What is Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)? How is it different to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

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What is Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)? How is it different to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

IBS can be found in any dog that is under stress or suffering from a dietary allergy or upset. IBS can most often be treated with changes to diet, whereas IBD is a disease and needs veterinary tests and intervention.

While initial symptoms can be similar, IBD is a chronic disease caused by severe inflammation and irritation of the gut lining.

Long-term over stimulation of the immune system causes the dog’s gut and bowel lining to thicken. Dogs suffer with absorption and digestive problems causing malnutrition, bloating, pain and diarrhoea.

What are the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Disease?

Straining and diarrhoea
Weight loss
Vomiting
Lethargy
Occasional slight fevers

Treatment of Irritable Bowel Disease

Treatment involves veterinary care and a strict raw food diet, with minimal ingredients, using protein and carbohydrate sources that the dog has not eaten before (ie Raw kangaroo and Vet’s All Natural Complete Mix).

Supplements recommended include
Probiotics (eg. Protexin) to repopulate the gut
Shark cartilage powder to repair the gut lining,
Digestive enzyme supplements (Enzyplex)
Immune modulating herbs.

Vet’s All Natural Skin & Coat Formula contains Protexin and Eastern and Western herbs like milk thistle, astragalus, quercetin and zinc which will assist in building the immune system.

The powder can be added to meals, or for further convenience, it is available pre-mixed in Vet’s All Natural Complete Mix Sensitive Skin.

A strict minimal diet must be maintained for 6-8 weeks, until digestion is normalised. After this time, new ingredients in the diet can be added one at a time.

For dogs with IBD it is best to avoid all dairy products and wheat based products. Also avoid chicken and beef.