Stress and anxiety are easy to spot in dogs. They become afflicted with tummy troubles and the insatiable urge to chew up the entire house. Despite these warning signs, pet parents commonly misbelieve that stress doesn’t affect their dog’s physical health. But diarrhea isn’t the only problem—anxious pups are more likely to contract diseases and suffer from malnutrition. Your fur baby doesn’t have to go through life in a constant state of stress. It’s never too late to reverse chronic stress and anxiety and their damaging effects. Take a moment to learn the health consequences associated with canine stress and what you can do to prevent them. Health problems in stressed pups The impact of stress goes far beyond panting, pacing and barking. Over time, chronic stress can lead to negative effects on your dog’s body. Here are the most common health problems seen in stressed and anxious dogs. Upset stomach: Stress and anxiety often cause recurring diarrhea, vomiting and constipation in dogs. Elevated stress hormone levels stimulate the nervous system, especially along the gastrointestinal tract. These overly stimulated nerves trigger intestinal spasms, which leads to stomach pain and runny stool. Stressed dogs frequently vomit because adrenaline slows digestion and forces food to sit in the stomach for too long. Chronic vomiting and diarrhea may lead to dehydration, a serious condition that requires immediate medical help. Weakened immunity: Much like in humans, stress weakens your pup’s immune system. Cortisol, a type of stress hormone, reduces the number of antibodies circulating in the bloodstream. Antibodies are crucial for fighting off bacterial and viral infections. With fewer antibodies in their system, your pup may get sick more often. Stress can also drain your dog’s energy, which makes cells more vulnerable to parasites and toxins. Loss of appetite: When a dog becomes stressed, their body funnels nutrients to systems that will help the dog survive a dangerous event. This is why anxiety is often associated with high blood pressure, panting and a rapid heartbeat. As your pup enters this fight-or-flight response, the body pulls blood away from systems that aren’t necessary during a stressful situation. Digestion will slow down and make your pup lose their appetite. Loss of appetite can lead to nutritional deficiencies and extreme weight loss over time. Health emergencies: Stressed and anxious dogs often develop bad behaviors like chewing on furniture and hazardous objects. They need an outlet for all that nervous energy, and the TV remote just so happens to be within reach. This destructive chewing habit may cause dogs to swallow string, buttons, rocks and other inedible items that can block the wind pipe or digestive tract. These blockages require an emergency trip to the vet for proper removal. Proven ways to reduce stress in dogs Pet parents have the power to prevent stress and the resulting health consequences. A few small changes to your dog’s routine can make huge strides toward a relatively stress-free life. Here are some healthy habits to try with your anxious pup. Create a stress-relief tool kit: Many stressful situations are unavoidable. You can’t always predict when strangers, fireworks or construction will appear right outside your window. In these scenarios, the best thing you can do is provide temporary stress relief. Pheromone plug-ins and collars emit synthetic chemicals designed to comfort anxious pups. You can mask stressful sounds with a white noise machine or calming instrumental music. Some dogs have a favorite toy they like to carry around that helps them feel safe. Stick to a consistent routine: Change is very stressful for dogs, whether you have a new family member or simply bought a different fabric softener. Help your dog cope with the change by keeping their routine as consistent as possible. Pet parents should walk, feed and play with their pups at the same times each day. A consistent routine gives anxious dogs something to latch onto during times of uncertainty. Provide physical and mental stimulation: Exercise is a very effective stress reliever for dogs. Moving their bodies releases feel-good endorphins that alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. Play time burns off excessive energy and helps restore a calm state of mind. Mental exercise is equally important because it distracts anxious pups from the stressful event. Puzzle toys and training sessions can also stave off boredom, which is often a precursor to stress. Every dog will experience stress at some point in their life. Pet parents must be able to recognize when the occasional stressor turns into a recurring problem. If your dog has chronic stress or anxiety, look for ways to bring happiness back into their daily routine. Reducing stress positively affects the mind and body for overall wellness. Source: https://petwellbeing.com/  

Upset stomachs happen — but when should you start to worry about your pet's digestive issues? Recognizing the early signs of trouble can prevent a minor problem from becoming a serious health concern.   The most obvious signs of digestive distress are vomiting and diarrhea. While an occasional episode may not be a big deal, frequent or persistent symptoms are a red flag. Other signs include bloating, gas, constipation, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, or even whining when trying to go to the bathroom.   In cats, pay attention to hairballs that become frequent, sudden vomiting after eating, or changes in litter box habits. For dogs, take note if they’re eating grass excessively, showing discomfort after meals, or having inconsistent stool.   Sometimes, digestive issues are caused by something simple like a diet change or sneaking human food. But they can also be signs of more serious issues like food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), parasites, or even organ dysfunction. If symptoms last more than 24–48 hours, or if your pet seems lethargic, in pain, or dehydrated — it’s time to see the vet.   Tips for Spotting and Managing Digestive Symptoms: Monitor your pet’s stool quality and frequency daily. Keep track of any vomiting patterns (timing, appearance, frequency). Avoid sudden changes in diet or new treats. Don’t delay a vet visit if symptoms persist or your pet stops eating. Bring a stool sample when you visit the vet — it can speed up diagnosis.   Conclusion: Don’t Brush Off Belly Trouble A little digestive upset isn’t unusual — but when symptoms linger or become intense, they could signal something deeper. Paying close attention to your pet’s habits and acting early is the best way to keep their gut (and the rest of their body) running smoothly. Support their digestive health with NatureBridge LOHAS, available in two variants: for cats and for dogs. Specially formulated to promote healthy digestion, this premium recipe helps keep your pet’s gut balanced and comfortable. Get it exclusively at our official online store — the smart choice for a healthy, happy tummy.

The saying, “You are what you eat,” not only applies to humans—it also applies to dogs! Your pup’s gut health is critical to their wellbeing, and poor nutrition can lead to a host of serious health concerns. Prioritizing their gut health paves the way to everything from better digestion to a happier mood. Learn how you can manage your dog’s gut health with nutrition and get practical tips and advice that you incorporate into your pup’s everyday routine. Understanding canine gut health A dog’s digestive system is intricate. Your four-legged friend has a complex gastrointestinal tract consisting of the stomach, small intestine, large intestine and colon, where food is broken down and nutrients are absorbed. Gut microbiota (bacteria and yeast) play a vital role in maintaining gut health by aiding digestion, producing essential nutrients and supporting the immune system. When the gut microbiome is disrupted, it can cause several gut-related problems in dogs such as constipation, diarrhea or inflammatory bowel disease. Choosing a diet rich in high-quality ingredients protects the gut microbiota and promotes a healthy gut and, in turn, a happier pooch. Why gut health is important for dogs Just like with humans, digestive issues can significantly impact a dog’s quality of life. Dogs that suffer from gastrointestinal problems—such as chronic diarrhea, constipation or food allergies—may experience discomfort, pain and reduced appetite. Digestive issues can lead to nutrient deficiencies, weight loss and general weakness in dogs. It’s not only related to the gut, either. Poor gut health can impact your dog’s skin and coat, mood and risk of chronic disease. It’s important to prioritize good nutrition to support optimal gut health in dogs. A balanced, high-quality diet that includes essential vitamins, minerals and fiber can promote healthy digestion, nutrient absorption and a strong immune system. It starts by carefully consider what you’re feeding your beloved furry friend. Choosing the right diet for good gut health When it comes to supporting your dog’s gut health and digestive system, you can’t overstate the importance of a healthy, high-quality diet. Make sure you’re feeding your pup food that contains real, whole-food ingredients and avoids fillers, artificial additives and preservatives. Some other important considerations include: Food sensitivities and allergies: Identifying food sensitivities and allergies can go a long way in promoting a healthy gut for your dog. Some common allergens dogs can suffer from include grains, dairy and certain proteins such as chicken or beef. If you’re wondering which foods may be causing your pup discomfort, a trip to the vet for allergy testing may be a helpful step in identifying any potential food sensitivities. Dietary fiber: Not only does dietary fiber help regulate bowel movements, it also promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Excellent sources of fiber for dogs include fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots and apples. Also, incorporating whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal can help. Your dog will love these tasty additions to their diet! Probiotics and prebiotics: You can soothe your dog’s gut and support digestive function with probiotics and prebiotics. Prebiotics are a type of fiber that serve as food for the healthy bacteria in your dog’s gut, while probiotics are live microorganisms that help balance the gut flora. Some great prebiotic foods to consider adding to your dog’s diet include sweet potatoes, bananas and oatmeal. Always consult a vet before switching or supplementing your dog’s food. And remember—if you’re planning to make changes to your dog’s diet, make gradual transitions to prevent sudden digestive issues. Other tips for managing your dog’s gut health Aside from adopting a gut-friendly doggy diet, there are other ways you can support your furry friend’s digestive health. Try the following strategies. Ensure proper hydration: Hydration is directly related to gut health. If you notice that your dog isn’t drinking enough water, add some low-sodium broth to their meals or consider getting them a pet water fountain to encourage them to drink more water. Portion control and feeding schedule: Portion control and a feeding schedule play an important role in managing your dog’s gut health. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other medical conditions that affect their digestive system. Stay consistent with the portion you feed your dog—and when you feed them—each day. Rotational feeding: Rotational feeding involves rotating your dog’s diet with different types of food. This method has numerous benefits, including introducing new flavors and textures, providing a balanced diet and reducing exposure to foods that cause allergies or sensitivities. Protect your dog’s gut health with the right nutrition Dogs with a healthy gut live happier, healthier lives. By implementing a gut-healthy doggy diet that’s rich in high-quality whole foods and supplementing when needed, you can prevent digestive issues from plaguing your pup. When their gut feels better, so will the rest of your furry friend! Source: https://petwellbeing.com/