
As the most loyal canine companions of mankind, dogs’ health is one of the daily issues that owners care about. Among all aspects of whole health, intestinal system plays a crucial part in the body functions. Healthy intestine can not only promise good digestion and absorption for dogs, but also enhance their immunity. This article will further talk about the importance and contributing factors of your pet’s intestinal health. Maybe help you deal with its intestinal diseases .
I. The Importance of Intestinal Health in Dogs

The intestinal health of dogs is a link of their overall health and has a profound impact on their life and lifespan.
First of all, the intestine is the main place for dogs to digest and absorb nutrients. When the intestine is healthy, digestive enzymes can be secreted normally, and various nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals can be effectively decomposed and absorbed. For example, protein is decomposed into amino acids in the intestine and then absorbed, providing the necessary material basis for the growth, repair and maintenance of normal physiological functions of dogs' muscles. Good intestinal function can ensure that dogs obtain sufficient energy from food, keep them active and healthy
Secondly, intestinal health is contributing to the immunity of dogs. There are a large number of beneficial bacteria in the intestine. They are like a well-trained army, helping dogs resist the invasion of foreign pathogens. These beneficial bacteria can produce antibacterial substances, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, and at the same time stimulate the development of gut-associated lymphoid tissues and enhance the activity of immune cells. Once intestinal health is damaged and the number of beneficial bacteria decreases, harmful bacteria may take the opportunity to multiply in large numbers, destroy the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, and make dogs more vulnerable to viruses, bacteria and parasites, causing various diseases such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Furthermore, the normal functioning of the intestine is also crucial for maintaining the water-salt balance in dogs. A healthy intestine can regulate the absorption and secretion of water and electrolytes to prevent dehydration or electrolyte disorders. If there is a problem with the intestine, such as severe enteritis, it may lead to a large amount of water and electrolyte loss, affecting the normal metabolism and physiological functions of dogs.
In short, intestinal health is the cornerstone of dogs' health. Paying attention to and maintaining the intestinal health of dogs can make them free from many diseases and happily accompany us.
II. Important Factors Affecting the Intestinal Health of Dogs

1. Dietary Factors
Diet is one key factor affecting the intestinal health of dogs. First of all, the quality of food is important. dog food should contain balanced nutritional components, including appropriate amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, which can meet the needs of intestinal digestion and absorption of dogs. However, some food may contain excessive fillers, artificial additives, or deteriorated ingredients, which will burden the intestine and even destroy the intestinal mucosa. Secondly, the type of food is also important. Suddenly changing the food variety may cause intestinal discomfort because the dog's intestine needs time to adapt to the new food components. In addition, the feeding amount also needs to be reasonably controlled. Overfeeding is easy to lead to indigestion and intestinal dysfunction. In the long term, it may cause obesity and further affect intestinal health.
2.Microbial Balance
There is a huge microbial community in the dog's intestine. The balance between beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria has far-reaching consequences on intestinal health. Beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus help digest food, synthesize vitamins, and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Some factors can disrupt this balance. For example, the use of a large amount of antibiotics. While killing harmful bacteria, antibiotics may also mistakenly kill beneficial bacteria, causing an imbalance in the intestinal microbial community and giving harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella an opportunity to multiply in large numbers, thereby triggering intestinal inflammation and other problems.
3.Stress Response
Stress factors such as environmental changes and changes in living patterns have an impact on the intestinal health of dogs. For example, situations such as moving, the addition of new family members, and long-distance travel may cause dogs to experience stress. This psychological stress will affect the dog's nervous system and then interfere with the normal intestinal peristalsis and secretion of digestive juices, leading to intestinal dysfunction and problems such as diarrhea or constipation.
4.Parasitic Infection
Intestinal parasites are one of the common factors endangering the intestinal health of dogs. Parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms parasitize in the intestine. They will compete for the nutrition in the dog's intestine, disrupt the intestinal mucosa, and cause intestinal inflammation and bleeding, which seriously affect the normal digestion and absorption function of the intestine and may also lead to systemic problems such as anemia and emaciation in dogs.
III. Main Manifestations and symptoms of Unhealthy Intestines in Dogs

i. Abnormal defecation
1. Diarrhea
This is one of the most common signs of unhealthy intestines. Dogs may excrete loose and unformed stools, and in severe cases, they may even be watery. If the intestinal problem is caused by infection, diarrhea may be accompanied by a foul odor. For example, when a dog is infected with Salmonella or Escherichia coli, the intestinal mucosa is stimulated, intestinal peristalsis is accelerated, and water cannot be absorbed normally, resulting in frequent diarrhea. In addition, indigestion, food allergies, and other factors may also cause diarrhea, and undigested food residues may also appear in the feces.
2. Constipation
On the contrary to diarrhea, unhealthy intestines may also lead to constipation. The number of defecations of dogs is significantly reduced, and the stools are dry and hard, making it difficult to excrete. This maybe due to slow intestinal peristalsis, such as imbalance of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, lack of sufficient dietary fiber, or foreign body obstruction in the intestine. Long-term constipation will make dogs feel abdominal discomfort and even symptoms such as vomiting.
3. Bloody stools
Bloody stools are a serious symptom. When the intestinal mucosa is damaged, ulcerated, or there is a parasitic infection, blood will be excreted with the feces. If the blood is bright red, it may be near the rectum or anus; if it is dark red, it may be bleeding in the upper part of the intestine. For example, when a dog is infected with hookworms, hookworms suck blood in the intestine and damage the intestinal mucosa, which may lead to bloody stools.
ii. Changes in appetite
1. Loss of appetite
Intestinal discomfort will make dogs lose interest in food. When there is inflammation, parasites, or digestive disorders in the intestine, dogs may feel abdominal fullness after eating, thus reducing their food intake. Dogs may ignore food and even be reluctant to eat when urged by the owner.
2. Abnormally increased appetite
In some cases, dogs with unhealthy intestines may have an increased appetite. This maybe because intestinal parasites consume the nutrients in the dog's body, resulting in dogs being thin despite eating a lot.
iii. Abnormal abdomen
1.Abdominal distension
When intestinal function is in disorder, gas accumulates, or there is ascites, the dog's abdomen will expand. Pressing the abdomen gently with your hand can feel a obvious sense of fullness, just like a balloon filled with gas. This may because harmful bacteria in the intestine ferment and produce gas, or intestinal obstruction causes gas to be unable to be excreted.
2. Abdominal pain
intestinal issues may be accompanied by abdominal pain. Dogs will show behaviors such as abdominal tension, curling up the body, and not allowing people to touch the abdomen. Suffering from pain, dogs may whine or appear restless. Severe abdominal pain will cause dogs to arch their backs, breathe rapidly and other symptoms. This is caused by irritation or spasm of the intestine. Diseases such as enteritis and intussusception will all lead to abdominal pain.
iv. More Symptoms of Unhealthy Intestines in Dogs
1. Dehydration
When a dog's intestines have problems, such as severe diarrhea or vomiting, dehydration can easily occur. In the early stage of dehydration, the dog's oral mucosa will become dry. The normally moist tongue and gums are no longer wet, and you can clearly feel the dryness when touching them with your fingers. The eyes will also lose their luster, and the eyeballs will be a little sunken because the water in the body is lost and the tissues around the eye sockets lack water support. As dehydration gets worse, the skin elasticity of the dog will decrease. Under normal circumstances, the skin on the back of your pet will quickly return to its original state when you pinch it, but during dehydration, the speed of skin recovery is significantly slower. Severe dehydration can also lead to a decrease in the dog's urine output and a darker color of urine, because the body is trying to retain the remaining water to maintain the functions of important organs.
2. Low - grade Fever
worse intestines may cause a slight increase in the dog's body temperature and the appearance of a low - grade fever. The normal body temperature of a dog is generally between 37.5 - 38.5℃. When it has a low - grade fever, the body temperature may rise to around 38.5 - 39.2℃. At this time, the dog's ears and paws will be a little hotter than usual. The owner can gently touch them with the back of the hand to feel the temperature difference. The dog may show a shortage of energy, not as lively as usual, and have less interest in the surrounding things, always lying quietly. Because the body is slightly feverish, the dog may tremble slightly, just like a person shivering when having a fever. This is a self - regulation mechanism of the body.
3. Weakness
Weakness is a common condition in dogs with intestinal problems. Their muscle strength is significantly weakened. Movements that they could easily complete before, now, become difficult. When walking, they may stagger and have an unsteady gait. They may even want to sit or lie down and rest after just a few steps. When trying to stand up, the dog will look very laborious and may need to try several times to succeed. The daily activity level will also be greatly reduced. For example, a dog that could play outdoors for a long time before may now be out of breath after just a few steps in the yard. This weakness is caused by poor nutrient absorption resulting from intestinal problems, and the body is in short of energy supply, so the functions of muscles and organs are affected.
4. Lethargy
Dogs with intestines diseases will become lethargic. They always lie down and sleep for a long time and are slow to respond to stimuli from the surrounding environment. Previously, they would get excited immediately when hearing the owner's call or the sound of a toy, but now they may just slightly lift their eyelids and then continue to sleep. The sleeping time is significantly extended, and they sleep most of the day. Even if they are woken up, they will quickly close their eyes again. This is because the body is trying to recover energy through sleep and it is also a self - protection reaction to physical discomfort. Reducing activity can reduce the body's energy consumption.
5. Vomiting
Vomiting is also a significant symptom of unhealthy intestines in dogs. The condition of the vomit varies depending on the cause of the intestinal problem. If it is caused by overeating or eating too fast, the vomit is usually undigested food, lumpy or pasty, and may be accompanied by some white foam, which is a mixture of gastric acid and saliva. If the vomiting is caused by intestinal infection or inflammation, the vomit may contain yellow or green bile and have a more pungent smell. Frequent vomiting will make the dog feel very uncomfortable. After vomiting, the dog may look listless and droopy - eared, and may have a swallowing motion because the vomiting causes throat discomfort.
IV. Treatment Methods for Intestinal Diseases in Dogs

When dogs suffer from intestinal diseases, appropriate treatments need to be selected according to specific causes and the severity of the condition.
i. Dietary Adjustment
Dietary adjustment is an important part of treating intestinal diseases in dogs. If it is indigestion or mild diarrhea, dogs can be fasted for 12 to 24 hours to let the intestines rest. After that, feed light and easily digestible foods such as white rice porridge and chicken puree (boiled chicken without skin). These foods are easily absorbed by the intestine and help relieve the burden in the intestine. For dogs with long-term intestinal problems or malnutrition, dog food with special intestinal prescription can be selected. This kind of dog food is carefully designed in terms of nutritional components and digestibility and is helpful for repairing the intestinal mucosa. At the same time, ensure that dogs always have clean drinking water to prevent dehydration, but pay attention to feeding in small amounts and multiple times to avoid drinking a large amount of water at one time.
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ii. Drug Treatment
1. Antidiarrheal drugs
If a dog has severe diarrhea, veterinarians may prescribe antidiarrheal drugs according to the situation, such as montmorillonite powder. It can form a protective film in the intestine, adsorb toxins and excess water in the intestine, and reduce the frequency of diarrhea. However, the use of antidiarrheal drugs needs to be cautious.
2. Anthelmintics
If the problem is caused by intestinal parasites, use appropriate anthelmintics. For example, albendazole and other drugs can be used for roundworms. Different parasites require different anthelmintics, so accurate diagnosis is crucial. After deworming, pay attention to observing the dog's feces to see if there are parasites excreted.
3. Probiotics and digestive enzymes
Probiotics have a good effect on restoring the balance of intestinal flora. You can give dogs probiotic suppplement containing beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus acidophilus to help restrain the growth of harmful bacteria and strengthen intestinal immunity. For dogs with poor digestive function, adding digestive enzymes can promote the digestion and decomposition of food.
4. Antibiotics
If it is a disease such as enteritis caused by bacterial infection, after determining the pathogen, use targeted antibiotics for treatment. But pay attention to the dosage and course of antibiotics to avoid further imbalance of intestinal flora and drug resistance caused by abuse.
iii. Other Treatment Methods
1. Infusion therapy
For dogs with severe dehydration, electrolyte disorders, or inability to eat, infusion therapy is required. By intravenously infusing balanced solution, glucose, etc., supplement water, electrolytes, and energy to maintain the normal metabolism of the body.
2. Surgical treatment
In severe cases such as intestinal obstruction, intussusception, and intestinal tumors, surgery may be required. Surgery can relieve obstruction, repair damaged intestines or remove diseased tissues. After surgery, dogs need careful care, including wound care, diet management, and close observation of recovery. During the treatment of intestinal diseases in dogs, owners should closely cooperate with veterinarians, carry out treatment and care according to doctors' instructions, and at the same time, pay attention to observing changes in dogs' symptoms. If there are any abnormalities, communicate with veterinarians in time.
V. Daily Measures to Protect the Intestinal Health of Dogs
i. Maintaining Environmental Hygiene
1. Cleaning the dog's kennel and living area
regularly clean the dog's kennel, cage, and the areas where the dog frequently moves around. Remove feces, hair, dust, food residues, etc. to reduce the breeding of bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Use pet - specific cleaning agents and avoid using chemicals that are harmful to dogs. Conduct a thorough cleaning at least once a week. For areas that are prone to getting dirty, such as the dog's feeding area and resting area, increase the cleaning frequency.
2. Regularly disinfecting toys and tableware
Dogs' toys and tableware are prone to being contaminated with bacteria, so it is essential to disinfect them regularly. You can soak the toys and tableware in a mild disinfectant and then rinse them thoroughly with clean water. It is done once a week to keep them clean and hygienic and prevent bacteria from entering the intestine through the mouth.
ii. Appropriate Interaction and Exercise
Interact and exercise appropriately with the dog every day. This can not only strengthen the bond between the dog and the owner but also help the dog relieve stress. You can take the dog for a walk, play games, or conduct some simple training. Exercise helps to promote intestinal peristalsis, improve digestion, and also enables the dog to maintain a good mental condition.
iii. Regular Physical Examinations and Deworming
1. Regularly taking the dog for a physical examination
Regularly take the dog to the vet for a comprehensive physical examination, including physical examination, blood test, fecal examination, etc. Through the physical examination, potential intestinal problems, such as inflammation, parasitic infections, or early signs of other diseases, can be detected in a timely manner. It is generally recommended at least once a year. For elderly dogs or dogs with chronic diseases, the number of physical examinations can be appropriately increased.
2. Deworming on time
Deworm the dog regularly according to the veterinarian's advice. Intestinal parasites can seriously affect the intestinal health of the dog, sucking the dog's nutrition and damaging the intestinal mucosa. Different deworming drugs target different types of parasites. Therefore, appropriate deworming drugs and deworming cycles should be selected. Generally, puppies need to be dewormed every month, and adult dogs can be dewormed every 3 - 6 months.