Digestion is a fairly complex process that occurs in the body. For both humans and dogs, its stages are very important. It allows dogs to transform food into nutrients necessary for their growth, development, and health. A significant number of factors, such as the dog's age, breed, weight, diet, and overall health, affect this process. We reveal everything you need to know about canine digestion.
Where do the stages of digestion take place in dogs?
Digestion in dogs is divided into several stages, and different juices are involved. Each stage is important so that the dog's body can extract the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
The mouth
A dog's digestive process begins in the mouth with chewing. A dog's sharp teeth are designed to tear and grind food. Chewing also helps mix the food with saliva, which contains digestive enzymes. The food eaten by the dog will easily slide into the dog's stomach. After being chewed, the food is pushed to the back of the mouth and swallowed. The esophagus uses muscle contractions to push the food into the stomach.
The stomach
The stomach is an essential organ in the digestive process and is responsible for processing the food sent down the esophagus. It will mix and blend it properly for the next stage. Once transported to the stomach, the food is mixed with stomach acids and digestive enzymes to form chyme. This is then slowly released into the small intestine for further digestion.
The small intestine
When the stomach finishes its work, the small intestine takes over. This is where most of the digestion takes place. Pancreatic enzymes and intestinal juices break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into simpler nutrients that the body can absorb. In dogs, this organ is shorter than in humans. It is divided into three parts: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum.
The pancreas and the liver
The digestive process continues with the pancreas and liver. They are strategically located and each plays a very important role in the digestive process. The dog's pancreas regulates digestion and glucose levels, then expels food. The liver, for its part, detects harmful substances and cleans them before the food continues on its way. The liver then releases a bile secretion that helps eliminate fats.
The large intestine
The large intestine is quite large in dogs, making up approximately 20% of the digestive system. Food transit time is significantly reduced here. Food that is not digested in the small intestine passes into the large intestine. It is then broken down by intestinal bacteria and converted into feces.
How to make your dog's digestion easier?
There are certain habits that can help your dog's digestion. One of the most important is providing your pet with a quality diet that meets their specific nutritional needs. Premium dog foods contain high-quality ingredients and are formulated to be easy to digest. Don't overfeed your dog, but limit yourself to what's necessary.
Excessive portions can lead to difficult digestion. Several small meals are more beneficial than one large meal per day. This helps facilitate your dog's digestion by reducing the burden on their digestive system. To prevent your pet from overeating, you can opt for a slow-feeding bowl from our collection. Digestion is a fairly complex process that requires a significant amount of water. To facilitate the process, your dog should always have clean, fresh water to drink. Dehydration can cause digestive problems in dogs.
Meat can also aid your dog's digestive process. Meat is very rich in protein, which facilitates the secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCL), which makes the stomach pH acidic. It therefore promotes stomach acidity, promotes food breakdown, and limits the proliferation of bacteria. Regular exercise can help stimulate your dog's digestion and prevent constipation. Therefore, dog digestion and walking are closely linked and beneficial.
You should therefore not neglect this aspect, which is of great importance for your dog's digestive health. If, despite your efforts, your dog still has difficulty, seek advice from your veterinarian.
What are the most common digestive disorders in dogs?
Digestive disorders are quite common in dogs, although they are not often serious. There is no real danger when they are temporary.
Constipation
Constipation in dogs occurs when stools are difficult to pass or when bowel movements decrease in frequency. Typically, when this happens, the stool becomes hard and dry, and the animal only defecates once a day. Small breed dogs are most commonly affected by constipation. It can be caused by several factors, such as an inappropriate diet low in fiber or insufficient hydration.
Constipation can also be a side effect of certain medications. It is therefore advisable to seek professional advice to make the right choices. If your dog is experiencing symptoms of constipation, consult a veterinarian to determine the exact cause. Treatments may include dietary changes, adequate hydration, regular exercise, laxatives, and suppositories.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common digestive disorder in dogs. It usually lasts no more than 48 hours and is characterized by loose or watery stools. With a dog poop bag , you can quickly determine when the stool changes. If it lasts longer than this, you should quickly contact a local veterinarian to find a solution. You should do the same if diarrhea is followed by vomiting. The causes are diverse and should be taken seriously. As in most cases, an improper diet leads to digestive problems in dogs.
A high-fat diet, frequent changes in diet, consumption of human food, or consumption of expired food can all cause diarrhea. Parasites such as worms, protozoa, and coccidia can also be obvious causes. Dogs can develop allergies or intolerances to certain food ingredients, which can quickly lead to digestive problems.
Intestinal obstruction
Intestinal obstruction is a serious condition in dogs. It occurs when intestinal contents do not move normally through the digestive tract. As a result, the dog is unable to evacuate stool as it normally should. Several factors can lead to intestinal obstruction. These include: ingestion of a foreign body, tumors, prolonged constipation, a hernia, etc. If the obstruction is not treated promptly, it can lead to life-threatening complications, such as intestinal necrosis and peritonitis.
Vomiting
It's important to differentiate between vomiting and regurgitation. Vomiting is generally harmless to dogs, but it can mask some very serious conditions. If vomiting persists for more than 24 hours, you should consult a veterinarian. Similarly, if you notice serious symptoms such as dehydration, blood in the vomit, or abdominal pain in your dog , consult a veterinarian.
Gastric dilation and torsion
Gastric dilation-torsion syndrome, also known as gastric torsion, is a serious condition. It can even be fatal in dogs. It occurs when the stomach expands and twists, preventing food and gas from leaving the stomach. This condition can cause decreased blood flow to the stomach, which can lead to necrosis (tissue death) and rupture of the stomach.
How to prevent gas and diarrhea in your dog?
To prevent gas and diarrhea in your dog, you must first monitor their diet. You must ensure your dog has a healthy, balanced diet that meets their specific nutritional needs. Avoid giving them fatty, spicy, or high-fiber foods, as these can cause gas and digestive problems. You should prioritize easily digestible and, above all, high-quality proteins.
Likewise, it is recommended to reduce the intake of legumes that ferment too quickly. It is also important to avoid sudden changes in diet. If you decide to change your dog's diet, do so gradually over a period of several days to avoid digestive upset. Likewise, overfeeding should be avoided, as it overwhelms the enzymatic capacities of the dog's small intestine and tends to accelerate digestive transit.
You can do this by splitting meals to improve your dog's digestion. You should also avoid giving your dog human food, as this can cause gas and diarrhea. Human food can also be harmful to dogs, especially foods high in fat, spices, or salt. Clean, fresh water and exercise can help stimulate your dog's digestion and prevent gas and diarrhea.
What is a dog's digestion time?
A dog's digestion time is not fixed and can depend on several factors. These include:
- age,
- the race
- the diet
- and the dog's general health.
Generally, a dog's digestion time is shorter than that of a human. This is due to their digestive system being able to process food quickly.
On average, a dog's digestion time is about 4 to 15 hours. This can vary depending on the amount and type of food consumed. For example, foods high in fiber may take longer to digest than foods high in protein.
How to react in case of digestive problems in dogs?
If you suspect your dog has a digestive issue, the best thing to do is seek veterinary help as soon as possible. In reality, digestive problems can be the result of many conditions, ranging from bacterial infections to chronic illnesses. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and abdominal pain. If you're unsure what to give a dog with a stomach ache , consult a specialist.
Your veterinarian will be able to perform a thorough examination, diagnose the cause of the digestive problem, and choose an appropriate treatment to help your dog recover quickly. Before your veterinary appointment, there are a few essential steps you can take. You should ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water to avoid dehydration. Even when you're out walking, you can keep a portable water bottle so they can drink from time to time.
If your dog shows signs of nausea, such as excessive salivation, try feeding small amounts of light, easily digestible food. Avoid fatty, spicy, or very rich foods, which could worsen symptoms.
What factors can affect my dog's digestion?
Digestion in dogs can be affected by various factors, each of which is equally important. They act in various ways, and knowing them helps facilitate the dog 's digestion .
Physical factors
Your dog's physical characteristics have a significant impact on their ability to digest the food they eat. For example, puppies and older dogs may have different ways of digesting their food. When it comes to puppy food , digestive transit is usually quite rapid. Older dogs have difficulty digesting certain types of food due to their immature or weakened digestive systems. To avoid some problems, also check out our guide on fruits and vegetables for dogs .
Also, some dog breeds are more sensitive to certain types of food than others due to their genetic makeup. In fact, a dog's breed can influence its size and weight, and therefore the time it takes to digest. For very large dogs, digestion time is longer than for small dogs like Chihuahuas. A lack of exercise can affect your dog's digestion, as physical activity helps stimulate digestion.
Hydrating the dog
When your dog is dehydrated, there is a decrease in blood flow to their gastrointestinal tract. This can cause painful cramps and even slow down the passage of food.
Your dog's digestion is now disrupted, and this can be noticeable. To avoid such situations, you must make sure to give your dog enough water to drink. This habit is intended to ensure the proper functioning of its gastrointestinal system.
Stress
It may seem surprising, but stress and anxiety can cause digestive problems in dogs. For example, moving or having a new person can affect their nervous and digestive systems. Just like humans, dogs have bacteria, some of which can be harmful while others are beneficial. Stress in dogs disrupts the balance of bacteria and other functions, which can quickly lead to digestive problems in dogs.
Your dog's diet
It's important to pay attention to the type of food you feed your dog. Every food he eats has a breakdown rate that needs to be considered. Wet and canned food, for example, is easier to digest. If you don't choose foods that your dog can digest easily, he may experience problems later on.
Likewise, a sudden change in your dog's diet can cause digestive problems. Therefore, if you plan to introduce new foods, you should do so gradually to allow your dog to adjust. You may also want to seek veterinary advice to limit any potential digestive issues your dog may have. Like humans, dogs can be allergic to certain foods, which can cause digestive problems.
Health problems
To function properly, a dog's digestive system relies on other organs. There are conditions that can affect the normal digestive process, leading to various problems and disrupting your dog's balance. Gastrointestinal diseases, infections, and parasites can all cause digestive problems in dogs. Certain medications can also affect your dog's digestive system.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about dog digestion
How do I know if my dog has a stomach ache?
There are several signs that let you know that your dog has a stomach ache . For example, if your dog is suffering from the following ailments, he may have a stomach ache:
- constipation,
- vomiting or
- of diarrhea.
Likewise, a change in the appearance of stools or urine should catch your attention. If your dog seems dejected or has a swollen abdomen, this could be a sign of a stomach ache. While these symptoms could signal another illness, if your dog is in pain when you touch his stomach, you should seek medical help.
My dog has a stomach ache, what should I do?
If your dog has a stomach ache, the best course of action would be to consult a veterinarian. This allows you to prevent the development of a potentially serious condition. The specialist will perform the necessary tests to determine the source of the problem. When it's a minor indigestion problem with no major consequences, there's no need to panic.
My dog is chewing on the air: what does it mean?
My dog chewing on the air isn't actually a big deal. It's simply a pacification behavior your dog is performing, just as it's signaling to you.
