free shipping over $100 (USA & Canada)

1-877-937-4372 the pet expert hotline

free shipping over $100 (USA & Canada)

Leaky Gut Syndrome in Pets

Banner image of a dog laying down looking sick.

Leaky gut in pets is an under-explored issue in pet health. When a pet is gut is not functioning normally, it can impact much more than just digestion. It can affect the whole body.

In this blog, we will explain the signs, symptoms, and causes of leaky gut in cats and dogs. We also explore how to support affected pets with supplementary aid.

Understanding Leaky Gut in Pets

Leaky gut syndrome is also called increased intestinal permeability. It happens when the lining of the intestines becomes inflamed or damaged. This lining in the intestines normally acts like a protective barrier, letting in nutrients and keeping out harmful substances such bacteria and toxins. However, when the gut becomes “leaky,” things that shouldn’t come inside of the bloodstream. This includes foods that were partially digested, pathogens, or waste. This effect can cause an immune response that can lead to inflammation in the body.

Some of the symptoms of leaky gut syndrome can vary from pet to pet, but the most common symptoms include:

  • Chronic diarrhea or soft stoolGas, bloating, or having frequent upset stomach
  • Food sensitivities or ear and skin infections
  • Allergies or itching
  • Excessive shedding
  • Low energy or changes in behaviors

As seen above, those symptoms can look like any other issues such digestive or immune problems, so for this reason it is important to work close with your vet to learn about the root cause.

Diagnosing leaky gut may not be straightforward. A veterinarian may start with a detailed history and a physical exam, then make recommendations.

Recommendations may include elimination diets to rule out food allergies (NHV provides personalized hypoallergenic diet plans for pets here). Additionally, bloodwork and/or GI panels may be ordered to asses inflammation or changes in nutrient aborption. Finally, fecal testing can help rule out parasites and/or dysbiosis.

Treatment

Healing the gut ca take a whole-body approach. For example, switching to a high quality, easily digestible diet such as homemade diet that is more natural and more suitable for your fur baby.

Certain natural supplements may also help. For example, adding NHV Probiotic + Prebiotic may increase beneficial gut flora. Reducing stress may also be helpful. Have a daily routine with exercise, relaxation, and calming herbs like NHV Matricalm.

Avoid the overuse of antibiotics unless it is necessary and prescribed by your vet, and always work closely a veterinarian when starting a new treatment plan, especially if your little one has other health conditions.