Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues in Doodles & Poodles: Guide to Wellness

Stomach problems are a common and frustrating health issue for doodles and poodle dogs. Loose stool, excess gas, and occasional vomiting are all symptoms of an upset stomach. One of the causes of gastrointestinal issues is the wrong type of food. Some dogs have sensitive stomachs, while others may have bowel problems and experience stomach upset due to an unsuitable diet. It is important to ensure that your furry friend is consuming the appropriate diet for their breed and life stage. A diet that is high in fat can cause your dog to become overweight and excessively flatulent. Feeding your dog table scraps can interfere with their digestion, leading to additional gas and diarrhea. Even if you have always used a particular brand of dog food, it may not be the best option for your pet's nutritional requirements. Every dog has unique needs, especially those with digestive problems. Therefore, it is essential to give special attention to their dietary requirements.

Dog vaccines are created to help the immune system identify and combat specific infectious agents. Although vaccines can lead to temporary side effects like mild fever, fatigue, or soreness, they do not directly affect gut health. However, certain dog vaccines may indirectly impact gut health by influencing the immune system. The gut plays a crucial role in the immune system, and the immune cells in the gut work with the gut microbiome to maintain a healthy balance. Vaccines operate by stimulating the immune system to generate antibodies that can help combat targeted pathogens. Nonetheless, these antibodies can also affect the gut microbiome by changing the balance of immune cells. On occasion, vaccines may cause an imbalance in the gut microbiome, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. However, these symptoms are generally mild and temporary, and they are not a direct result of the vaccine itself, but rather a side effect of the immune response.

Poodles, like many other dog breeds, can be prone to allergies, including protein allergies. The exact reasons why some poodles develop allergies to proteins are not fully understood, but there are several factors that may contribute to this susceptibility:

1. Genetic predisposition: Allergies often have a genetic component, and certain dog breeds, including poodles, may have a higher likelihood of inheriting an allergic tendency. This genetic predisposition can make them more susceptible to developing allergies, including protein allergies.

2. Immune system response: Allergies occur when the immune system reacts excessively to substances that are typically harmless, such as proteins in food. In dogs with allergies, their immune systems may recognize certain proteins as foreign and mount an immune response, leading to allergic reactions.

3. Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as exposure to allergens like dust mites, pollen, or other environmental irritants, can contribute to the development of allergies in poodles. These factors can trigger or exacerbate allergic reactions, including protein allergies.

4. Food sensitivities: Poodles, like other breeds, can develop sensitivities or intolerances to certain proteins commonly found in dog food, such as chicken, beef, or lamb. These sensitivities can manifest as allergic reactions, resulting in symptoms like gastrointestinal issues, skin problems, or ear infections.

It's important to note that not all poodles will develop protein allergies, and individual dogs may have different sensitivities. If you suspect that your poodle has protein allergies, it's best to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and guidance on managing their dietary needs and allergies.

Remember, each dog is unique, and while certain breeds may be more prone to allergies, it's important to provide personalized care and attention to your poodle's specific needs.

Doodles and Poodles are both breeds of dogs that are known to be susceptible to gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Some of the common GI problems that these dogs may experience include:

• Gastritis: This is a condition where the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

• Pancreatitis: This is an inflammation of the pancreas that can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): This is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract and can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and abdominal pain.

• Food allergies: Doodles and Poodles can develop allergies to certain foods, which can cause GI symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and gas.

• Intestinal parasites: These can cause a variety of GI symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.

Maintaining good gut health is important for a dog's overall well-being and can help prevent or manage certain health conditions.

Some tips to support your Poodle's gut health include:

• Feeding a high-quality diet: A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for maintaining good gut health. Look for dog foods that contain high-quality ingredients, such as whole meats and vegetables, and avoid foods with fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives.

• Providing plenty of water: Access to fresh, clean water is crucial for digestion and overall health. Make sure your Poodle always has access to water, and consider providing a water fountain or adding some water to their food to encourage hydration.

• Incorporating probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help support gut health. You can incorporate probiotics into your Poodle's diet through supplements or foods that contain live cultures, such as yogurt.

• Avoiding table scraps and inappropriate foods: Human foods, such as fatty meats, dairy, and processed foods, can be difficult for dogs to digest and can cause GI issues. Avoid feeding your Poodle table scraps and stick to dog-friendly foods.

• Regular veterinary checkups: Regular visits to the veterinarian can help identify and manage any potential GI issues early on. Your vet can also provide advice on diet and supplementation to support your Poodle's gut health.

Dog Food Selection for your doodle puppy

It is crucial to ensure that your dog is provided with a diet that meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This certification serves as the only proof of quality, indicating that the food contains the listed nutrition, is made with safety protocols in place, and does not make false health claims. Moreover, AAFCO certification confirms that the ingredients listed are present in every serving. These animal foods are tested and proven by veterinarians and animal nutrition experts, making them the most nutritious and safest option for your pet. They are also available at different price points to suit various budget needs. Although you might prefer a GMO-Free or Organic certified diet, it is essential to note that organic and GMO-sourced dog foods are not regulated. Therefore, choosing an AAFCO organic dog food recipe will ensure that you provide your dog with the desired diet, if that is your preference.

Age Appropriate Dog Food doodle puppy

It's important to note that puppies and dogs require different diets. Canine nutrition should be tailored to their specific life stage and breed. For instance, active breeds and puppies need higher levels of protein and fat, which may not be suitable for older dogs. Similarly, mature dog food may not provide sufficient nutrients for young dogs to grow and develop into adults. While we may consider dogs as family members, it's crucial to avoid giving them people food or cat food. Even though they may enjoy eating out of the cat's bowl, it can make them sick since they are canines and require a different diet.

Dietary Elimination for your puppy

If your furry friend is not responding to a gradual diet change, it may be necessary to consider a vet-supervised elimination diet. Elimination diets are meant to be low-allergen, to test and treat unresolved food allergies and digestive issues. However, it takes up to eight weeks for the body to heal from digestive infections and inflammation. Therefore, elimination diets take around two months to complete, allowing sufficient time for the dog's stomach symptoms and issues to be resolved. Once the dog has recovered, they can resume their non-prescription diet. If bowel issues, gas, and vomiting persist, another gradual change in the dog's diet, excluding the main protein sources/main ingredients, can be introduced. Although it may be time-consuming, it is in your dog's best interest to not suffer from an indigestible diet. It will also be easier for you to take care of your dog without the hassle of having to clean up vomit or deal with unpleasant odors.

It's important to note that not all Doodles and Poodles will experience GI issues, but it's a good idea to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble and consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns. Feeding a high-quality diet, avoiding table scraps, and keeping up with regular veterinary care can help prevent or manage many GI issues in these breeds.

---

At Stokeshire, we’re working directly with Revive and Thrive, a new Rejuvenating and Restorative Dog Food that is focused on Holistic Nutrition For Lifelong Wellness. Revive & Thrive is made from organic, nutrient-rich ingredients sourced from the soils of Sri Lanka. We prioritize affordability and rawness in our products, which are never baked or air-dried. Our holistic approach focuses on creating nutrient-dense meals for your doodle or poodle puppy, using superfoods and botanical ingredients that promote their overall well-being. Our research team has discovered that many mainstream dog food brands contain toxic byproducts, such as glyphosates in wheat and corn, antibiotics and growth hormones in beef and chicken, and microplastics and mercury in larger fish like salmon and trout. As dog owners ourselves, we understand the importance of providing safe and healthy food for our pets. Toxic ingredients in dog common dog food can harm your puppy’s health. Revive and Thrive offers organic, non-GMO, and chemical-free options sourced from Sri Lanka. The protein is microplastic and mercury-free. and their formulations are rejuvenating and suitable for sensitive dietary restrictions.