Unfortunately, most dog owners have experienced the unpleasant surprise of discovering the common consequences of canine digestive disorders - vomit and diarrhea. Food moves from the mouth to the stomach via the esophagus.
Vomiting is the most obvious sign of stomach inflammation.
Just as food leaves the stomach into the small intestine, there is an organ that is attached to and parallel to the main digestive tract called the pancreas. This organ adds enzymes that help digest carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, plus sodium bicarbonate to help neutralize stomach acid. Also in the pancreas lies a tube attached to the liver call the bile duct. It is through this tube that the liver contributes bile, which breaks up fats into easily absorbed globules and promotes absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Most of the digestion and nutrient absorption occurs in the convoluted small intestine, where more enzymes and mucus are added.