Dogs are naturally curious scavengers. That can mean that they sniff out and eat all sorts of things they shouldn’t - spoiled food, decomposing carcasses, discarded human snacks and even often other animals’ poop.

Not surprisingly, these bad habits can lead to tummy trouble with vomiting and diarrhoea the most likely consequences. While sickness or things like bloody or watery dog poop are distressing to both dog and owner, these signs usually pass relatively quickly. If your dog likes to cruise the local rubbish bins or keeps its nose to the kerb in the hope of snatching a tasty morsel, you may have to take action, as this kind of scavenging could be a trigger for all sorts of digestive disorders. Using a basket muzzle or working on your dog’s recall can make a big difference.

Feeding a good quality pet food, keeping to a routine and controlling the amount you feed, can all help when it comes to maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal system.