“Leaky gut in dogs”. At first hearing, it sounds like a euphemism for a pup with the runs. Sadly, leaky gut is a much more dire sickness than its quirky name implies. A condition that can affect dogs and humans alike, it’s a silent terror that can be tough to detect. However, if left untreated, leaky gut in dogs can spawn a host of allergies, pancreatic problems, and even autoimmune disease.
As with most maladies, though, a best defence is a good offence. In other words, if you know how to prevent it, your pup can enjoy a leaky gut-free life. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your furbaby doesn’t suffer from leaky gut in dogs!
Firstly, what is leaky gut in dogs?
To squarely answer this question, we’ll need to don our biologists’ hats. Inside your dog’s stomach exists the intestinal mucosa – a lining that acts like a colander for bacteria and toxins. At the same time, it channels digested nutrients from the stomach into the bloodstream. Put more simply, it keeps out the bad stuff while bringing in the good.
Even so, when the mucosa suffers, your dog’s gut loses its buffer. Inflammation can stretch the junctions of the mucosa, which allows toxins, pathogens, and undigested food particles to pass straight into the bloodstream. The result is a domino effect within your pup’s body; the liver, ever a paragon in the war against toxins, is the first to succumb to the wave of invaders. Once its defences fall, the immune system prepares for battle – but the immune system is a broadsword, not a dagger. In its zeal, it can attack the body it is sworn to protect along with the toxins. From here, your dog may develop a fully-fledged autoimmune disease.
As if that weren’t bad enough, leaky gut can trigger a range of food allergies. With no way to prevent the flow of undigested food particles into the bloodstream, your dog’s body may come to view all food as intruders. This nasty basket of conditions can lead to an array of symptoms, including skin rashes, inflammatory bowel disease, and aggression. In some cases, the resulting autoimmune disease may even lead to forms of cancer.
So, yeah…leaky gut in dogs can pose some issues.
“Right, I get it – leaky gut in dogs is bad. How do we prevent it?”
You’re asking the right question there, pet lover. After all, if a dog sprains their leg or suffers poor dental hygiene, we can physically see the problem. With leaky gut, though, we often find ourselves in the dark. While we may notice the symptoms, we may not be able to detect the cause. That’s why, when talking about leaky guy, prevention will always trump treatment.
De-stress your dog
We’ve written before on the perils of stress in dogs, and why you should worry about it. Long story short, stress can trigger physical problems for our pups along with psychological ones. As you’ve likely guessed by now, leaky gut makes the list.
To ensure your furbaby isn’t worrying their way to an illness, keep your eyes open for signs of dog stress. If they show any of these symptoms, though, you don’t need to bring out the scented candles or worry beads. Instead, create a safe space for them in your home. Fill it with their crate, bed, and toys, and make sure it isn’t too close to the main living area. By doing so, your dog will come to realise that this nook is a safe space only for them.
In some cases, your pup may not take to their new space straight away. Solution? Treats! Leave a few of their favourite dog treats in their new space, and they’ll come to connote it with deliciousness.
Beyond the safe space technique, the best way to manage your dog’s stress is with regular exercise. While their needs will differ depending on their breed, a daily walk is a much. If you find yourself too busy to walk your furry friend, you can always book a local Dog Walker!
Avoid excessive chemicals
From shampoos to flea/tick treatments, many dog-centric products use artificial chemicals. While this might read like an anti-GMO rant, their presence can pose an issue for our pups. This is due to that fact that your pooch’s skin is very absorbent, meaning they can ingest chemicals through their pores. To play it safe, use products with natural ingredients wherever possible.
Steer clear of processed, grain-centric foods
Because our dogs didn’t evolve to digest processed grain, they can succumb to inflammation if they eat them. Processed soy, wheat, and spelt are high on the hit list, as meals that contains an excess of food additives. For this reason, your pup may suffer leaky gut in dogs if they eat too much low-tier kibble. Much like with shampoos, non-processed dog food with natural ingredients will put your pooch in good stead.
