might make their tummies happier.

1.      Ensure optimal nutrition

Providing your dog with a good diet is important in many ways, but is especially relevant if they suffer from digestive concerns. Look for a complete, balanced food which contains highly digestible, top-quality ingredients. Your vet will be able to advise you on a suitable food.

2.      Slow down!

Guzzling food down too quickly can result in lots of air getting trapped in the intestinal tract, causing flatulence, discomfort, stomach noises and unsettled behaviour. Feeding smaller meals more frequently, and using a slow feeder bowl are really helpful for these super speedy guzzlers, as well as dogs who are prone to bloated stomachs.

3.      Consider a pre or probiotic

Each dog has its own mix of organisms in their microbiome, and if this balance is disturbed, problems can arise. There are lots of things that can affect the microbiome, such as stress, age, antibiotics and other health conditions.
Using a gut supplement can help re-balance the intestinal flora and improve gut health. Always make sure you choose a reputable company whose product has undergone thorough research – your vet will be able to advise you.

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