Gastrointestinal Health and Behaviour: The Hidden Connection in Dogs
As a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, I’ve dedicated my career to helping pet owners navigate the complexities of their dogs’ behaviour. Over the years, one truth has become increasingly clear: no amount of training can fully resolve behavioural challenges if underlying health issues are left unaddressed. One of the most overlooked contributors to problematic behaviour in dogs is gastrointestinal health.
A Dicky tum tum 🤢
In this blog, I’ll delve into the significant but often unnoticed link between gastrointestinal disorders and behavioural problems in dogs, and why addressing these health issues is crucial for achieving lasting behavioural change.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders in Dogs refer to a range of medical conditions that affect the stomach, intestines, and associated organs involved in digestion, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste. These disorders can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating.
Common GI disorders include:
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, often causing vomiting and nausea.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract, leading to diarrhoea, weight loss, and discomfort.
- Gastric Ulcers: Sores on the stomach lining that cause pain and potentially blood in vomit or stool.
- Food Intolerances or Allergies: Reactions to certain foods causing gastrointestinal distress.
- Parasitic Infections: Infestations by worms or protozoa affecting the digestive tract.
These conditions may arise from various causes, including diet, infections, stress, genetics, or underlying diseases. Addressing GI disorders often requires a combination of veterinary care, dietary management, and sometimes medication to alleviate symptoms and address the root cause.
The Gut-Brain Axis: A Key to Understanding Behaviour
The gut and brain are intricately connected through a complex network known as the gut-brain axis. This means that what happens in your dog’s digestive system can directly influence their emotional and behavioural state. Chronic gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or dyspepsia, are more than just physical ailments—they can profoundly impact a dog’s mental health.
What the Research Shows
Studies reveal that dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disorders consistently score higher on anxiety scales compared to healthy dogs. For example, in one study, 85% of dogs with chronic gastric disease exhibited elevated anxiety levels, compared to just 5% in healthy dogs.
The symptoms included behaviours such as restlessness, vocalisation, and even aggression.
This means that we may not see a GI issue through normal symptoms. It could well be excessive barking that gives us a clue.
How Gastrointestinal Issues Manifest as Behavioural Problems
When dogs experience chronic discomfort or pain from gastrointestinal issues, it’s no surprise that their behaviour changes. Pain and discomfort can trigger or exacerbate problems such as:
- Separation Anxiety: The stress of being left alone can worsen if your dog feels unwell.
- Aggression: Dogs in pain may lash out as a defensive mechanism.
- Hyperactivity or Lethargy: Depending on the dog, discomfort can lead to increased restlessness or extreme fatigue.
Behavioural Signs of Gastrointestinal Distress
Dogs may display subtle cues that their behavioural issues have a medical root cause, including:
- Sudden irritability or snapping
- Reluctance to engage in training or physical activity
- Increased pacing or difficulty settling
- Excessive licking, often directed at their flanks or paws
If these signs sound familiar, it may be time to investigate whether gastrointestinal health is playing a role.
Why Training Alone May Not Be Enough
As a behaviourist, I see cases where training seems ineffective despite the best efforts of the owner. This often happens when underlying medical issues like gastrointestinal distress remain undiagnosed.
Training strategies can only work effectively when your dog feels well. Without addressing their physical discomfort, behaviour modification can feel like swimming upstream—exhausting, frustrating, and often fruitless.
Steps to Address Gastrointestinal and Behavioural Issues Together
Start with a Veterinary Check-Up A thorough medical examination is the first step. Work with your veterinarian to rule out or diagnose conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, food sensitivities, or chronic gastritis. Diagnostic tools may include blood tests, ultrasounds, or endoscopy.
Collaborate with Experts I work closely with veterinarians to ensure that your dog’s medical needs are aligned with their behavioural support plan. By addressing both aspects simultaneously, we can create an environment where your dog feels both physically and emotionally secure.
Dietary Adjustments A tailored diet can significantly improve gastrointestinal health. Discuss with your vet whether a hypoallergenic or easily digestible diet might benefit your dog.
Pain Management Pain is often overlooked in behavioural assessments, but managing discomfort—whether through medication, supplements, or alternative therapies—can lead to dramatic improvements in behaviour.
Holistic Behavioural Support Once your dog’s physical health is stabilised, we can focus on humane, science-based training methods. These strategies not only help resolve existing behavioural issues but also strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
The Path Forward
As pet owners, it’s natural to want to address behavioural issues through training and management. But when gastrointestinal health is at play, training alone won’t be enough to see meaningful change. By recognising the deep connection between physical health and behaviour, we can create a comprehensive approach that truly supports your dog’s well-being.
If you suspect your dog’s behavioural challenges might be linked to an underlying health issue, I’m here to help. Together, we can uncover the root cause and develop a plan that brings relief to your dog and peace of mind to you.
References
- Tiira, K., Sulkama, S., & Lohi, H. Prevalence, comorbidity, and behavioral variation in canine anxiety. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 16 (2016), 36-44.
- Marion, M., Lecoindre, P., Marlois, N., et al. Link between gastric chronic diseases and anxiety in dogs.Dog Behavior, 3-2017, pp. 1-10.
- Mills, D. S., Demontigny-Bédard, I., Gruen, M., et al. Pain and Problem Behavior in Cats and Dogs. Animals, 10(2), 318 (2020).
