Digestion in animals covers a wide range of things. It is not a simple but rather complex action that makes use of many organs, enzymes etc. The mouth starts the initial stage that is, intake of food before the food moves through the gullet to the stomach, then gets worked on by the liver, pancreas, small and large intestines, then the rectum and finally processed waste through the anus.
Like I said earlier, when an organism picks up food, that signals the start of digestion, as ptyalin works on that food from the tongue’s saliva. This enzyme breaks down food particles by chemical reactions. This process is accompanied by swallowing of food to be further broken down in the stomach, nutrient absorption and waste elimination.
Digestion is a very important thing, because it does not only help in providing the body with nutrients needed for survival, but it also helps in creating a balance in bodily fluids and various system needed salts
This system might fall prey to certain issues, these issues affect the overall body system immediately or in the long run, especially when it comes to pets. The Chihuahua is a small dog, it has a small body stature and has a smaller body system. If it falls prey to certain digestive issues it could pose a great threat to it’s lifespan.
This article was made to discuss on some issues that may affect your dog’s digestive system.
Chihuahua Stomach Problems
Vomiting
Vomiting in dogs could happen as a result of many things. It is a very sad thing to see your cute dog start vomiting all of a sudden. You should always be watchful of poisonous substances, as these are one of the main causes of vomiting. Fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, etc are things that could actually make your dog vomit. Ensuring that you keep these things out of your dog’s reach is very important, as it would definitely help keep danger away from it.
If your dog is vomiting profusely, you should see a veterinary doctor. This is the only way to save that dog, or ease it from it’s pain. Always remember that you need to see the doctor early so that whatever issue your dog is facing, would not get so complicated.
Diarrhea
This is another digestive issue that happens as a result of a glitch in it’s system. The serious ones are usually accompanied with countless watery stools, and it is caused when your dog is infected by a specific bacterial pathogen.
It is also possible for diarrhea to be prompted by the ineptitude to successfully absorb nutrients from food. This malabsorption is actually as a result of a defect in the intestinal cells that the body needs for it’s absorption. This has a viral originator, as it is prompted by many vital organisms like the canine parvovirus, rotavirus, coronavirus etc.
The inability of your dog’s intestine to absorb fluids could also cause this troublesome stomach or digestive ailment. Your newly born Chihuahua pup, might actually get diarrhea if they are unable to completely digest lactose from their mother’s breast fluid.
Diarrhea is a very serious ailment that needs lots of medication care. If your Chihuahua’s problem is bacterial, you should go to whatever legit pet shop you know, to purchase some prescribed antibiotics for the issue. If it is viral or body related, seeing a veterinary practitioner for help would be very necessary as they would help you take care of the issue.
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Change in feces colour
This is another sign to look out for, in order to know whether your dog has stomach or health issues. When you notice a change in your dog’s feces structure, or you see traces of blood, it might be as a result of bleeding in it’s stomach walls, or even in the small or large intestines.
Knowing this, you should always be aware of what your dog eats. If your dog takes in harmful or deadly substances, it could affect its digestive system, in a rather harmful way. You should seek treatment in a veterinary clinic if your dog is going through things like these.
Surgery might even be required if the cut or wound is very serious, and it will cost you more. So like we all say, it is better to prevent it, than to cure it.
Bloated stomach
This health issue affects both dogs and humans. It happens when the stomach accumulates lots of gas and pumps up. It is usually accompanied with lots of pain an discomfort, and you can actually see your little Chihuahua crying or whimpering.
This happens as a result of indigestion and it is very painful. There are many drugs that can be used to eliminate this ailment, so purchasing them is usually the best course of action.
Indigestion can be prevented by watching your Chihuahua’s diet, and ensuring that you don’t feed it very late. Taking note of these things, will prevent you from overfeeding it, and causing stomach infections.
Allergies
Many dogs have their different allergies, dislikes and also their worst feeds. If your dog is allergic to turmeric, feeding it that crop would definitely cause some complications in it’s body system. Knowing this you should always be cautious that your dog does not consume things that it’s body system does not accept.
Allergies can not be cured, neither can they be reduced. It is a natural thing every living creature has that psychologically affects it. If your dog is allergic to something, always ensure that you keep that substance away from it.
Changes in feces composition and color
Another way to know if your dog is having stomach issues, is to check on it’s stools. If you notice dry or overly watery stools it is an indication that your dog might be going through various stomach issues. Things like blood on it’s stool, or dark excreta, are also things that relate to stomach issues.
If you notice blood on your dog’s stool, it shows that your dog has a wound in it’s stomach, or small and large intestines. This could prove very deadly if left untreated, as it could lead to blood loss which could result in death.
Always ensure that you take your dog to the vet doctor for various treatments needed to mend those wounds, as leaving it might lead to an enlarged wound bigger than the former, which will need surgery. It is better to prevent that wound or opening, from becoming bigger.
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Parasitic organisms
This is another cause of stomach issues in various dogs. Parasitic organisms like the worms, are gotten from infected feeds and they breed in the hosts body. A parasitic relationship is a very bad one, as the parasite enjoys protection and food from your dog, but harms your dog instead.
The tapeworm for example, is protected by your dog’s body, and it feeds by attaching it’s hook to the villa of your intestines. It proceeds to reproduce, and these hooks tear up your intestines when piercing them, thereby leading to multiple pierces that may cause ulcer.
Parasites are treated by the use of many anti parasitic drugs available. Always ensure that your dog gets dewormed at least thrice on a yearly basis
CONCLUSION
Health issues affect everyone. When we don’t take care of ourselves, we leave it open to various pathogens and microbes that spread these things. If you know this as a human, you should know that your little Chihuahua deserves this protection and healthcare. Always go for tests and never take your dog’s health status for granted.
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