tory bowel disease; virus-related gastrointestinal infections; hepatic or pancreatic abnormalities; or the presence of intes- tinal parasites, such as Giardia, roundworms or hookworms. Additional influencing factors can also come into play. Puppies, for instance, are often susceptible to intestinal maladies because they have not yet established a healthy balance of intestinal flora in their immature gastrointestinal tract. Likewise, obese pets are more likely to generate of- fensive odors due to their lack of exercise; activity increases the metabolizing of foods, thus reducing both the amount of time that food sits stagnant in the intestinal tract and the possibility of bacterial fermentation.


Focus on Solutions


In the case of a flatulent dog, an ounce of prevention is well warranted.


Alter feeding habits. Dogs fed smaller, more frequent meals are less likely to experience flatulence as a result of aerophagia. In multiple-dog households, feeding a food-anx- ious member of the pack in a separate setting will reduce its rate of ingestion. Another way to slow down eating is to use an automatic feeder.


Choose high-quality pet food. The adage, “You are what


you eat,” also applies to Fifi. The caliber of commercial dog foods varies widely. Select a highly digestible diet with an appropriate fiber content designed to aid in balancing intesti- nal bacteria.


Review ingredients closely. Discount-priced dog food


brands often contain low-quality grains and grain byprod- ucts chock full of carbohydrates that do not promote optimal nutrition. Soybeans, for example, are high in proteins that are difficult for a dog to digest, thus leading to excessive gas. Likewise, avoid poor-quality meats and meat byproducts, as well as generic meals, such as beef meal, lamb meal and chicken meal. Pay attention to how a dog responds to a new diet; it


may be sensitive to a food’s main protein source, whether it is beef, chicken, lamb or another meat. Go for a walk or run. Casual daily walks stimulate digestion as food passes through the intestinal tract and encourages elimination of stool. It is not advisable to vigor- ously exercise a dog immediately before or after it eats; when a dog exercises vigorously—such as playing ball or a game of tug—it may swallow too much air, which can be problematic as noted. Try nutritional supplements. Supplements that


contain digestive enzymes and probiotics with beneficial bacteria such as bifidus and acidophilus can help promote proper food digestion, and thus reduce gaseous bacterial fermentation.


Most dogs that suffer from flatulence don’t have an underlying medical problem of greater concern. In many cases, the condition can be remedied by addressing the pet’s diet and nutritional needs.


Dr. Matthew J. Heller is a holistic veterinarian and owner of All About PetCare, in Middletown, OH. Find more tips at AllAboutPetCare.com.


natural awakenings pet Summer 2011 25


CLICK!


Point Your Life in a Healthy Direction


Visit Our New Website at


www.na-sd.com


He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.


You are his life, his love, his leader.


He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.


You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.


Unknown


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36