Top Tips to Prevent Dog's Sensitive Gut & Skin Issues

Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to a wide range of things, from food to the environment. During the process of raising a dog, it's not uncommon to encounter skin and gastrointestinal allergies in our furry companions.

Why are dogs' skin and gastrointestinal systems so sensitive? Let's delve into the details to find out:

I. Skin Issues

Dogs' skin is composed of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, accounting for about 12% of their body weight. It's the largest organ in their bodies, providing essential functions for maintaining life.

Humans have between 1 to 15 layers of skin, whereas dogs have only 3 to 5 layers, and their growth cycle is quite long. Additionally, their skin is constantly exposed to the external environment, making it highly sensitive.

Common symptoms of skin sensitivity include hair loss, dandruff, and in severe cases, asthma, extensive hair loss, severe itching, and even selfinflicted scratches. Therefore, pet owners should be extra vigilant and take preemptive measures.

II. Gastrointestinal Issues

Intestinal sensitivity in dogs is another common concern for many dog owners. Symptoms can range from diarrhea, soft stools, frequent bowel movements, to vomiting, intestinal bloating, decreased appetite, and more.

What causes these gastrointestinal sensitivities in dogs?

1. Low Digestibility of Food

Some foods are difficult for dogs to digest and break down, which we refer to as intolerance foods.

For instance, if a dog eats watermelon seeds, they may pass them out without any digestion. Foods that dogs should avoid include shellfish, shrimp, squid, octopus, crabs, and squid.

Intolerance foods require a longer time for dogs to adapt and digest, increasing the burden on their gastrointestinal system, which is a major cause of intestinal sensitivity. A common misconception is that dog owners often only focus on the protein content and ignore the digestibility of the protein.

2. Gluten

Beef, dairy products, and wheat are confirmed to be the most common allergens that can cause dog allergies. Gluten, which is responsible for wheat allergies in dogs, refers to gliadin found in wheat and barley flour products.

3. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates in grains are substances that dogs are generally intolerant to. Gastrointestinal sensitivity caused by carbohydrates is mainly manifested in:

When dogs suddenly switch to a different type of dog food, their intestines may need several days or even longer to adapt to the change in new carbohydrate food sources, which can increase the burden on their digestive and absorption processes, leading to digestive system dysfunction. This is why it's important not to suddenly change a dog's food.

How to prevent grain allergies in dogs?

In today's scientifically advanced society, many human diseases have remedies, so why not for our canine friends' minor ailments? When dogs experience skin and gastrointestinal sensitivity, how should we address these issues?

Firstly, pet owners should pay attention to their dogs' regular diet, reduce the proportion of intolerance foods, and avoid suddenly changing dog food to prevent further burden on their gastrointestinal system and digestive dysfunction.

Secondly, it's important to identify potential allergens early on to minimize the chances of allergic reactions. Most importantly, when choosing dog food, opt for natural, glutenfree options as the main diet. Early prevention is key to avoiding gluten allergies.

Tips: Want to learn how to choose the right dog food? Click on "How to Choose Pet Dog Food" for more information.