Boppard. The dog's digestive system is a fascinatingly complex and efficient mechanism that ensures that dogs can absorb the nutrients required from their food. It is a complex network of organs that work together to absorb nutrients, digest and discharge waste. A smooth process is crucial for the health and well -being of the four -legged friend.
The digestive process
Recording of food: The digestion begins in the dog's mouth. In contrast to humans, the dog's saliva hardly plays a role in preliminary digestion because it does not contain digestive enzymes. The saliva mainly serves to moisturize food to make swallowing easier.
Esophagus: Muscle contractions transport the food through the esophagus into the stomach.
Stomach: In the stomach, the food is mixed with stomach acid and enzymes such as Pepsin that break down food. Dogs have a comparatively strong stomach acid that helps digest even digestible food such as raw meat and bones. Proteins and fats are already partially broken down here.
Small intestine: Most nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. Digestive juices from the pancreas (such as Trypsin and Lipase) and bile from the liver support the splitting of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The nutrients are absorbed into the blood by the intestinal wall.
Silver: In the large intestine, the water is removed from the diet and indigestible food residues are shaped into feces.
Rectum: The droppings are collected in the rectum and then excreted.
The digestion
The digestion of dogs is compared to humans (about 24 to 72 hours) Faster. Digestion in dogs can vary depending on the size, age, type of nutrition and the state of health. In general, it takes about eight to twelve hours until a dog has completely digested food. Smaller dogs tend to digest their food faster than larger dogs.
What should you pay attention to?
In order to keep a dog's digestive system healthy, the following points are important:
- Nutrition: Dogs need a balanced diet with high -quality ingredients that is adapted to their age, breed and their activity level. Unnecessary additives should be avoided. Likewise, many foods that are harmless to humans are dangerous for the dog (e.g. chocolate, onions or grapes).
- Feeding: In order to avoid loops, anti-loop nuts or several small meals can help.
- Feeding: Fixed feeding times support a stable digestive process.
- Water: Dogs should always have access to fresh water to avoid dehydration and digestive problems.
Intestinal health
The intestinal flora plays an important role in immune defense and general health. Fillers such as cooked carrots, cooked pumpkin or whole grain rice, promote the intestinal health of the four -legged friend and ensure good digestion. Probiotics and prebiotics can also support the intestinal flora.
Natural probiotics for the dog are natural yoghurt or Greek yogurt, sauerkraut, hut cheese, kefir, broccoli, bananas and sweet potatoes.
Prebiotics are mainly contained in different plants, such as apples, carrots, chicory, bananas, pests, soyases or beet chewing. Due to their high fiber content, oatmeal also have prebiotic properties. Potatoes, pasta or rice also look prebiotic.
A sufficient daily movement that promotes intestinal activity is also important. As with humans, stress can (Changes in everyday life, fear of separation, loud noises such as fireworks) also have a negative impact on the digestion in the dog.
Digestive problems
In the case of signs of digestive problems such as
- Diarrhea or constipation,
- Vomit,
- Flatulence,
- Loss of appetite,
- Weight loss,
- changed feces,
If these are clarified by a veterinarian.
Also one Conversion of dog food Can cause digestive problems, especially if the new feed is given too quickly. Symptoms are usually diarrhea, vomiting and flatulence. To avoid this, the change in small steps should take place. Is recommended:
- Day 1 to 2: 25 percent new feed + 75 percent old feed.
- Day 3 to 4: 50 percent new feed + 50 percent old feed.
- Day 5 to 6: 75 percent new feed + 25 percent old feed.
- From day 7: Can be given completely.
The behavior of the dog should be paid to the behavior of the dog during the change of feed. A veterinarian should be consulted with persistent problems.
Some dogs have more sensitive stomachs or suffer from intolerance. An adapted diet and possibly also dietary supplements can help. The gift of bones should also be well overlaid, since in some cases they can cause injuries or constipation.
The dog's digestive system is a powerful but sensitive system that can be kept healthy through good nutrition and sufficient movement.
(Stefan Richter)