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.
Tasty Tips
Some dogs’ digestive upsets become more of a long term problem. This could be due to any number of things such as a food intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease or another disease such as a liver issue that also causes digestive upsets. For dogs with these longer term problems it may be possible to keep their digestive function controlled by feeding a specially formulated Hill’s Prescription Diet product appropriate to their condition. Ask your vet to recommend the food that is most suitable to manage your pet’s digestive disorder or underlying problem.
Reviewed by Dr. Hein Meyer, DVM, PhD, Dipl-ECVIM-CA and Dr. Emma Milne BVSc FRCVS
Related products
Perfect Weight Small & Mini Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Small & Mini Dog Food with Turkey is a complete premium pet food for adult small dogs from 1 year old that are prone to weight gain or slightly overweight. This deliciously smooth mousse is formulated to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support weight maintenance in adult dogs.
Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Wet Dog Food with Chicken is a complete premium dog food for adult dogs from 1 year. This savoury tinned loaf is enriched with ingredients that support digestive health & skin care.
Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Adult Dog Food with Turkey is a complete premium pet food for small breed adult dogs aged 1–6 years. This deliciously smooth mousse is precisely balanced to deliver the appropriate amount of energy and to support digestive health in adult, small breed dogs.
Hypoallergenic Small & Mini Adult Dog Food
HILL'S SCIENCE PLAN Hypoallergenic Small&Mini Adult dog food with Salmon is complete pet food for adult small dogs 1–6 years old. It's formulated for dogs with delicate skin and stomach, with limited high quality novel protein sources & no grain.
Related articles
Develop Your Gut Instinct for Pets’ Digestive Disorders
Gurgling tummies in turmoil are not good news for pets. Owners who have to clean up the unfortunate consequences, digestive problems are one of the rare downsides to owning a pet.
Help, my Pet has an Upset Stomach!
Learn to see the signs of an upset stomach in your dog, understand the triggers and explore some possible solutions.
Little dog, big waistline?
Because of their little and darling – or small and scrappy – stature, they are experts at inspiring the most coddling. They can especially excel at eliciting more treats out of their owners.
Cleaning Dogs’ Teeth and Dental Care Tips
Discover effective tips for cleaning your dog's teeth as well as overall advice for maintaining canine dental health. Visit Hill's Pet UK for more expert help.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.