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What is flatulence?

The gut microbiome

In the intestines of humans and animals there are around 10 times as many small bacteria and microorganisms as the body has cells; in humans this is around 1.5 kg of bacteria. These germs are not harmful to the body, on the contrary, they are very useful. The “good” bacteria have a positive influence on intestinal health; they compete with pathogenic germs for food and space and can thus displace them in most cases.

The microbiome's tasks include not only displacing pathogenic germs, but also supporting digestion, nourishing the intestinal mucosa using short-chain fatty acids and stimulating the immune system.

A healthy microbiome can take on these tasks effortlessly, but if it is thrown out of balance, digestive problems arise, especially flatulence and diarrhea.

What is flatulence?

Flatulence is the increased formation and release of intestinal gases. These can sometimes smell very unpleasant. Occasional mild bloating is not a cause for concern.

However, if the animal suffers from flatulence more often, significant suffering cannot be ruled out. On the one hand, severe flatulence can be accompanied by cramping abdominal pain, and on the other hand, the constant odor nuisance puts a strain on the relationship with the owner. So that appropriate treatment can be initiated, the cause should be investigated.

Causes of flatulence

The causes are often related to feeding. Food that is difficult to digest, as well as treats and chewing bones, are often the cause of flatulence. If the food cannot be used properly, the poorly digested food pulp ends up in the back of the intestine, where it is broken down by bacteria. This creates foul-smelling putrefactive gases. A sudden change in food or food intolerance can also cause flatulence. In rare cases, flatulence can also occur as a sign of serious illnesses such as pancreatitis or intestinal diseases.

Treatment of flatulence

If the flatulence is not caused by a serious illness, the problem can often be solved by changing the food. The administration of probiotics has also proven to be helpful in this context.

Flatulence caused by food components that are difficult to digest can be positively influenced by administering probiotics, as these reduce the growth of gas-forming bacteria. The use of probiotics is also useful for constipation: the metabolic products of the good intestinal bacteria promote intestinal movements and thus get digestion going again.

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What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea occurs when the animal defecates more than 3 times per day and has a mushy to liquid consistency.

Causes of diarrhea

If the microbiome is thrown out of balance, dogs and cats can get diarrhea. The causes for this are manifold:

Feeding errors: Not everything that is good for us humans is also good for our animals. Feeding leftover food or “treats” that are not suitable for animals, such as sweets, potato chips, etc., can cause digestive disorders in many animals. Very sensitive dogs and cats react with diarrhea even when they change their food (different brand or type). For some animals, for example, it is enough For example, even a slight change in the recipe by the feed manufacturer can trigger severe digestive disorders.
Ingestion of incompatible substances: Dogs in particular tend to eat spoiled food outside or e.g. B. to eat unripe fallen fruit. Drinking salt water by the sea, from stagnant water in the summer, or eating snow in the winter also often leads to digestive disorders, which can range from vomiting to diarrhea. In cats, ingesting hair (grooming) and gnawing on plants can also cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Allergies: Just as in humans, the number of allergies occurring in dogs and cats has increased significantly. Food allergies in particular are often a cause of persistent or recurring diarrhea.
Stress: Travel, separation anxiety, new human or animal family members (e.g. a new higher-ranking animal in the neighborhood), noise (New Year's Eve) but also stressed owners and many other factors can cause considerable stress for our dog or cat mean, which can have an impact on digestion, just like in sensitive people.
Medication: Diarrhea can occur as a side effect of taking medication, especially if painkillers or antibiotics are used. The administration of antibiotics is particularly problematic in this regard; When fighting germs, they do not differentiate between good and disease-causing intestinal bacteria, so that a large part of the healthy microbiome also dies.
Other: Other causes of diarrhea include poisoning, infections with bacteria, viruses, fungi or gastrointestinal parasites such as giardia or worms. Other organic underlying diseases such as: B. Diseases of the liver or pancreas can cause problems in the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment of diarrhea

Since the causes of diarrhea are diverse, an individual treatment strategy is required depending on the case.
First of all, it is important to get to the bottom of the cause of the illness and eliminate it. If you have severe or prolonged diarrhea, you should go to the vet. If there is an underlying illness, such as an infection or poisoning, this should be treated by the veterinarian.
Even if no specific cause can often be identified, severe diarrhea must be treated as quickly as possible, as it is a serious illness that can potentially be life-threatening. Diarrhea leads to fluid and electrolyte losses as well as a lack of energy because nutrients can no longer be absorbed. In addition, antigens (potential allergens) from food can more easily pass through a damaged intestinal barrier and are therefore more likely to develop food allergies.
Severe diarrhea can quickly lead to serious consequences: the acid-base balance is disrupted (acidification) and the animal dries out. If necessary, the veterinarian will take the necessary countermeasures in such a case.
However, feeding is of great importance in the treatment of diarrhea and the animal owner is always responsible for this.

The right diet

In the case of acute diarrhea, it is important to relieve the strain on the intestines. An easily digestible bland diet is suitable for this and is offered until the symptoms subside. Ideally, several small meals are given. These should be at room temperature so as not to put unnecessary strain on the digestive tract.
For dogs, it is often recommended to avoid solid food for 12-24 hours. However, if the dog has an appetite, there is usually nothing wrong with small, easily digestible portions of food. In any case, sick dogs and cats should always have unrestricted access to fresh water and it must be ensured that enough fluids are consumed. This is made easier by offering additional tasty liquids such as home-made chicken broth or ReConvales^® Tonicum, which also provides nutrients.

Since such liquid food contains little energy, which puts cats at risk of metabolic derailment, it is particularly important for cats to be fed solid, bland food as soon as possible. This can also be given lukewarm, as cats are encouraged to eat by the more intense smell of warm food. Suitable bland foods for cats include boiled chicken or steamed low-fat fish, as well as soft-boiled carrots.
Ready-made diet foods that are specifically tailored to the needs of dogs and cats with gastrointestinal diseases can be purchased at the veterinary practice. Light foods and ready-made feed can also be offered together with Moro's carrot soup.

What can be usefully supplemented with feeding if you have diarrhea?

In addition to Moro's carrot soup, various food additives can support intestinal function in cases of diarrhea, for example by binding excess water in the intestine and thus solidifying the feces, protecting the intestinal mucosa and stabilizing the microbiome. As a supplementary feed, they can be easily administered in the form of treats (chewable tablets, chewable drops), paste or powder.

Bentonite

Bentonite swells in the intestines and provides a protective coating on the mucous membrane. Toxins and pathogens get into the bentonite
stored and thereby rendered harmless. The strong water retention improves the consistency of the stool.

Pectins

Pectins are very gelling, protect the mucous membrane and bind certain pathogens. In addition, they provide an excellent nutrient substrate for the desired intestinal bacteria and thus promote their growth. Good sources of pectin include: E.g. fruit and carrot pomace.

Spice plants/medicinal herbs

Dried blueberries and blackberry leaves have beneficial effects on mucous membrane irritations in the gastrointestinal tract.
Fennel fruits stimulate appetite and digestion and are traditionally used for flatulence.
Liquorice protects the stomach and intestinal mucosa and thus relieves irritation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Fenugreek seeds contain many mucilage and bitter substances. They stimulate appetite and digestive activity and are traditionally used for diarrhea.

Tip

In the case of mild diarrhea, feeding measures can often help.
If you have severe, bloody or prolonged diarrhea, you should consult a veterinarian. This is especially true for puppies, old and chronically ill dogs, as they do not have major reserves.

Example of a bland food recipe for dogs:

⅓ cooked skinless chicken
⅓ low-fat quark or grainy cream cheese
⅓ sticky cooked rice or
⅓ very soft boiled carrots

Moro carrot soup

½ kg carrots, 1 l water, 3 g table salt

The carrots are boiled for about 1 - 1.5 hours, then pureed, salted and poured back into 1 liter.

While in acute diarrhea the focus is primarily on thickening the feces and protecting the mucous membranes, in chronic or recurring diarrheal illnesses the microbiome should not be ignored, as it is essential for intestinal health. The intestinal microbiome is the entirety of all bacteria and other microorganisms that colonize the intestine. If digestion is not in order, it is affected and a vicious circle quickly develops: diarrhea damages the microbiome, which in turn can cause or worsen diarrhea.

Probiotika

Enterococcus faecium is a probiotic lactic acid bacterium that, as a living microorganism, has a positive influence on the microbiota, brings it back into balance and also stimulates and supports the immune system. In order to stabilize the microbiota in the long term, probiotics should be fed over a longer period of time.

Prebiotics

Präbiotika sind für Hund und Katze selbst unverdaulich, dienen aber als ausgezeichnete Nährstoffe für die erwünschten Darmbakterien. So fördern sie deren Wachstum und tragen zur Aufrechterhaltung eines gesunden Mikrobioms bei.Neben den bereits erwähnten Pectinen stellen auch Fructooligosaccharide, Galactooligosaccharide und Johannisbrotmehl gut geeignete Präbiotika dar.

Short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, propionate)

Short-chain fatty acids such as propionate and butyrate are important for nourishing the cells of the intestinal mucosa. Especially during an acute episode of diarrhea, the intestinal mucosa must be sufficiently nourished so that rapid regeneration can occur. In addition, short-chain fatty acids contribute to a slightly lower pH value in the intestine and thus ensure an optimal environment for the desired intestinal microbiome.

Diet supplement to relieve acute intestinal absorption disorders

Dia Tab^® and DiarPositiv^® PRO for dogs and cats as well as FeliGum^® Dia and Dia Feli^® for cats are specially tailored for short-term administration during and after acute diarrhea. Due to their high ability to bind water, the feces harden again very quickly. In addition, the intestinal mucosa is protected and the intestinal microbiome is supported. DiarPositiv^® PRO also contains short-chain fatty acids to support the regeneration of the intestinal mucosa.

Diet supplement to stabilize physiological digestion

Dia Tab^® PRO and Dia Paste PRO are pre-/probiotics for dogs and cats that are particularly designed for prolonged administration after diarrhea. They also initially lead to a rapid improvement in the consistency of the stool, but when used in the long term, they primarily serve to stabilize or restore a healthy microbiome. Dia Tab^® PRO and Dia Paste PRO can also be used to rebuild the microbiome after antibiotics.

The products in the alfavet “Dia” range are complex dietary products that take into account the diverse requirements for diarrhea products.