When your clients have questions about canine digestive health, this article will help you answer their questions and provide the best care possible for your canine patients.
Digestive health is an integral part of canine health, and your clients may have questions about it. This is especially true since so much new information is coming to light about the link between digestive health and immunity. This article will discuss canine digestive health, what clients need to know about supporting it, and a functional food-based supplement that may support digestive health for your canine patients.
Digestive Health and the Gut-Liver Axis
The gut-liver axis is a network of interconnected components involving the gut, the microbiota, and the liver. The liver plays a central role in processing nutrients absorbed from the gut, detoxifying harmful substances, and regulating immune responses. Bile acids, produced by the liver, aid in fat digestion and serve as signaling molecules that influence gut microbiota and metabolism. Conversely, the gut microbiota can impact liver function and metabolism. Dysfunction in the gut-liver axis can lead to systemic health issues in animals, especially because of the link between gut health and the immune system.
It’s important for clients to understand that all these systems are interlinked and that what they feed their dogs can impact not only digestive health, but also immunity, the liver, and the body as a whole.
Talking to Your Clients About Canine Digestive Health
Maintaining a healthy digestive system is essential for overall digestive health in dogs. Factors such as diet, stress, illness, and medications can all influence the function of the digestive system. If a patient has concerns about the health of a dog’s digestive system, potential talking points to cover include:
- Probiotics and prebiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is crucial for proper digestion and immune function.
- Clean the dog’s bowl daily to prevent biofilm, the slimy community of bacteria that can grow on surfaces. Biofilm can contain harmful bacteria that can cause digestive upset, infections in the gut, kidneys, and urinary tract, periodontal disease, and more.
- Regular exercise helps stimulate bowel movements and promotes overall gastrointestinal health. Make sure the dog gets enough physical activity every day.
- Minimize stress, which can negatively impact the digestive system, leading to issues like diarrhea or vomiting.
- Parasites can cause gastrointestinal issues and other health problems if left untreated, so take steps to prevent parasitic infections.
- Rotational feeding can support digestive health, expose the gut to a variety of ingredients and beneficial bacteria, and ensure dogs get a variety of nutrients so there aren’t any nutritional gaps in their diet.
A Supplement That Supports the Digestive System for Canine Patients
All dogs require nutritional support for digestive health, and even patients who aren’t showing signs of compromise can benefit from additional support for digestive tract health. Canine Enteric Support from Standard Process provides whole foods and nutrients that provide multidimensional support for the canine digestive system, helping to support the ability of intestinal cells to function and regenerate and the ability of cells to respond to daily metabolic and immune challenges.
Visit Standard Process to learn more!
AUTHOR PROFILE
Jody has been providing clinical support for veterinarians, technicians and staff members at Standard Process for over 12 years. She is passionate about the importance of nutrition and enjoys educating veterinary professionals on the benefits that whole food-based supplements can provide to their patients. She earned her veterinary technician certification after receiving her associate's degree from Madison Area Technical College, in Madison, Wisconsin and worked in a mixed animal practice for 11 years prior to joining the Standard Process team. When not at work, Jody loves spending time with her husband, their 7 children, their chocolate Lab Kona and their black Lab Echo.
