The intestines do much more than digest food and intestinal health is important to the health of the entire body.
What the intestines do?
In addition to digesting and absorbing food, the intestines decide which substances are absorbed and which are eliminated. This is very important in dogs, which are natural scavengers, and ingest a large variety of substances.
More than half of the body's immune system resides in the intestines. The intestines are home to many different types of cells that consume and destroy bacteria, viruses, molds, fungus and certain toxins. What happens if the intestines cannot do their job properly? Malnutrition can result if the gut is not working properly, even if a good diet is consumed. If the intestinal barrier is compromised, substances that should be eliminated are absorbed, causing disease. If the immune system in the gut is compromised, your pet will be sick more often.
What causes an unhealthy gut?
A poor diet inhibits cellular function due to lack of nutritional support. Some dietary elements can damage the cells, interfering with their ability to do their job properly. Medications such as antibiotics and pain medications often disrupt the balance in the gut, causing it to function less effectively. Disease caused by bacteria, viruses, fungus, molds and yeast can damage and inflame the intestines, causing dysfunction.
Keeping the gut healthy
Nutrition is the foundation of good health, and is especially important in maintaining a healthy gut. Grains, especially those containing glutens are not only void of good nutrition, but can damage the cells in the intestines. Always avoid corn, wheat and soy-based products with your dog, as they contain sticky molecules that can disable intestinal cells. Feed as much fresh food, including raw, as possible.
Many different types of bacteria live in the gut normally. There is a very important and delicate balance between the beneficial, or good bacteria, and those that can cause disease. Much of what we take in, including medications can destroy the good bacteria in the gut. Probiotic supplements help replenish the good bacteria in the gut and prebiotics are food for the bacteria, helping the populations flourish.
Soil-based organisms are bacteria whose job in nature is keeping the ground disease-free in order to support plant growth. They can also help cleanse the intestines, improve digestion and stimulate the immune system. Probiotic, prebiotic and soil-based organism supplements should be a part of your pet's nutritional program - they are available at most natural pet stores, or can be found with help from your veterinarian.
Keeping your dog's gut healthy by providing proper nutrition, minimizing medications, and using bacterial supplements will help provide your pet with a longer, healthier life.
Dr. Judy Jasek is a 1988 graduate of the Colorado State University veterinary school. After practicing traditional medicine for 16 years, she began to see the benefits of a more holistic approach in her patients. She now owns the Belleview Animal Clinic in Englewood, CO, where she takes an integrated approach to veterinary medicine, using traditional medicine if indicated, but choosing a natural approach wherever possible.
