Gut-wrenching: How to cope with digestive upset in pets

Gut-wrenching: How to cope with digestive upset in pets

All dog lovers have experienced that urgent need to take Spot out - usually in the middle of the night! - because he ate something that didn't agree with him. Urban pets are especially susceptible to gastric distress, as the high concentration of eateries and outdoor cafes means that dogs out for a walk are almost constantly tempted with a veritable smorgasbord of scraps to scarf up ... mmm, pizza crusts ... tortilla chips ... chicken wings!

Of course, there are other factors that contribute to digestive upset, from temporary illness to a course of antibiotics to switching food brands too abruptly. Whatever the cause, it's your job to help your dog through this uncomfortable experience - and while Saltine crackers might do the trick of settling your tummy, they won't work for Spot.

Just as you probably keep some type of stomach-soothing comfort food in your pantry to fend off indigestion for yourself, it's a good idea to keep a few effective items on hand to cope with random bouts of canine stomach upset. It's simple if you remember three P's: Pumpkin, probiotics, and protease (digestive enzyme from papaya).

Canned, pureed pumpkin - the very same ingredient used in the baking of seasonal pumpkin pies - is a high-fiber food that works well in cases of digestive distress. Just a few spoonfuls at meal time, mixed in with the kibble, helps to settle a dog's upset stomach. Most dogs tend to like the taste and texture of pureed pumpkin, but if yours turns up her nose, it can't hurt to add a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Probiotics, whether in the form of yogurt or acidophilus capsules, are live cultures that work to support the digestive system by improving microbial balance in the intestine (i.e. boosting good bacteria). They are very effective at preventing and treating diarrhea. If your dog is taking a course of vet-prescribed antibiotics, however, wait until two hours after admininstering the antiobiotic before you give a probiotic (you can hide the acidophilus capsule in a piece of cheese).

The digestive enzyme protease, meanwhile, is derived from the papaya fruit (but please don't serve your pet this exoticdelicacy raw). The enzyme improves digestion, enables your pet's body to better absorb nutrients from his food, and protects him from allergies and immune disorders.

A healthy digestive system that doesn't produce uncomfortable eruptions - in the form of flatulence, burping, or diarrhea -is key to a healthy, happy pet, and goes a long way to keeping your home atmosphere pleasant. With a customizing pet food, probiotics and protease can both be worked in to your best friend's daily diet for noticeable results.

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