Common Digestive Issues in Pets

Expert's Comments

A Chat with Dr. Niveditha N About Common Digestive Issues in Pets

Dr. Niveditha N,
Trustivet Pet Hospital,
RT Nagar, Bengaluru,
India
M.V.Sc in Veterinary Medicine.

What are the most common digestive issues seen in pets?

The most common digestive issues in pets include diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, and bloating. Dogs often suffer from dietary indiscretion (eating inappropriate food), whereas cats mostly experience problems such as hairballs or sensitive stomach due to their grooming habits. Inflammatory bowel disease is another issue commonly seen in both dogs and cats, particularly in older animals.

What are the primary causes of digestive issues in pets?

Dietary changes, food allergies, infections (bacterial or viral), endo-parasites, and stress cause digestive disturbances. Also, sudden gulping of food without proper chewing followed by running or jumping can lead to digestive disturbances. For example, sudden changes in diet, such as switching from homemade food to a commercial diet without a slow transition, can upset the stomach. In some cases, underlying health conditions, such as liver disease or pancreatitis, can also be the root cause.

What are the signs of these digestive disorders?

The identifiable signs of digestive disorders are vomiting and diarrhoea, constipation, loss of appetite, bloating, and weight loss. Pets may also show signs of abdominal pain, excessive drooling, lethargy, or changes in stool consistency (such as greasy or foul-smelling feces). In severe cases, symptoms such as blood in the stool, dry heaving, or signs of dehydration (e.g., sunken eyes, dry nose) may be observed.

What can pet owners do to prevent digestive issues when making dietary changes?

The key to preventing digestive issues during dietary changes is a gradual transition, as sudden changes can disrupt the gut microbiota and cause diarrhoea or vomiting. Ideally, the transition should happen across 7 to 10 days, by mixing small quantities of the new food with the existing food—initially, 25% of the new food should be mixed with 75% of the existing food for a couple of days, then there should be equal quantities of both the foods, and then the percentage of the new food should be increased slowly until the shift is complete. Additionally, choosing a high-quality diet with easily digestible ingredients can help minimize the chances of digestive disturbances. Lastly, the pet should be closely monitored during the shift.

How can pet parents manage mild digestive issues at home?

For mild cases, fasting the pet for 12 to 24 hours is recommended, so that the digestive system gets time to settle. Providing bland food (eg, boiled chicken and rice) in small quantities will help the pet resume eating. Easy access to clean and fresh drinking water always is imperative to avoid dehydration. Probiotic supplements designed for pets can also be useful in restoring gut health.

When should pet owners seek veterinary care for digestive issues?

If vomiting or diarrhoea persists for more than 24 hours, or if there are additional symptoms such as lethargy, blood in the stool, or severe abdominal pain, the pet must be taken to a veterinarian. Also, chronic digestive problems, even if mild, may be indicative of underlying issues such as food intolerances or more serious gastrointestinal diseases that need medical attention.