Understanding Your Dog’s Gastrointestinal Condition

Gastrointestinal upsets are quite common. They are often of short duration but can become chronic and recurring, which can be distressing.

What does the Gastrointestinal Tract Do?

The gastrointestinal tract digests food and absorbs nutrients. The liver and pancreas release powerful enzymes that break down the food. Most nutrient absorption takes place in the small intestine while the large intestine is important for water and mineral absorption.

There are many possible causes of gastrointestinal upset, including infections, parasites, food allergies or intolerances or sudden changes in diet. Signs commonly include diarrhoea, loss of appetite, vomiting and weight loss.

Diet is Important

Gastrointestinal conditions can irritate the stomach and intestine and poorly digested food can contribute to the signs. A diet such as Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Canine EN Gastrointestinal that’s easily digested ensures your dog gets all the essential nutrients necessary to support their recovery, while at the same time may help reduce the signs. In fact, many cases of chronic diarrhoea respond to dietary change alone.

Canine EN Gastrointestinal also contains medium-chain fatty acids, a type of fat that is easy to digest and absorb, together with prebiotics and soluble fibre, which together help promote a healthy intestinal environment, in the colon.