Gut health became extra important for Baxter during his senior years. We needed a mix of probiotics and ultimately prescription food to keep his tummy regular and feeling his best.
Now that we have added Boone to the family, I want to make sure he has the best mix of food and nutrients to give him a long and rewarding life.
How Important is Gut Health for Pets?
As a pet parent, it’s usually easy to tell when your pet has an upset stomach. I’ve had far more discussions with my husband about dog poop than I ever anticipated in our marriage. You may assume they ate something they shouldn’t have and keep an eye out for their poop to return to normal.
But have you considered their gut health? Not just what their poop looks like, but how a healthy gut affects their overall health. Just like us, our pets have a complex gut microbiome that plays a crucial role in how they feel. Let’s chat about why gut health for dogs and cats, how to recognize signs of an unhealthy gut, and what you can do to support a healthy gut microbiome.
Why Your Pet’s Gut Health Matters
Commercials and ads are constantly feeding us information about prebiotics, probiotics, and every sort of food that is and isn’t “good for our gut.” What we do know is that a healthy gut helps with digestion, boosts the immune system, and even affects our mood.
The same is true for our pets! Their gut microbiome—a community of trillions of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and even fungi—is essential for their well-being. When things are in balance, your pet’s gut helps keep their digestion and overall health on an even keel, giving them the boost to be bright and bouncy.
Let’s go back to high school science class for a minute to understand the good stuff our gut does for us and our pets!
Digestion and nutrient absorption
Bacteria in your gut breaks down food and absorbs nutrients. You and your pet need good bacteria to produce enzymes that aid in the digestion of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, ensuring you both get the most nutrition from your food.
Immune system support
About 70% of the immune system is located in the gut. Say what? That means your gut takes care of the majority of the work your body does to keep you healthy! The same is true for your dog. A healthy gut means a healthier pet.
Mental and emotional health
Did you know your gut health can impact our mood and mental health? It’s a concept known as the gut-brain axis. The gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can influence mood and behavior. An imbalanced gut can lead to anxiety, depression, and other behavioral problems in both pets and people.
Signs of an unhealthy gut in pets
Unfortunately, signs of gut problems are also common signs of other health issues, so if you note any of these, you’ll want to schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Some things to look out for:
Digestive issues: Persistent diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or gas.
Changes in appetite: Sudden loss of appetite or increased hunger.
Weight fluctuations: Unexplained weight loss or gain.
Skin and coat problems: Dull coat, excessive shedding, dry or flaky skin.
Behavioral changes: Increased anxiety, depression, or lethargy.
Frequent infections: Recurrent ear infections, urinary tract infections, or other illnesses
Supporting Your Pet’s Gut Health
Balanced Diet
It’s all about balance. Opt for high-quality pet food that includes a mix of proteins, healthy fats, fibers, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Avoid foods with excessive fillers, artificial additives, and preservatives. This goes for treats, too – look for a short, simple ingredient list on your pet’s treat ingredient list, and dole them out as exactly that – treats to reward your pet.
Check out the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association’s advice on how to read pet food nutrition labels.
Probiotics and prebiotics
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that help restore balance in the gut microbiome. They come in supplement form or can be found in certain foods like yogurt (though be cautious with dairy for pets). Prebiotics, which are fibers that FEED those beneficial bacteria, are important, too.
We worked with our veterinarian to find a probiotic supplement for Baxter when he began having bowel issues. They also suggested a prescription food that was easier to digest (and magically his toots no longer cleared the room!).
Regular exercise
Regular physical activity keeps that extra layer of fat at bay and helps support good digestion.
Plus, it’s also a stress reducer. So grab the leash and go for a walk with your dog a few times a week (explore new places to keep up the mental stimulation) or a feather wand for your kitty to catch.
Stress management
Speaking of stress, we know it can negatively impact our gut health. If you’ve ever had to give an important presentation or knew you had to have a serious talk with your boss or coworker, you know the constant anxiety can wreak havoc with your digestion, too.
Pets experience the same from different stressors like boredom or those pesky delivery drivers constantly ringing your doorbell. Provide a stable and safe environment for your pet, and engage in activities that reduce stress, such as regular playtime and socialization.
If you’re often away from home, don’t assume your pet is happily napping. Buy or borrow a pet camera to see how they react when you are away. If they are relaxed – no problem! But if they are pacing or constantly crying, you may want to come home for lunch, engage a pet sitter, and add some enrichment toys or pet TV.
Routine veterinary check-ups
I’ll be honest, I’m not great at keeping up with my own annual visits to my general practitioner. But I’ll be darned if I’m going to miss my dog’s annual check-up and vaccine boosters. Regular vet visits can help catch any health issues early on. Opt for the yearly blood test and bring a fresh stool sample for testing.
Get Your Guts in Order!
Keeping your and your pet’s gut health in check ensures you both can live a healthy and long life together. It’s always better to prevent health problems when you can. Working on a balanced diet and adding in exercise with your dog is a great way to do that.