Training Tips: 7 Symptoms of Digestive Upset
Share
I recently read an article on the subject of dogs who lick excessively and it made reference to the fact that one of the causes can be digestive troubles.
This is just one of many symptoms that owners are often unaware of which can indicate gastrointestinal problems. Such problems, if not treated, can ultimately lead to a dog becoming diabetic as well as other conditions.
Here is a list of symptoms you should be on the lookout for, take note of and consult your veterinarian:
[heading style=”2″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Licking[/heading]
If your dog is licking herself, the couch, the carpet, people or other items more than is normal, talk to your vet. It’s not “normal” to lick carpets & couches!
Licking[heading style=”2″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Randomly Vomiting[/heading]
If your dog is vomiting, even if it’s only on occasion, talk to your vet. Vomiting for no apparent reason is a symptom that should never be ignored.
[heading style=”2″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Bad Breath[/heading]
This is a real sign of digestive upset. Even if your pet has sparkling white teeth or has recently had a dental cleaning, you should discuss this occasional or permanent bad breath with your vet.
Licking[heading style=”2″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Picky Eating[/heading]
If your pet has a history of not eating, usually breakfast, and showing no interest in food in the morning, talk to your vet. Sometimes dogs might become picky because they are getting their food elsewhere!
Is there any chance your dog is eating something other than her dog food or maybe a family member slipping her scraps from the table? Is your dog munching on plants or possible items in your yard or on her walks? Is your dog getting into trash cans indoors or outdoors? Sometimes a dog becomes picky about what she is eating because he is getting table scraps or too many treats.
Therefore, your dog avoids eating in hope of getting more exciting food than what’s in her food bowl. The best approach is to stop feeding your dog from the table and limit the number of treats.
Remember that dogs have different nutritional needs than we do, so what we eat isn’t necessarily balanced for them.
[heading style=”2″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Going Off Food Intermittently[/heading]
There could be a problem if your dog eats enthusiastically, then goes off of their food for no apparent reason. If you have tried changing your pets food, then experienced the pattern again, it’s important to discuss with a veterinarian. Repeated patterns like this often indicate a digestive and/or other health problem (such as pain, arthritis, and general discomfort).
Licking[heading style=”2″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Depression[/heading]
If your pet seems rather “down” and out of character, talk to your vet. Be particularly careful with this if you rescue a new dog – you don’t know what is the “norm” for that dog so you might think they’re just a very placid, sad, stressed or quiet dog. I’ve seen dogs like that and once they were treated for their GI problems they are a totally different, playful and outgoing, animal.
Licking[heading style=”2″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Guarding Food[/heading]
Your pet may begin guarding their food if they don’t feel well. They may not want to eat it due to stomach upset, and instead “guard” it from other animals or people int eh house. This gives the impression that he dog is a chronic resource guarder, but it may be that they are experiencing GI upset. In reality, she would be quite happy to just eat her food like any other dog if she were feeling well!
