Breakout Session 1 B: Topics in Canine Wellness and Training

Gastrointestinal (GI) issues, including diarrhea, are commonly reported among working dogs. Causes may include environmental extremes, travel, exertion, dietary intolerance and other non-medical factors. Improved understanding of fecal scoring and its relationship to gastrointestinal health is vital to managing GI upset. Sudden dietary change is commonly implicated in acute diarrhea. GI upset may be exacerbated by other medical or environmental conditions. Improved understanding of the GI microbial population may inform decision making strategies for mitigating fecal changes due to GI upset. This presentation will highlight the critical role of nutrition in the working canine including careful assessment of dietary choices, managing dietary change, and dealing with gastrointestinal upset. Data will be presented regarding the role of the GI microbiota in maintaining maximum performance in the canine athlete.