Managing Stress-Related GI Issues in Your Pup
July ended and August began with a challenging time for both me and Makoa. I was dealing with severe vertigo from my concussion, and Makoa was experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) distress. As I managed to get my vertigo under control, Makoa’s GI issues worsened. I realized this would be a valuable experience to share with all of you, especially for those times when your pup faces stress-related GI problems. Here are my top three tips to help you navigate these situations.
1. Introduce a Bland Diet
When you notice your pup’s stool is softer than usual, it’s time to switch to a bland diet. Pumpkin or squash can be particularly beneficial as they act as prebiotics, helping to reset the gut flora. They are also easier on the stomach and the fiber helps bulk up the stool. I like to prepare pumpkin in October, cook it, cut it up, and freeze it for use throughout the year.
For convenience, I recommend keeping some canned food on hand, such as FirstMate’s chicken and rice formula. These canned foods are enriched with essential vitamins and minerals that your pup might miss out on if you were to prepare rice and hamburger at home.
2. Support Gut Health with Goat Milk and Supplements
Goat milk and goat milk cheese curds are excellent for supporting gut flora. They can be soothing and beneficial for your pup’s digestive system. Additionally, I always keep Standard Process GI Support on hand, which provides vitamins, minerals, and support for gut flora. Homemade Bone Broth is another great addition. I like to mix it with freeze-dried food, which contains more nutrients than kibble.
3. Laser Therapy for GI Health: Laser therapy can be beneficial for dogs experiencing GI distress. It helps reduce inflammation, promotes healing, and alleviates pain. If your dog is struggling with digestive issues, consider scheduling an appointment with me for a laser therapy session to support their recovery and overall gut health.
Always Seek Veterinary Help When Needed
If you start to see red blood in your pup’s stool, it indicates that their GI tract is irritated from days of soft stool. At this point, it’s crucial to visit your veterinarian for additional help. Delaying beyond this point can lead to a downward spiral in their GI health, making recovery more difficult.
I believe maintaining your dog’s gut health is crucial for their overall well-being. Here are bonus tips to ensure your furry friend’s digestive system stays healthy and strong.
1. Feed a Balanced Diet: Ensure your dog’s diet is well-rounded and rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and fiber. Avoid foods with artificial additives and fillers. A balanced diet supports a healthy gut microbiome and overall digestive health.
2. Incorporate Probiotics and Prebiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that aid digestion and boost immunity. Prebiotics are fibers that feed these good bacteria. Consider adding supplements or foods like plain yogurt, kefir, and pumpkin to your dog’s diet.
3. Use Bone Broth: Bone broth is rich in nutrients and can be soothing for a dog’s digestive system. It’s easy to digest and provides essential minerals and amino acids that support gut health and overall wellness.
4. Hydration is Key: Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. Proper hydration aids digestion and helps prevent constipation and urinary tract issues.
5. Monitor Stress Levels: Stress can negatively impact your dog’s GI health. Regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a stable routine can help keep stress levels in check.
6. Regular Vet Check-Ups: Regular veterinary visits can help catch GI issues early. Your vet can provide guidance on diet and supplements tailored to your dog’s needs.
7. Limit Human Food: Avoid feeding your dog table scraps and foods that are toxic to them, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and certain artificial sweeteners. Stick to dog-specific treats and meals.
8. Watch for Food Sensitivities: If your dog has frequent GI issues, they might have food sensitivities or allergies. Work with your vet to identify and eliminate problematic ingredients.
9. Use Digestive Enzymes: Digestive enzyme supplements can help dogs break down their food more effectively, improving nutrient absorption and reducing digestive strain.
10. Support Gut Health with Natural Remedies: Incorporate natural remedies like goat milk, which contains probiotics and is gentle on the stomach, and turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Products like Standard Process GI Support can also provide vitamins, minerals, and herbs beneficial for gut health.
Following these tips can help ensure your dog maintains a healthy digestive system, leading to better overall health and well-being. For more detailed information, refer to resources like “The Forever Dog” by Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib, which provides in-depth knowledge on canine nutrition and health.
