We all know if our dogs are eating well. And we certainly know the state of things coming out the other end! Observing and monitoring our dogs’ bowel movements is just one of the many joys of pet parenthood.
But there’s more to a dog’s gut health than what we habitually encounter. Our dogs’ metabolism has an impact on their entire body, influencing just about every aspect of health (1). This includes gastrointestinal health, of course, but immune and even behavioral systems have strong ties back to the gut.
Let’s explore the deep and sometimes unexpected roles the dog GI tract plays in the overall well-being of our pups.
Understanding Gut Health in Dogs
What do we mean when we refer to our dogs’ gut? The gut comprises the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Within these areas exists a community of microorganisms, commonly known as the gut microbiome, that includes bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
The types and balance of these microorganisms vary greatly between individual pups. Differences are attributed to factors such as age and environmental exposures, particularly diet (2). Generally, some microorganisms are considered to be “good bacteria” while others are considered to be “bad bacteria.” A healthy gut maintains a balance between the two types, whereas gut problems in dogs can arise from an imbalance of too many bad bacteria and too few good bacteria.
A diverse gut microbiome is as important as a balanced one due to its ability to withstand change—such as a new diet or environmental stressors.
7 Symptoms of Poor Gut Health in Dogs
Knowing all of this, let’s learn to pay attention to some of the ways our dogs might be telling us their microbiome is in need of some TLC. Symptoms of poor gut health in dogs can appear in a variety of ways.
Digestive Upset
One major sign of dog stomach problems is chronic digestive upset, which can manifest as frequent diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two, says Dr. Antje Joslin, Dogtopia Veterinary Consultant. “Persistent digestive upset often points to an imbalance in gut health.”
The state of your dog’s stool is, of course, the first thing to pay attention to when it comes to digestion. “If your dog’s poop is consistently loose or too firm, it’s a red flag,” says Dr. Wayne M. Johnson, a veterinarian at Birdneck Animal Hospital in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Try to notice changes in consistency as well. This could mean their tummy is out of whack, he adds.
Other signs include a decreased or lack of appetite and a change in stool color. “Sporadic vomiting might be attributed to other causes like motion sickness or dietary indiscretion, but it can also signal gut imbalance,” says Dr. Joslin. And finally, changes in the smell of your dog’s stool matter too. Particularly foul-smelling stools can suggest gut inflammation, she says.
Gas and Bloating
Luckily (sort of) flatulence is an obvious sign of trouble. A little gas is normal for any pup. But if your dog seems extra gassy or their belly feels bloated, this can be uncomfortable for them and might point to an imbalance in their gut, says Dr. Johnson.
Bad Breath
“Dogs aren’t known for their fresh breath, but if it’s particularly bad or has a foul odor, it could be a sign of digestive issues,” says Dr. Johnson. Sometimes it’s related to gut bacteria or even food intolerances.
Skin and Fur Problems
Not everyone immediately sees dry, brittle fur or itchy skin and thinks of their dog’s gastrointestinal tract. However, there is ever-growing evidence of a link. A recent study in the journal Animals found that dogs with atopic dermatitis (skin allergies) have a less diverse gut microbiome than dogs without skin allergies, as well as different strains of bacteria living in their digestive tract (3).
If they’re scratching more than usual or developing rashes, their digestive system might be weak, says Dr. Johnson. Other signs to look for include changes in their coat. “Dull, dry, or brittle fur can sometimes be related to malabsorption of nutrients due to gut health issues,” says Dr. Joslin. “Recurrent ear infections can be linked to food intolerances or sensitivities affecting gut health,” she adds.
Changes in Weight
Significant weight loss or weight gain without a change in diet or exercise could indicate digestive issues affecting nutrient absorption or metabolism, says Dr. Joslin.
Behavior Changes
Digestive discomfort can sometimes affect your pet’s mood and behavior, says Dr. Johnson. Beyond that, while more insightful research is still needed, growing evidence shows that the bacteria living in our dogs’ digestive tract is a central player in the gut-brain axis; meaning the digestive tract can impact the mental health of our dogs (4)! These microbes use different pathways to influence behavior, including neural and endocrine (the glands and organs responsible for making hormones).
If your dog is extra anxious or showing any signs of aggression, seek help from your veterinarian right away.
Subtle Shifts
Sometimes, the symptoms of poor gut health in dogs are less obvious. “If something seems off, it’s worth checking out,” says Dr. Johnson. Be on the lookout for simple changes like increased thirst and tiredness. “Chronic mild lethargy can be mistaken for normal aging or low energy levels, but it might indicate ongoing discomfort or nutrient deficiencies related to poor gut health,” says Dr. Joslin.
Many of the signs we have discussed can either be missed or are not something you’d normally attribute to GI health. “Lethargy and depression, muscle mass changes, weight loss, inability to gain weight, poor hair coat and skin, or failure to thrive can all be non-specific signs resembling illness in many organ systems, especially in a dog without obvious GI signs present,” says Dr. Kasey Mabry, a board-certified internist at Thrive Pet Healthcare partner South Carolina Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care in Columbia, South Carolina.
Conversely, while symptoms of poor gut health in dogs are often attributed to primary gastrointestinal disease, they might represent non-GI illness arising from the kidneys, parasitic infection, endocrine organs, heart, lungs, immune system, and any form of critical illness, she adds. This underscores the importance of having your dog examined regularly by your vet.
What Causes Poor Gut Health in Dogs
So far, we know that both the balance of good and bad bacteria, as well as the diversity in types of bacteria, matter when it comes to maintaining a healthy digestive tract. But what accounts for changes in these factors?
“Bacteria constitute the largest portion of the intestinal microbiome, and the proportion of good to bad bacteria can fluctuate drastically under a wide variety of conditions and bodily stresses,” says Dr. Mabry. Let’s examine some of the more common issues.
Diet
“If your dog’s food is low in fiber or doesn’t have the right nutrients, it can mess with their gut health,” says Dr. Johnson. Sudden diet changes can also throw them off balance.
Antibiotics
If your dog has been on antibiotic medication recently, their microbiome could be off balance. Antibiotics do their job in getting rid of bad bacteria, but they may disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the process.
If your pup has been on multiple courses of antibiotics, pay special attention to their digestion, as over time, things could get worse. “Frequent or inappropriate use of antibiotics can kill beneficial gut bacteria and allow harmful bacteria to proliferate,” says Dr. Joslin.
Parasites
“Worms and other nasties can mess with your dog’s digestion,” says Dr. Johnson. “Regular parasite prevention is key to avoiding these issues.”
Stress
Dogs can get stressed, much like we do. A move or a change in routine can trigger a stress response. “Emotional or physical stress can affect gut health by altering gut motility and disrupting the microbial balance,” says Dr. Joslin.
Food Allergies
Some dogs might have chronic inflammatory conditions like allergies or intolerances to certain foods. “If you think this might be the case, consult your vet about switching to a different food,” says Dr. Johnson.
Tips for Improving Your Dog’s Gut Health
With gut health being such an important part of our dogs’ lives, it’s time to take it front and center. From now on we’ll give our dogs kisses, belly rubs, walks, and a balanced microbiome!
“Nourishing the GI tract in multi-modal ways is essential to keeping the gut healthy for as long as possible,” says Dr. Mabry. How to improve a dog’s gut health comes down to a few basic factors.
Balanced Diet
Feed a high-quality balanced diet appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and health condition. “Ensure it includes a good mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates,” says Dr. Joslin. “Consider incorporating a variety of dog-safe whole foods to support a diverse gut microbiome,” she adds. Your veterinarian can help you select which whole foods to incorporate into your dog’s diet.
Hydration
Make your dog’s water dish a priority. Fresh, clean water keeps things moving. It allows for healthy bowel function.
Parasite Prevention
“Stick to your vet’s recommendations for preventing parasites,” says Dr. Johnson. This will protect against intestinal parasites that can affect gut health.
Slow Down Diet Changes
When changing foods, do it gradually, says Dr. Johnson. “Mix the new food with the old over several days to ease the transition for their tummy.”
Regular Vet Visits
Regular check-ups help catch any potential issues early. “Active monitoring for newly developed food allergies, hypersensitivity reactions, or food intolerances is important, as these can arise at any point in the animal’s life, says Dr. Mabry. “While environmental factors and genetics do play a large role in gut health, continuing to have your pet regularly checked by a veterinarian is important to help prevent and/or spot a clinical situation that might impact the body’s microbiome later in the disease course.”
Manage Stress
Try to keep your dog’s life as stress-free as possible. “A stable routine and a calm environment can benefit their digestive health,” says Dr. Johnson.
Final Thoughts on Dog Digestive Issues
As scientific research progresses, we’ll continue to learn more about the far-reaching influence of our dogs’ gut microbiome and what causes the symptoms of poor gut health in dogs. In the meantime, it’s comforting to know that the tried-and-true methods shared here — from providing lots of clean water to keeping up on parasite prevention — can help to support the healthy functioning of such an important system.
