Análisis de la relación entre edad del destete, procedencia y presencia de alteraciones y trastornos digestivos en perros atendidos en dos veterinarias de Guayaquil.

Abstract

This research examined how weaning age and a dog’s origin impact digestive health, based on 115 patients from Safari and Hope Pet clinics. The sample was predominantly young: 65.2 % aged 1 to 3 years and 28.7 % puppies under twelve months. Survey results confirmed that 47.8 % of the animals exhibited gastrointestinal symptoms. Diarrhea was the most prevalent sign with 32 cases, exceeding reports of vomiting and food intolerance. Data analysis revealed that premature weaning (before six weeks) is a critical risk factor; notably, 65.5 % of the sick dogs underwent this early process. Furthermore, we found that coming from uncertified breeders or having an unknown background increases the likelihood of disease. These findings demonstrate that early weaning compromises the intestinal barrier, highlighting the urgent need to educate owners on early nutritional management to prevent chronic conditions.