How German Shepherd Dogs Can Avoid The Fatal Toxic Gut Syndrome
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German Shepherd Dogs are at high risk of developing a life-threatening disease called Toxic Gut Syndrome. Within a matter of a few hours after the condition begins, your dog could die. While it's most prominent in German Shepherd dogs, other breeds are at risk as well, both from this condition and several related ones.
Fortunately, you can take steps to help prevent your dog from acquiring this devastating illness.
Use Yoghurt To Help Prevent Toxic Gut Syndrome In German Shepherd Dogs
German Shepherd dogs are especially susceptible to Toxic Gut Syndrome for a number of reasons, going back to the 1980s when breeders began close breeding German Shepherds. This was done to bring out the dogs' best and strongest features. Such close breeding has been known to suppress the dog's immune system.
The compromised immune system can cause a high level of an intestinal bacteria that is normally present in small amounts. When the bacteria gets out of control, however, it can cause dangerous toxins to enter the dog's blood stream. In a very short time, it can cause death from toxic poisoning.
There is a lesser form of this intestinal infection that can also affect other breeds of dogs, however the German Shepherd dogs are most prone to Clostridial enterotoxemia, or Toxic Gut Syndrome.
All told, there are three similar conditions that are common: bloat/torsion, mesenteric torsion and Toxic Gut Syndrome. In bloat/torsion, a rapid build-up of stomach gas can cause the dog's stomach to twist. In mesenteric torsion, which causes the dog's small intestine to twist, the gas build-up is not as severe.
Bloat/torsion can be recognized by a sudden and rapid expansion of your dog's stomach. A dog with mesenteric torsion presents with a strange, hunched-over posture. These events cause the intestine to lose its blood supply, causing death.
By design, German Shepherd dogs have a unique, high chest which means that their intestinal profile is unlike dogs with lower chests. The breed also has a lower than normal pancreatic enzyme production. This enzyme provides an early defense against disease by slowing the growth of bacteria in the intestines.
Since German Shepherd dogs do not have sufficient enzyme production, it's important to control this bacterial buildup on a daily basis to help prevent Toxic Gut Syndrome.
Yoghurt is the ideal solution
One of the best ways to combat the threat is to introduce more of the friendly bacteria and enzymes into the dog's system. Yoghurt contains the rquired enzymes and lactobacilli, the good bacteria, in healthy numbers. This bacteria helps to fight back the bad bacteria in the intestinal tract and encourage intestinal health through natural cleaning.
While yoghurt is easy and convenient to use, German Shepherd dogs and other breeds love the taste and will eat it readily. Given daily, you can help ward off these dangerous intestinal diseases.
For a higher concentration of the friendly bacteria and enzymes, you can purchase supplements that will do the trick. Check with your local veterinarian or pet food retail outlet for more information on how digestive enzymes and live acidophilus bacteria supplements can help save the lives of your German Shepherd dogs.
For more information on dog nutrition and dog care, visit Healthy Dog Nutrition Secrets
About the Author
Sylvia runs a site that focuses on dog nutrition and dog care at Healthy Dog Articles. Get your hands on her all-inclusive dog owner's manual, Healthy Dog Nutrition Secrets, which goes into great detail on dog nutrition, dog diseases and things every dog owner should know from finding a breede
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