Holistic Puppy Care: Ways to Treat and improve gut health

Gut health is an important aspect of a puppy's overall health and well-being. Here are some ways you can help improve and maintain your puppy's gut health:

1. Feed a high-quality diet: A diet that is rich in nutrients and easily digestible can help improve your puppy's gut health. Look for a puppy food that is made with whole ingredients and does not contain fillers or artificial additives.

2. Add probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help improve the balance of good bacteria in the gut. You can find probiotics in supplements or in fermented foods like yogurt or kefir.

3. Incorporate fiber: Fiber can help keep your puppy's digestive system functioning properly. Good sources of fiber include pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and green beans.

4. Avoid overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to weight gain and gastrointestinal issues in puppies. Be sure to follow the recommended feeding guidelines on the back of the puppy food bag or consult with your veterinarian for the appropriate amount to feed your puppy.

5. Consider a digestive enzyme supplement: Digestive enzymes can help your puppy's body break down and absorb nutrients from their food more effectively, which can help improve gut health.

6. Avoid giving your puppy table scraps: Table scraps can be difficult for puppies to digest and can cause gastrointestinal issues. Stick to a well-balanced puppy food to ensure your puppy is getting all the nutrients they need.

7. Keep your puppy hydrated: Adequate hydration is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Make sure your puppy has access to clean, fresh water at all times.

By following these tips, you can help improve and maintain your puppy's gut health and overall well-being. However, if you have concerns about your puppy's gut health or if they are experiencing gastrointestinal issues, it is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian.

1. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are an extremely effective deworming agent because they contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin. This paralyzes the worms making them easily eliminated from the intestine. They can be fed whole as a treat or you can grind them into a fine powder and add to Fido's food. One teaspoon of raw pumpkin seeds (not the salted savory snack ones) per 10 lbs of body weight twice a day should do the trick.
One of the safest and most effective ways to treat worms is with pumpkin seeds. That’s because pumpkin seeds contain an amino acid called cucurbitin. Cucurbitin paralyzes the worms and eliminates them from your dog’s digestive tract. Cucurbitin is an amino acid and a carboxypyrrolidine that is found in Cucurbita seeds.[1][2] Cucurbitin causes degenerative changes in the reproductive organs of parasitic flatworms called flukes.[3][4] Cucurbitacin is a class of biochemical compounds that some plants – notably members of the pumpkin and gourd family.

Small dogs can safely consume three to five seeds; medium dogs five to 10 seeds; and large dogs 10 to 20 seeds within one day.
Give your dog digestive relief in the form of organic Pumpkin Powder. This topper supports a healthy digestive system by providing bowel movement regularity and assisting the absorption of essential nutrients.

2. Carrots

These common orange vegetables are a great source of vitamin A and believe it or not, can get rid of worms in our canine companions. Coarsely chopped carrots scrape the walls of the stomach and gut as they are digested, removing the mucus and any parasites that are within it. Carrots can be fed as a tasty treat or included at meal times they are perfectly safe, boost the immune system and are an excellent source of nutrients for your pet.

3. Coconut

Dried coconut is a vermifuge, meaning it can help eliminate worms from the body. Sprinkle on food, giving 1 tsp for small dogs, 2 tsp for medium dogs and 1 tbsp for large breeds. Coconut oil, when fed regularly, can also rid your pooch of internal parasites as well as having many other health benefits

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Over the last few years we have all become aware of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar but did you know this fermented apple cider can also work as an effective worm treatment for our four-legged friends. It works because unlike other vinegar it increases the alkaline levels in the dog's intestines making it inhospitable for parasites and worms. Add 1/4-1 teaspoon of raw organic ACV to your dog's water every day you may also notice an improvement in coat condition along with several other health benefits.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric has long been considered a superfood and has been used for generations to boost the immune system and for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It contains 4 compounds that can help get rid of worms and is also able to repair the damage these pesky parasites cause to the intestine, resulting in a healthier gut. Because the curcumin in turmeric can be hard for dogs to absorb if given along, we suggest combining it with a healthy oil such as coconut oil to create a paste to feed your pup.

6. Chamomile

Chamomile is renowned for its soothing properties which means it can help with any bloating, or inflammation caused by internal parasites. Along with being able to get rid of both roundworms and whipworms. It works best when given as a tincture which can be bought relatively cheaply online or in health food stores. The recommended dose is 0,25 ml - 0.50 ml per 20 lbs of your dog's weight and repeat twice a day for 2 weeks.

7. Fermented Food

Fermented foods improve the antioxidants in the food and build beneficial microorganisms in your dog’s gut. Fermented food supplements have high quantities of live microbes that can help with your dog’s digestion.A study found that fermented turmeric, glasswort, and Ganghwa mugwort had a positive effect on boosting the immune system to decrease disease as well as extend the life of your dog. These foods are also known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects.

8. Raw Food

Feeding your dog raw food can be a very healthy, nutrient-rich diet. But you need to be very careful if you choose to provide raw food to your dog because it can become contaminated easily. The FDA warns and offers tips to prepare raw food for dogs safely. A study found that 98.7% of dog owners who fed their dogs’ raw food noticed that raw food improved their dogs’ health. Of these owners, bones or raw food were provided as part of the main meal to 16.2% of dogs. So while feeding raw food to your dog can get very expensive. This study shows that you can supplement their regular diet with a portion of raw food and still reap the benefits.

9. Probiotics

Probiotics are healthy microbes that, when living in your dog’s gut, can covert fiber and plant-based sugars into vitamins and fatty acids that improve your dog’s biochemistry. Probiotics can also help fight off respiratory tract and urogenital infections.While often found in meats and yogurts, probiotics are now being offered in many dog food supplements and toppers. These supplements make it easy to get your dog the healthy microbes it needs.

10. Prebiotics

Prebiotics, like fiber, help grow the population of microbes living in your dog’s gut. While many foods naturally have prebiotics, adding a prebiotic supplement to your dog’s diet can reduce inflammation and regulate bowel movements. Be wary of prebiotics, though, because they can grow harmful bacteria if the bad bacteria already exist in your dog’s stomach. When introducing a prebiotic, it’s best to start gradually and see how your dog reacts.

11. Use Herbs & OTHER NATURAL REMEDIES instead of Dewormers

Getting tapeworms, whipworms, or parasites is a common problem for dogs. Most vets recommend dewormers, but many dewormers contain harmful ingredients that can severely disrupt your dog’s gut health and digestion.

More and more vets are recommending herbs to kill worms naturally. Some of the best herbs for worms are:

• Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

• Oregon Grape

• Chamomile

• Black Walnut

• Wormwood

• Thyme

• Bone Broth

• Parsley

• Use chamomile in a glycerin tincture

• Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

• Olive Leaf

• Garlic

  • Garlic is another natural dewormer for dogs. If you give it to your dog in moderate amounts it can be a good way to fight worms. In fact, garlic can be as effective as conventional dewormers.

    • Use chopped raw organic garlic and let the garlic sit for 10 to 15 minutes before giving it to your dog. This will help release the beneficial compounds that fight off the worms. Then you can give your dog the following amount.

      Small dogs– up to ¼ clove twice a day

      Medium dogs – up to ½ clove twice a day

      Large dogs – up to ¾ clove twice a day

      Giant breeds – up to 1 clove twice a day

      Caution: Don’t use garlic as a worm remedy for pregnant or lactating dogs, or if your dog is on blood thinners.

12. Pay Attention To Ingredients

When buying food for your dog, you want to look for food that contain high-quality ingredients. To improve gut health for dogs, look for:

• High meat protein

• Animal fat

• Yucca

• Prebiotics

• Tumeraid

• Tumeric

• Fenugreek

All of these have been proven to help with digestion. Remember to check your labels before buying your dog food and make sure meat is the first ingredient on the list.

13. Avoid Unnecessary Vaccines.

Research has found that all the core vaccines your dog gets as a puppy are sufficient to protect them for seven to fifteen years, which is more than most dogs’ lives. After this, any vaccination is extra and can cause digestive issues, lethargy, allergies, or even death.

14. Don’t Feed Human Food

This might be the most obvious tip on our list but also the hardest to enforce. Letting your dog clean up the dinner scraps will wreak havoc on their stomach, digestion, and overall health. Pets that only eat dog food consistently have better body condition scores.9. Go Grain-Free

More and more dog foods are moving toward being grain-free. While dog food with grain isn’t necessarily bad, it doesn’t contribute to better digestion. Some grains can cause dogs to have allergies or lack nutritional value that a higher protein dog food can provide.

15. Reduce Stress

Dogs who struggle with anxiety often feel stress and will manifest it by chewing on things, licking their paws, or acting out in a destructive manner. Stress affects not only their behavior but their gut health as well. An upset stomach can also cause pain and anxiety, which creates a vicious cycle for your dog.

There are many natural, whole foods that can be included in a healthy diet for dogs. Some options include:

• Meat: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and other meats can be fed to dogs as long as they are cooked and served without bones.

• Fish: Fish, such as salmon and whitefish, can be a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for dogs.

• Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and sweet potatoes can be added to a dog's diet for added nutrients.

• Fruits: Fruits like apples, bananas, and berries can be fed to dogs as a healthy treat.

• Grains: Whole grains like brown rice and oats can be included in a dog's diet as a source of energy.

It's important to remember that dogs have different nutritional needs than humans, so it's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog's diet. It's also important to be mindful of any food allergies or sensitivities that your dog may have.

Prevent diarrhea in Dogs

Withholding food for 12 to 24 hours, and providing water in small amounts frequently, can clear the cause of the upset and allow the gastrointestinal tract to settle. It's usually the first line of attack for diarrhea. Most veterinarians recommend that you mix 1/4 to 1 tsp. psyllium seeds with a cup of water and mix them together with your pet food.

Parasites in Puppies

Puppies can be infected with a variety of parasites, both internal and external. Some common internal parasites that can infect puppies include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and coccidia. External parasites that can affect puppies include fleas, ticks, and mites. These parasites can cause a range of health problems in puppies, including diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and anemia. It is important to have your puppy checked by a veterinarian and to follow a deworming and parasite prevention program as recommended by your veterinarian. This can help protect your puppy's health and prevent the spread of parasites to other animals and humans.

Older Puppies and Adult Dogs can indeed get infected with worms after obtaining treatment. Even after the medication kills all the parasites or worms, your dog can still pick up new infections within days.

What Are The Symptoms Of Worms In Dogs?

Common signs of worms in dogs include:

• Diarrhea or vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Fever

• Scooting

• Loss of appetite

• Dull coat

• Lethargy

• Dehydration

• Mucus covered stools

• Bloody stool

• Coughing

• Bloating

Fermented Vegetables

Fermented foods are a great natural dewormer for dogs. They help expel worms by boosting your dog’s immune system. Almost 90% of the immune system is in the gut. Adding fermented veggies to your dog’s diet can help improve his gut health and defend him from parasites. You can buy fermented veggies or make your own. Start slowly with fermented veggies and work up to 1 to 3 tsp per day per 20 lbs of body weight.

We may send your puppy home with the remainder of his or her medication to help ensure that dormant parasites are treated moving forward. We recommend that you have a fecal test done by a licensed vet upon your first visit in order to be placed on an ongoing deworming regimen moving forward.

References:

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-raw-pet-food-diets-can-be-dangerous-you-and-your-pet

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3003575/#:~:text=Results%20of%20the%20survey%20indicated,fed%20exclusively%20home%2Dprepared%20diets.

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know

http://belbergere.com/documents/vaccinations/vaccinedurationShultz.pdf

https://www.petmd.com/news/view/why-dogs-should-not-eat-people-food-34758

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835687/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770862/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5354029/