A dog's digestion works differently from a human's. The digestive tract is relatively short, food often passes through the body more quickly, and that is exactly why food, snacks and sudden changes can quickly show up in the stool. If you know what is normal, you are more likely to spot when the stomach or bowels are out of balance. It is not only the meal itself that matters, but also the fat content of the food, the ingredients in dog treats, how to give chews safely, and how often your dog poos.
From mouth to stool: how your dog's digestive system works
| Part | Main role in digestion |
|---|---|
| Mouth and oesophagus | A dog's mouth is mainly made to grab food, tear it and chew it roughly. The oesophagus then quickly carries it to the stomach. |
| Stomach | In the stomach, food is churned and mixed with strong stomach acid. This breaks it down further and prepares it for the next step. |
| Small intestine | This is where most digestion happens. Enzymes from the pancreas, bile and the intestinal wall help break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates, after which nutrients are absorbed. |
| Via the bloodstream and liver | Once absorbed, nutrients travel through the bloodstream into the rest of the body. The liver then plays an important role in further processing. |
| Large intestine and rectum | The large intestine mainly draws out moisture and forms the stool. The stool then eventually leaves the body through the rectum. |
| Speed and length | The dog's digestive system, like the cat's, is shorter than that of humans and herbivores. That means digestion is often faster. In puppies, you often see this happening even faster than in large or older dogs. |
How to tell when your dog's stomach or bowels are out of balance
- Abnormal stools: watch the colour, consistency, amount, smell and how often your dog needs to go. Stools that are too soft, watery, very hard or noticeably frequent often tell you more than one odd poo.
- Vomiting or nausea: retching, lip-smacking or regularly eating grass can fit with stomach problems in dogs; see why dogs eat grass.
- Wind and a sensitive tummy: extra gas, a bloated tummy or not wanting to be touched around the belly can point to upset in the stomach or bowels.
- Less appetite: eating more slowly, leaving food behind or suddenly becoming fussy can happen with sensitive bowels.
- Behaviour changes: restlessness, lethargy or less enthusiasm for walks are signals to take seriously.
- Poor absorption: weight loss, a duller coat and lower energy can suggest that nutrients are not being absorbed properly.
One symptom on its own does not have to be serious straight away. If signs keep coming back, you see several symptoms at once or your dog is not quite itself, extra attention is important.
Why does your dog get digestive problems?
Digestive problems are often linked to food that is too fatty, too rich or hard to digest. Eating too quickly can also put extra strain on the system; when a dog eats too fast, that is a well-known example of that. This does not only apply to the main food, but also to snacks and extras. A sudden food change or constantly different treats can upset the stomach and gut flora. Some dogs are also naturally more sensitive, for example because of age, predisposition or breed. If digestion is not working properly, you often notice that in condition, energy and weight too.
What helps settle the stomach and bowels again?
| Do | Better not |
|---|---|
| Give your dog some rest and keep meals temporarily small and manageable. | Give large portions in one go or add lots of extras. |
| Adjust food or snacks gradually, especially for sensitive dogs. | Suddenly switching food or trying several new products at the same time. |
| Count everything your dog gets: including reward treats, chews and toppings. | Only looking at the main food and forgetting the snacks. |
| Choose a simple recipe and a suitable fat content. Think of hypoallergenic dog treats or grain-free dog treats if they suit your dog, for example within the Braaaf range. | Keep piling on rich, fatty or hard-to-digest snacks. |
| Keep a close eye on stools, appetite and energy for a few days. | Concluding too quickly that something works without watching the signs. |
When should you call the vet?
- If vomiting or diarrhoea persists, there is blood in the stool, or there is clear abdominal pain.
- If your dog is lethargic, becomes dehydrated or no longer wants to eat and drink.
- For puppies and dogs that are losing weight or struggling to maintain weight: it is better to have them checked sooner rather than later.
- If symptoms return, get worse or do not fit a simple reaction to food or snacks.
- Do not keep endlessly trying new training treats for a sensitive stomach; that is not a substitute for a proper diagnosis.
