When a dog has poor digestive health, it’s usually due to something relatively simple that often goes away on its own. But occasionally it can be more serious and require veterinary care.

It’s key to get it sorted asap because the gut affects so many other things.

Dog behaviour is a key one. Not just from discomfort, but because we know from all of the research now how connected the gut and brain are.

So what digestive solutions are available from your local pet shop?

And what signs should you be looking for to indicate something more serious?

Although we’re a pet shop and not a vet, we DO have some knowledge about the health and well-being of our dogs. And SOME digestive problems in dogs can be solved with a tweak of their food or the addition of supplements.

But before we begin, it goes without saying that if you’re concerned and your dog is unwell, the vets are always a sensible option to rule anything else out.

Some of the really obvious signs you might have noticed could be:

• Diarrhoea or constipation

This can obviously happen from time to time, especially if they eat something a little unsavoury on a walk! But if it’s consistent, it could be the sign of something else.

• Smelly stools or excessive gas

Yep – not very nice when you say it out loud, but it’s actually NOT normal for your dog to be super gassy or to have really stinky stools.  If this is becoming a problem, time to take a look at what else could be going on.

Subtle / often missed signs:

• Licking lips, gulping or panting could mean that your dog is feeling a bit icky or off.
• Going off their food can be another subtle sign there’s something going on downstairs.
• Behaviour can also be a sign of an upset tum, so things like Irritability, restlessness or increased anxiety. When you’ve got an upset tum, you’ve got far less patience too, right? When your dog’s gut is happy, they’re far more relaxed.

• Scavenging

The most common cause is that your dog has eaten something it shouldn’t have. Something from the bin, or something on a walk. Often, we don’t even see it happen! This might cause a day or two of some rather unsavoury side effects.

• Change of food

Sometimes a dog can have digestive problems when they change foods. That is why new food should always be introduced over a few days. Unless it’s Raw food, in which case the switch over to raw from dry is different, and you can read more about that in our raw dog food guide.

• Allergies

Then you’ve got food intolerances and allergies. These can happen at any time. They can be environmental and last for short periods. Or for longer periods of time, sometimes lifelong. Which can be tricky to work with as you try to find the common denominator.

• Medication

Medications such as antibiotics can also affect your dog’s gut health. Antibiotics work by killing bacteria, but they don’t distinguish between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria – and we all rely on healthy gut bacteria to support digestion and overall wellbeing. Because of this, some dogs experience digestive upset during or after a course of antibiotics. A vet-approved gut support supplement can be helpful to support the balance of bacteria in the gut. If your dog is prescribed antibiotics, it’s worth asking your vet whether a probiotic or digestive support product is suitable, and how best to use it alongside the medication.

• Stress

As we discussed, stress can cause digestive issues and take longer to resolve than you might think. Moving house, fireworks, and environmental changes can all be unsettling for anxious dogs.

• Low-quality food

Sadly, not all food is made equal. And low-quality food can also cause digestive issues. So knowing exactly what’s in your dog food will really help. Buying the best quality ingredients you can afford. You can always ask us in the store, and we’ll give you the different options if you’re not sure. Just because it’s more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better quality, or that it will be what’s most suited to your dog.

Let’s talk about probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that help support the balance of microorganisms in your dog’s gut. When there’s a healthy balance, you get healthy digestion, stool quality and overall well-being. Prebiotics are different – they’re not bacteria but fibres that FEED the bacteria living in the gut. They help them to thrive. Both can help support your dog’s digestion when used correctly.

You could use them in any of the situations we talked about earlier. So when your dog is:

• Transitioning from one food to another
• During or after a course of antibiotics (check this with your vet)
• Following a prolonged period of digestive problems
• During times of increased stress

If you plan to start your dog on digestive support, start slowly with a small amount. If you give them too much too quickly, this can cause digestive problems. After a few days, you can gradually increase the amount. And keep an eye on their stools and behaviour. If there are any problems, reduce it back down or pause for a while.

There are a few other things you can try that some dog owners find really helpful – it’s not a one-size-fits-all, remember, so they may or may not work for your dog: Digestive chews or treats If your dog is against the powder probiotics, then you can try some special chews or digestive treats that are specially designed for more fussy dogs. Bone broth Bone broth is good for dogs that may be a little dehydrated, as it will encourage them to drink more fluid and is known to help support dogs who have a sensitive tummy.  Choose a specialised bone broth from your local pet shop like ours. Stress reduction Monitor their day. Have there been any unusual changes recently? A new dog moved in next door, which is making them bark more? Perhaps a new addition to the house? Using some calming remedies, like a plug-in, might help to tackle any underlying stress going on in the background. Digestive supportive food You can buy both wet and dry food that supports your dog’s digestion. Like Arden Grange’s Vat Care Gastrointestinal. Or our own Gastrointestinal Digestive Care that are naturally gentle and support dogs needing something lighter.