Intestinal problems in your dog: symptoms, causes and advice

A dog's intestines are the most important factory in its body. This is where complete digestion takes place, nutrients are absorbed, and the digestive system is kept in balance. When parasites invade the intestines, they can cause symptoms that affect overall health and well-being. Fortunately, you can firmly support the intestines and help prevent issues with high-quality BF products. Here you can read how to do that practically, including a clear list of causes and symptoms.

Causes of intestinal problems in dogs

Intestinal problems can arise in various ways. Here are the most important causes:

• Nutrition: Poor or low-quality food, sudden changes in food, or food that does not agree with them (e.g., spoiled food, something from the street, trash, or unsuitable dog food).
• Parasites: Giardia, Coccidia, or other intestinal parasites (e.g., roundworms and tapeworms) that disrupt digestion.
• Stress: Emotional stress due to changes in the environment, moving, or other dogs can directly disrupt digestion. Also read our blog article How to recognize stress in your four-legged friend and what to do?.
• Bacterial or viral infections: Bacteria, viruses, or other germs that affect the intestines.
• Transmission by the mother: If the mother is an infected animal, she can pass the parasites on to the puppies via milk or the placenta.
• Food hypersensitivity: A reaction to certain ingredients that cause inflammation in the intestinal wall.
• Other factors: Weakened resistance, unhealthy diet, or sometimes an underlying disease such as chronic bowel inflammation.

Symptoms of intestinal problems in dogs

The symptoms can vary greatly, depending on the cause and severity. Typical signs include:

• Digestive complaints: Diarrhea (watery, with blood or mucus), constipation, flatulence (foul odor, grumbling sounds), vomiting, bloated abdomen, and a poor appetite.
• Behavior and energy: Reduced energy, lethargy, itching on the belly or hind legs, weight loss (or unexpected weight gain), strange eating habits, and a thinning coat.
• Other complaints: Bad breath, nausea (drooling, eating grass, or licking lips), abdominal pain (prayer position), and in severe cases, impaired growth in puppies.

Practical tips for dealing with intestinal parasites

There are several smart and natural ways to help your dog. Here are some proven tips:

• Steamed meat food
  Choose BF steamed meat sausages (e.g., chicken & salmon, chicken & lamb, chicken & duck). This is a complete, light, and very easily digestible food that directly supports digestion. The advantage of our steamed meat food is that it is processed as little as possible and is therefore low in residues. Combined with the mixed protein sources, this makes it difficult for parasites to establish themselves. The intestines hardly have to exert any effort to absorb everything. There is therefore almost nothing left that a parasite can use as a "good spot." High meat percentages, few carbohydrates and residues. This ensures that the intestinal wall is as clean as possible and there are so few "foreign" substances that parasites (worms, Giardia, etc.) find almost no chance to attach, grow, and settle. It is therefore a natural, pre-incident protection.

  Feed this meat food alternately with dry food (with prebiotic FOS) or as a main meal – perfect for dogs with minor intestinal complaints.

• Combine with BIOFOOD wet food
  You can also opt for organic wet food from BIOFOOD, as a supplement or a complete meal (e.g., beef, chicken, or turkey). These products contain 100% natural ingredients without artificial additives. The organic quality and high meat percentages ensure a clean and healthier intestinal environment. It is an excellent choice if you want to help your dog with a diet that optimizes digestion and gives parasites less of a chance.
  
  
• BF probiotic products support intestinal flora
  BF Probiotic tablets (with pre- and probiotics) for dogs and cats, BF Probiotic treats, and BF Omega+ Liquid Probiotic for dogs are extremely convenient. The EFSA-registered probiotic strains used strengthen the good bacteria and help not only with existing complaints but also preventively after a deworming treatment or during stress. You can give 1 Probiotic tablet per 5 kg of body weight per day. This restores balance and reduces flatulence and diarrhea.
  
  Tip: Both deworming agents (ask your veterinarian) and/or Giardia itself can cause damage to the intestinal wall and disrupt the intestinal flora. For this reason, animals that have had Giardia at some point in their lives often remain sensitive in their gastrointestinal tract for life. Our BF^® Probiotic products, liquid, tablet, or treat, offer the necessary support for this. Read more info in our blog article: Why probiotics for my dog and/or cat? – BF Petfood

• Herbs that support the intestines
  Herbs such as plantain and oak have an anthelmintic effect. These herbs contain polyphenols, including tannins, which have a negative effect on gastrointestinal worms. Peppermint supports the intestinal flora and the present menthol has a mild anesthetic and disinfectant effect in the gastrointestinal tract, which contributes to an unfriendly climate for parasites. Fennel seed and Aniseed are the ultimate intestinal herbs. The essential oils (anethole) in fennel and anise help stimulate intestinal peristalsis (squeezing movement). This helps the intestines to physically excrete worms that have been loosened or paralyzed by other substances through the stool faster. The aforementioned herbs are all included in our strictly selected BF Natural Herb Mix.
  
  Garlic supports a healthy intestinal flora in a controlled dose by selectively inhibiting unwanted bacteria, while sparing good lactic acid bacteria. BF Garlic tablets or garlic treats offer the necessary support. Garlic reduces the number of eggs and/or larvae in worm species and supports the intestinal flora, skin, and resistance at the same time.
  
  
• Extra smart tips
  Combine everything in an alternating menu: kibble (with prebiotic FOS) + steamed sausage + wet food with probiotics. Also read the tips for stress and restlessness How to recognize stress in your four-legged friend and what to do?. Occasionally fill a lick mat with wet food, meat food, or supplements for extra digestive support. Keep the environment clean and observe your dog's stool – a healthy bowel movement is already a good sign!

In summary

Parasites in the intestines can be annoying, but with the right approach, you can give your dog a strong and healthy digestive system. Start with BF steamed meat food or Bio wet food and use BF probiotic and herb products as healthy support. This way, you build natural, effective protection that not only makes your dog more comfortable but also gives them more energy and vitality.

Always contact the veterinarian if the complaints persist, so you can have a thorough examination done for peace of mind. We wish you all the best!

For more information, email: info@bfpetfood.nl or use the contact page.