Dog's gut health is important to the physiological and psychological processes within a dog. There are many factors that could compromise a dog's gut health; these include: feeding poor quality food products, overuse of antibiotics, continually feeding the same meal types, parasites and the natural process of aging.

Dog Behaviour Problems Linked to Poor Gut Health

One of the lesser-known reasons to keep a dog's gut healthy is because it could be a key factor in your dog's behaviour problems. Behavioural issues can include hyperactivity, aggression toward other dogs or people, fear of certain places or people, constant toilet accidents in the house and depression.

The gut is an extremely important organ. For many reasons, it's crucial for dog owners to keep their canine friends' guts in good health. Ensure you are giving your pooch everything they need to stay happy and healthy with these 5 tips for maintaining a healthy gut.

1) Feeding an appropriate diet

If you're feeding your dog a balanced diet of high-quality food items, you're already on the right track. It's important to remember that different dogs have different dietary needs and it's no easy task finding the perfect food for your best friend.

When you first bring your new canine pal home, ask your vet about their dietary preferences and work from there. You'll be able to find a food that suits your dog and their individual needs best.

2) Feeding enough of the right foods

On average, dogs require two feedings per day, but this can vary from dog to dog. If your pooch is overweight, you may wish to reduce their daily intake; if they're underweight, you might want to up their intake. Ask your vet for professional recommendations on how much food your pet should be receiving each day.

3) Not overusing antibiotics

Antibiotics are great for curing your dog of many illnesses; however, it's important to note that your dog can build up resistance to the drugs if overused. As such,   infections can become harder to treat, and it's best to only use antibiotics when you're advised to do so. You can ask your vet for advice on whether the medications are right for your dog and if they'll provide any insight into potential side effects.

4) Feeding canned food instead of dry

Dry food is often preferred by dog owners due to its lower cost and how easy it is to store. Canned foods, on the other hand, contain more water than dry food and can provide your pooch with a burst of energy thanks to the high water content. If you'd like to give canned food a try for your canine pal, ask your vet for advice on the best type to buy.

5) Not feeding table scraps

A quick treat here and there is fine, but it's important not to overfeed your dog with human foods in order to avoid stomach upset. Some items are toxic to canines so make sure you don't feed them anything that could potentially harm them.

There are many ways to keep your dog's gut healthy, but it all starts with a balanced diet. If you're looking for a great place to start, ask your vet for advice on what food type will suit your pooch best and how much they should be receiving each day. By taking the time to ensure your dog is happy and healthy, you'll provide them with a long and happy life.

Note: This information is not meant to substitute the advice of a veterinarian. If you suspect your dog may be ill consult with your vet before treating it in the case that it's something more serious than just indigestion or constipation.