Have you ever noticed your pet losing appetite and having diarrhea lately? Your pet might be having gastrointestinal problems. This condition is commonly caused by several factors. Before you give any medications for this digestive issue, it is important to refer to a veterinarian first.
HillsPet, an online source of information about pets, provides the following definition of gastrointestinal and digestive disorder:
“Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and diseases affect a dog's stomach and intestines, resulting in pain and other problems. Any disorder that reduces the digestion or absorption of food, or alters its passage through the digestive tract, can be called a digestive disorder. Healthy digestion is essential for your dog to be able to use the nutrients from his food to build and repair tissues and obtain energy. GI disorders can lead to dehydration, acid-base, and electrolyte imbalances and malnutrition so it is important to recognize the signs and consult with your veterinarian.”
There are specific breeds of dogs that are more at risk for digestive issues, such as German Shepherds, Collies, Great Danes, and Golden Retrievers. Cats and horses can also experience the same symptoms and may require similar treatments.
What Causes Gastrointestinal Problems in Animals
The following are the common causes of gastrointestinal problems in dogs and other pets. Learning more about them can give you a glimpse of what could possibly be the specific disease your pet has.
- Bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridia, and E.Coli commonly cause food poisoning
- Viruses like coronavirus and parvovirus
- Parasites and worms
- Pancreatitis, that can be due to medications or inflammation in the digestive system
- Dietary indiscretion
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Allergic reactions to certain medications
Common Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Problems in Pets
PetMD shared an article that includes common signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal problems in dogs and other animals, including the following:
- Abdominal bloating
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Flatulence
- Colitis
- Diarrhea
- Blood or mucus in stools
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
There are also instances when you will notice that your pets experience weakness and regurgitation.
Common Types of Gastrointestinal Disorders in Animals
The following are some of the common types of digestive problems that your pet dog can be at risk for:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
- Pancreatitis
- Small intestine malabsorption
- Canine parvovirus
- Colitis or inflammation of the colon
- Bloating
- Gastritis or inflammation of the stomach
- Cancers of the digestive system
- Gastrointestinal obstruction
- Gastrointestinal ulcers
- Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
You can check the details of the above gastrointestinal disorders from MSD Veterinary Manual.
Veterinarians can recommend some medications based on their observations and examinations of the pet.
Can CBD Help?
Yes. There are sources and studies that claimed that CBD can help relieve inflammation and strengthen the immune system.
CBD acts with the endocannabinoid receptors of the pet’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). It triggers the receptors and regulates the neural transmissions. CBD oil for pets is beneficial because of its various uses.
A 2016 study “Role of Cannabinoids in Gastrointestinal Mucosal Defense and Inflammation” discussed the actions of cannabinoids in the ECS. Part of the study mentioned the following:
“The role of ECS in the physiology and pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract has also been extensively studied. In the digestive tract, high levels of the endocannabinoids, and of the enzymes responsible for their synthesis and metabolism can be detected. The presence of CB1 receptors on myenteric and submucosal nerve plexuses along the alimentary tract has been shown by immunohistochemical studies. Co-localization of CB1 receptor with the cholinergic marker choline acetyltransferase in neural elements innervating smooth muscle, mucosa and submucosal blood vessels of rat stomach fundus, corpus, and antrum was shown.”
CBD can aid pets with gastritis, food allergies, irritable bowel disease, and other digestive problems. Not only that, but it can also fight infections and parasites.
CBD also helps in the following:
- keeping a healthy appetite
- providing anti-inflammatory properties
- alleviating pain and aches
- relieving anxiety and stress
- giving additional nutrients
- promoting better bowel movements
- providing a good bowel movement
A 2019 study published by Science News stated that cannabinoids can be used as antibiotics, thus, it is a promising treatment to alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders in dogs.
“Cannabidiol, the main non-psychoactive chemical compound extracted from cannabis and hemp plants, has been approved by FDA for the treatment of a form of epilepsy and is being investigated for a number of other medical conditions, including, anxiety, pain, and inflammation. While there is limited data to suggest Cannabidiol can kill bacteria, the drug has not been thoroughly investigated for its potential as an antibiotic”, a part of the research highlighted.
Other ways how CBD can help with digestive problems is by relaxing the digestive tract, increasing appetite, and reducing inflammation.
What CBD Products are Best to Use?
One of the most common CBD products used to treat digestive problems in animals is CBD oil. It can be given to pets to help relieve inflammation, pain, and other signs of gastrointestinal ailments. It can also help in preventing anxiety and may help to bring back the pet’s appetite.
Aside from helping to treat gastrointestinal problems, CBD oil can also be used as a medication for other medical issues. An interesting blog post by Dog’s Best Life mentioned the following:
“Pets across the world suffer from anxiety triggered due to various factors such as noise, new environment, new owners, travel, etc. General behavioral changes such as abnormal noises, scratching or chewing on things, defecating inside the house, pacing around are symptoms of anxiety in pets that require attention. Various studies provide strong evidence of the efficiency of CBD for the treatment of Anxiety. The compound interacts with receptors in the body and helps them feel relaxed and calm. The soothing agents in the mixture help your pets cope up with the situation with ease.”
Other CBD products that can help in relieving the symptoms and effects of gastrointestinal disorders in dogs are CBD edibles, CBD treats, and other CBD supplements. For high-quality CBD products, visit petmedcbd.ca.
