A dog’s digestion and gut health is much more crucial than most first-time dog owners might think. The digestive system’s microbiome influences most parts of the canine body, including the brain, immune system, joints, and dental health. If your dog’s microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to boost your dog’s digestion and gut health with less effort and changes to your furry friend’s life. Here are five ways to improve dog digestion and gut health.
1. Give your dog herbs instead of dewormers
Dogs are prone to getting roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and other internal parasites. Most vets will recommend you give your dog dewormers since they are effective in getting rid of these internal parasites quickly. However, most dewormers contain harmful ingredients that can disrupt your dog’s digestion and gut health.
If you are looking at how to improve dog gut health, there are various herbs that work as natural dewormers, and most are effective and safe for dogs. Herbs such as raw pumpkin seeds, specific vegetables and fruits, and apple cider vinegar have shown a positive impact on dogs’ digestion and gut health.
2. Avoid feeding them human food
It’s difficult to resist giving your dog a bite from your dinner plate, especially when they start begging. However, feeding your pup certain human foods from a leftover dinner may have adverse effects on their digestive system.
This doesn’t mean you can’t pamper your furry friend. If you must give your furry friend a piece of meat, treat it to a few Tiki Dog Air-Dried Meat Morsels. These treats offer the real meat they crave but with moderate calories and fat.
3. Incorporate prebiotics and probiotics
Dogs’ prebiotics and probiotics can do wonders for balancing your dog’s gut and improving their digestion. Prebiotics and probiotics contain high concentrations of microbes, and they help the stomach to produce the good bacteria in the gut needed for a healthy digestive system.
However, be careful of prebiotics since they may contain harmful bacteria if the bad bacteria are already in your dog’s stomach. The best way to introduce a prebiotic is to start gradually in some form of daily supplement and see how your pup reacts.
4. Keep away from unnecessary vaccines
According to research, most of the core vaccines canines receive are for diseases they are less likely to get. These vaccines also protect your dog for seven to 15 years, more than most canines’ lives. Uncontrolled vaccination can make your dog feel sick or cause damage to their digestive system. Consult your vet about the appropriate vaccine schedule and the vaccines necessary for your furry friend.
5. Reduce stress
Your dog’s mental health can impact their digestion and gut health. If your pup constantly experiences stress and anxiety, the body releases cortisol, the main stress hormone. Eventually, this can weaken their immune system and hurt their gut health.
The best way to alleviate stress is to keep your dog active through walks and play. Try to keep your pup away from stress triggers like neighborhood pets they might be frightened of and loud noise.
Endnote
Your dog’s digestion and gut health can be a big indicator of their overall well-being. Follow these essential tips to improve your dog’s digestive health, and your furry companion will thank you.
