When we adopted Bentley we noticed it right away. He was cuddly and adorable, but there were issues…he was starving all of the time and ate ravenously – we had never had a cat who was hungry all of the time. And no wonder, for everything he ate ran through him and came out in liquid form. And the gas – oh, the gas – that smell could clear a room!
You might think it is funny – I mean who doesn’t love a fart joke – but for Bentley it was no laughing matter. It was obvious there was something clearly wrong with his digestive tract and gut.
He seemed to be happy enough to have a forever home, but I knew that we needed to get this fixed. Our pets have a complex gut microbiome that plays a crucial role in how they feel. We wanted Bentley to feel good and live his healthiest life.
Bentley when he first came home to us in 2022.
How important is gut health?
1. Digestion and Nutrient Absorbtion
Just as we rely on our gut bacteria to help break down food and absorb nutrients, our pets need a healthy gut, too. Good bacteria produce enzymes that aid in the digestion of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, ensuring your pet gets the most nutrition from the food they eat. I am pretty sure that for the first while Bentley was receiving little benefit from the food we gave him.
2. Immune System Support
Did you know that about 70% of the immune system is located in the gut? Dogs and cats are no different. A balanced gut microbiome helps fend off harmful pathogens and pets with a healthy gut are better equipped to fight infections and stay healthy longer.
3. Mental and Emotional Health
The gut-brain axis is a fascinating study, showing how our gut health can impact our mood and mental health. The gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can influence mood and behavior. An imbalanced gut can lead to anxiety, depression, and other behavioral problems in both pets and people.
What are the signs of an unhealthy gut?
Bentley, like your dog or cat, cannot speak. And, unfortunately, signs of gut problems are also common signs of other health issues. So if you note any of these, a vet visit is in order to determine if gut health is the culprit or some other issue.
- Digestive issues: Persistent diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or gas.
- Changes in appetite: Sudden loss of appetite or increased hunger.
- Weight fluctuations: Unexplained weight loss or gain.
- Skin and coat problems: Dull coat, excessive shedding, dry or flaky skin.
- Behavioral changes: Increased anxiety, depression, or lethargy.
- Frequent infections: Recurrent ear infections, urinary tract infections, or other illnesses.
What can you do?
There are things to get them back on track if things have got out of balance. But prevention where possible is always better, so keep these tips in mind for all of your pets:
1. Balanced Diet
Just as we benefit from a balanced diet, so do our pets. Opt for high-quality pet food that includes a mix of proteins, healthy fats, fibers, and essential vitamins and minerals. It may cost a little more, but so does a vet visit when things go wrong.
Avoid foods with excessive fillers, artificial additives, and preservatives. This goes for treats, too – look for a short, simple ingredient list with words you can pronounce and use them as intended – treats, not food. And remember, the more treats you feed your pet – for example, if you’re doing a lot of training – the more important it is to provide high quality, simple-ingredient treats.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that help restore balance in the gut microbiome. They come in supplement form or can be found in certain foods like yogurt (although be careful with dairy for pets). Prebiotics, which are fibers that FEED those beneficial bacteria, are important, too. Here’s a great article that explains a bit more about how they work together.
Probiotic and prebiotic supplements, or foods that include them, can be pricey, so know what you are buying. Check in with a veterinarian or veterinary technician with training in nutritiona and gut support protocols for knowledge and recommendations. Many independent pet store owners have also undertaken training on holistic and alternative therapies, so if you have one that you trust, you can ask them. There are a vast array of supplements out there – not all of them good – so don’t spend your money on something that might not even be helping your pet.
Avoid Overuse of Antibiotics
While antibiotics are sometimes necessary to treat infections, the downside is that they can disrupt the gut microbiome by wiping out beneficial bacteria that keep everything in balance. Only use antibiotics only when prescribed by a veterinarian, and always follow the prescribed dosage and duration.
I have also found this to be helpful: keep a personal record of when antibiotics have been prescribed to your cat or dog…you’ll be able to remind your vet and explore other options if necessary.
Regular Exercise
It’s not just about reading labels! Just as exercise is crucial for our overall health, it’s also important for our pets. Getting out there for a regularly scheduled walk or play session is as important for our well-being as it is for our dog’s. Regular physical activity keeps “fat cat” pudge at bay and helps support good digestion.
Getting your dog out of the house of kitty off the couch provides mental stimulation which is a boredom buster. The added benefit? It’s good for you, too!
Stress Management
Speaking of stress, we know it can negatively impact our gut health. If you’ve ever had to give an important presentation, or knew you had to have a serious talk with your boss or coworker, you know the constant anxiety can wreak havoc with your digestion, too. While pets deal with different stressors (like the boredom of sometimes sitting home alone all day, or that neighbor’s cat or dog that keeps taunting them outside the window) constant stress is not good for your pet. Providing a stable and safe environment for your dog or cat where they can relax will go a long way.
If you’re often away from home, don’t assume your pet is happily napping. Buy or borrow a pet camera to see how they react when you are away. Even an iPad set to record will do the trick. If they are relaxed – no problem! But if they are pacing or constantly crying, you may want to come home for lunch, engage a pet sitter, and add some enrichment toys or pet TV.
For pets that are prone to anxiety, consider consulting a veterinarian, dog trainer or a behaviourist for appropriate interventions.
Routine Veterinary Check-Ups
This is my push for vet visits! They are important for both dogs AND cats. Regular visits to the veterinarian can help catch any health issues early on, including gut-related problems. Bring a fresh stool sample for testing, and discuss your pet’s diet, behavior, and any questions you have about their gut health with your vet.
In conclusion…
Gut health is a cornerstone of overall well-being for both us and our pets, but it’s easy to find it out of balance. Luckily, it’s also not-so-hard to nourish a stable gut environment with good nutrition (watch out for random snacks and unhealthy treats), some fun daily exercise, and stress reduction. All of these work together and are good for both you and your pet!
