4 Tips to Keep Your Dog's Stomach Healthy
Most dogs love to eat. That's usually fine as long as you're feeding your dog healthy food, but sometimes dogs can develop bad habits that can harm their stomachs. Here are four tips you can use to keep your dog's stomach healthy.
1. Use a special bowl to slow down your dog's eating.
Some dogs eat too quickly, which can cause vomiting, choking, or an upset stomach. While you can't tell your dog to eat more slowly, you can utilize a specially designed bowl to make your dog slow down. These bowls usually feature plastic obstructions that require your dog to carefully remove food. This can help your dog digest their food for a healthier stomach.
2. Avoid treats that can cause intestinal blockages.
Treats are great for dogs. Chew toys can keep their teeth healthy and plaque-free while also providing much-needed mental stimulation. However, there are certain treats that can harm your dog's stomach and lead to intestinal blockages. According to Wag!, rawhide and bones are made from indigestible material that can accumulate in your dog's digestive tract, causing issues down the line.
3. Keep small toys out of reach.
Intestinal blockages can also occur when your dog eats something they shouldn't eat. If your dog is prone to chewing and eating things they find on the ground, it's best to keep hazardous items out of reach. Keep small children's toys and other household objects in areas that your dog can't access. If you see your dog chewing on one of these objects, don't panic. Use a fishhook-like motion to sweep your dog's mouth and remove the offending item.
4. Take your dog to the vet if they show signs of stomach distress.
If your dog is exhibiting symptoms of stomach problems, you should take them to the vet. Vomiting, diarrhea, and straining to use the bathroom are all common symptoms of stomach upset. If your dog has been constipated for more than a couple days, an intestinal blockage may be to blame. Your veterinarian will use a radiograph or ultrasound to diagnose the problem. If an obstruction is found, your dog may need surgery to remove the blockage.
An experienced veterinarian will be able to perform surgery on your dog in a safe and sterile environment. Most dogs make a complete recovery after being treated for intestinal blockages. Make sure to follow your vet's orders and give your dog lots of love to help them recover. Reach out to a business like Buck Road Animal Hospital for more information.