IBD IN DOGS, INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE AND HOME REMEDIES

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Last Updated on June 30, 2023 by Thee Puppypreneur

Table Of Contents

WHAT IS IBD IN DOGS

Inflammatory Bowel Disease in dogs or IBD in dogs is a gastrointestinal disorder that shouldn’t be confused with IBS or irritable bowel syndrome. Since these two can often have very similar symptoms it is best to get an accurate diagnosis from your veterinarian.

Typically, inflammatory bowel disease or IBD in dogs often involves inflammation of the large or small intestine or sometimes both.¹

WHAT CAUSES IBD IN DOGS

Inflammatory bowel disease in dogs is suspected to be caused by a loss of tolerance to specific food antigens or bacteria.² Things like antibiotics or steroids can alter the intestinal flora making it more susceptible.³

Also, things like genetics or certain diseases could also be the cause.⁴

To ensure that a diagnosis of IBD in dogs is accurate there needs to be certain things ruled out such as other underlying causes ranging from parasites, allergies, foreign objects and other infections or diseases.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF IBD IN DOGS

Usually, IBD in dogs is chronic and lasts more than 3 weeks with recurring symptoms.⁵

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Weight Loss

HOW IS IBD DIAGNOSED IN DOGS

Usually, veterinarians will assess your pup using a CIBDAI or Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index which assesses the severity of the 6 most common symptoms on a point scale. They range from activity level, weight loss, stool frequency, stool consistency, appetite and vomiting.⁶

IBD in dogs is diagnosed through multiple testing factors. It is a process of elimination. Ruling out other potential causes as well. They will most likely want to run some of the below listed tests as I went through most of these with my furbaby.

IBD TREATMENT IN DOGS

Once a diagnosis has been made and all other potential causes have been ruled out and the severity of your fur kids condition has been assessed then a treatment plan of action will be initiated. Usually, the first thing is diet modification.⁹

This can range from hydrolyzed food, to homecooked foods to just changing the protein source to something novel like rabbit or alligator or changing both the protein and carbohydrate to something new entirely. Other options after changing the diet consist of probiotics, antibiotics or corticosteroids.¹⁰

NATURAL HOME REMEDIES FOR IBD IN DOGS AS COMPLEMENTARY OR ALTERNATIVES

PROBIOTICS

Probiotics are a great option for inflammatory bowel disease in dogs as they are non-pathogenic microorganisms that have the potential to help intestinal flora. They can help multiply the good bacteria in the intestines and lower the bad bacteria.¹¹

In fact, in one such study on IBD in dogs, VSL#3 which is a probiotic,

Amazon.com: VSL#3® Probiotics Medical Food for Dietary Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), High Potency & Dose, 1 Gastro Recommended Multi-Strain Probiotic, 112.5 Billion CFU, 60 Capsules, 2 Pack : Everything Else

was used in comparison to dogs receiving only prednisone and metronidazole combination therapy and after 60 days of treatment with either probiotics or combination medication it was concluded that the probiotics actually caused a significant reduction in certain clinical symptoms that are associated with the IBD in dogs.¹²

ALOE VERA GEL

Aloe is one of the home remedies for ibd in dogs and is also considered an anti-inflammatory and has been used in cases of GERD successfully in comparison to omeprazole and ranitidine¹³ It has also been found to be effective in cases of IBD by providing support¹⁴

In one such study in patients with colitis who took aloe vera juice for 4 weeks there was a reduction in clinical symptoms.¹⁵

I have used

Amazon.com: Aloe Vera Juice Organic No Preservatives – 16 oz – Liquid : Health & Household

and when I needed it, I used for an 80 pound furbaby 1 oz. but I split it into 2 doses so half an ounce in the morning and the other half at night.

DIGESTIVE ENZYMES

There are specific enzymes that are able to help you break down food easier

Amazon.com : Wholistic Pet Organics: Dog Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes Powder Dog Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplement Prevents Upset Stomach Gut Health Probiotics for Dogs and Puppies Stool Ease for Dogs : Pet Probiotic Nutritional Supplements : Pet Supplies

is one such product I use. Not only does it has digestive enzymes to help you break down proteins, fats, carbs, etc. It also has probiotics and papain and bromelain to soothe pain or inflammation in the gut. In a study where patients had IBD and were taking digestive enzymes there was a reduction in abdominal pain and bloating or gas.¹⁶

FRANKINCENSE

Frankincense or (Boswellia Serrata) has anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant effects that have been shown to

“protect the intestinal epithelial barrier from inflammatory damage”¹⁷

In one such study on animals an administration of “34.2mg/kg/day”¹⁸ of extract showed improvements in tissue injury and protective effects that inhibit inflammatory mediators of ulcerative colitis.¹⁹

Amazon.com : Frankincense Liquid Extract, Frankincense (Boswellia Serrata) Resin Powder Tincture Supplement 2 oz : Health & Household

is non-alcohol tincture.

Talk with your veterinarian before starting anything new in your fur kids life as current medical conditions, medication or other herbs could interfere and could not be the right choice for your specific situation.

Check out our other articles for more information on topics such as;

IBS IN DOGS OR IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME IN DOGS