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There are a lot of diseases and conditions that can cause
diarrhea in your dog. Indigestion, stress or diseases that affect
the intestinal tract can all be contributing factors. One of the
most serious conditions that causes diarrhea is exocrine
pancreatic insufficiency. EPI prevents the body of the dog from
producing the necessary digestive enzymes to break down the food.
It ends up inflaming the intestine. This leads to loose and pale
colored stools couple with a ravenous appetite and weight loss.
Moreover, since the food is not broken down properly in the gut,
your dog cannot absorb the nutrients from his food and ends up
starving to death.Your vet will perform the necessary blood tests
to evaluate the digestive enzyme level in your dogโs body. These
tests, along with a detailed history of your dogโs weight loss,
increased appetite and diarrhea can help definitively diagnose
EPI.
Supplements and Treatment Options
Treatment for EPI includes dietary changes so that your dog can
easily digest his food. For example, dogs that suffer from
chronic diarrhea are usually placed on a high-fiber, low-fat diet
to firm up their stools. Your vet might also recommend digestive
enzyme supplements to fix the diarrhea. If supplements are the
treatment course recommended by the vet, he/she might also
recommend including a moderate amount of fat in the diet,
assuming that the carbohydrates he is on are easily digestible.If
your dog is diagnosed with EPI, he will need supplements for the
rest of his life. These enzymes are designed to break down the
food so that your dog can absorb the nutrients. Other supplements
that aid digestion and alleviate diarrhea include prebiotics,
probiotics and enzymes that are derived from plants.
Enzyme Replacement
Dogs that suffer from this condition also run a big risk of
developing a severe B12 deficiency since their bodies are not
capable of absorbing the vitamin from the food that they eat.
More than half the dogs that have EPI suffer from a B12
deficiency. Once your dog has a B12 deficiency, he will have a
lot of trouble in maintaining or gaining weight, even if he is
doing well on his enzyme replacement therapy.So, if Fido is not
showing any improvement in spite of the enzyme replacement
therapy, you should check him for a B12 deficiency and determine
if he needs any extra supplementation. The most effective way
to administer B12 is by giving him an injection. Your vet will
give regular B12 shots to your dog till the levels in his blood
are high enough. Once the B12 level goes back to normal, all the
secondary intestinal problems will go away on their own. So, if
your dog is having unexplained bouts of diarrhea, take him to the
vet immediately.
Everything You Need To Know About Digestive Enzymes For Your
Pet
Enzymes are the proteins responsible for a lot of functions
required for the sustenance of good health. One of the most
important functions of enzymes is to facilitate absorption of
nutrients and digestion. Deficiency of enzymes in pets can cause
starvation which can prove fatal; which is why a pet owner must
have all the know-how about enzymes.
What are enzymes and what are
its benefits?
Enzymes are protein molecules produced in the pancreas, which is
then carried to the small intestine where the digestion takes
place. The three types of enzymes: Protease (helps break down
proteins), Amylase (breaks down carbohydrate and starch) and
Lipase (breaks down fats) which help pets absorb nutrients from
the food. They also aid in absorption of minerals and vitamins in
a pets body. Enzymes promote cell growth, immune system, removal
of toxins from the body. Enzymes are also responsible for the
healthy growth of fur and teeth in animals. Without enzymes, your
pet will not benefit from even the highest quality diet.
What causes enzyme
deficiency?
Enzyme deficiency is caused by multiple factors. As important as
they are, enzymes are very delicate and are easily destroyed.
Heat, pollutants, artificial colors, preservatives are some of
the factors that cause depletion of enzymes. Increased activity
can also cause enzyme depletion. Cooked and processed food
contain very less to no enzymes which can further cause a
deficiency in your pet.
How to detect enzyme
deficiency in your pet?
The symptoms of enzyme deficiency are quite evident. Flatulence,
gas, bloating, undigested food in the stools are some of them. In
some cases, the pets might even vomit the food immediately after
consumption. The overall well-being of your pet is affected. The
symptoms are quite similar to the ones you would see if a lactose
intolerant person consumed dairy.
How to cure enzyme
deficiency?
Uncooked food stocks a lot of enzymes however it might not always
be safe to feed your pets raw food. There are innumerable enzyme
supplements available in the market for your pet. Itโs always a
good idea to consult a vet before making a decision so as to rule
out any further complications.
How to choose the correct
enzyme supplement?
Enzymes come from three sources: Plants, fungi, and animals. The
most preferred enzyme is the one that comes from animals as it
closely characterizes the one found naturally in your pet's
digestive tract. It's essential to keep in mind that you must
consult our vet and choose a source that you truly trust when it
comes to your furry friend. Next time you find something off
about your pet's diet, consider getting his/her enzyme levels
checked.
