10 surprising signs your pet might have gut issues – and what to look for

How healthy is your pet’s tummy? A new quiz has been created to  help pet owners find out—by scoring their furry friend on seven simple tests.

Many owners admit they’re not confident about spotting signs of gut trouble in their pets, despite digestive health being crucial for overall wellbeing. The quiz, developed by experts at Protexin, asks about everything from appetite to stools, helping you decide if your pet’s diet needs a tweak, or if it’s time for a vet check-up.

Veterinary adviser Ronan Fitzgerald warns that subtle signs—like lip licking, arching the back, or reluctance to jump up can all point to tummy troubles. Even holding their bum in the air, drooling, or pushing away their food bowl could mean your pet is feeling unwell.

Ronan explained that if your dog or cat adopts an unusual stance, like the ‘prayer position’—front legs stretched out, chest down, and bottom in the air—it’s worth seeing your vet Ronan explains. He also added that other clues could include not enjoying belly rubs, excessive flatulence, or blood in their stools.

A spokesperson for Protexin, which commissioned the research, said: “Many people believe they know their pets inside out – including how they feel.

“But while we may recognise several behaviours or symptoms as being linked to the gut, some aren’t as clear, such as excess lip-licking which can be linked to intestinal issues.

“Understanding and recognising the signs of good and poor gut health in pets is really important as this can have an impact on whole body health, helping our pets to feel full of life when the gut is working as it should.”

Worryingly, a new study of 2,000 pet owners found only 19 per cent feel confident identifying gut health problems in their pets. Just a quarter actively monitor their pet’s digestive health daily, even though a third of pets show signs of issues a few times a year.

As a result, 59 per cent of owners have changed their pet’s diet after noticing digestive problems, and more than half have taken their pet to the vet for gut-related concerns. 

Ronan said: “If your pet is showing signs of digestive discomfort there are a few things you can do. Try to think about when the symptoms started and how severe they seem.  

“Sometimes it helps to keep notes to see if there is a pattern, for example, are they feeling unwell or acting strangely at mealtimes? If your pet has a stomach upset for a day or two it may be that they’ve eaten something when out on a walk or hunting that’s not agreed with them and this will settle.  

“But if you find your pet is experiencing ongoing, regular issues with their gut, or its health seems to worsen quickly and markedly, it’s worth visiting a vet for a full check-up.  

“They will be able to recommend possible changes to your pet’s diet or even the introduction of a gut-health supplement.”