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Last Updated on June 30, 2023 by Thee Puppypreneur
WHAT IS IBS IN DOGS AND WHAT CAUSES IT?
Irritable bowel syndrome in dogs or IBS in dogs is different from IBD or inflammatory bowel disease in that there is no inflammation of the intestines.1Cerquetella, M., Rossi, G., Spaterna, A., Tesei, B., Jergens, A. E., Suchodolski, J. S., & Bassotti, G. (2018). Is irritable bowel syndrome also present in dogs?. Gibt es auch beim Hund ein Reizdarmsyndrom?. Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere, 46(3), 176–180. https://doi.org/10.15654/TPK-170590 This is suspected to be caused by food allergens or intolerances.
I have found that switching to different food items caused different issues or symptoms as when I fed turkey or pork there were little red blood streaks. When I fed rice there would be severe mucus and loose stools which resolved once the rice was removed.
SYMPTOMS OF IBS IN DOGS
IBS in dogs is typically characterized by diarrhea that is on and off but chronic. In humans IBS is also characterized by constipation.2Irritable Bowel Syndrome – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov) Either way irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a motility issue of the intestines.3Lind C. D. (1991). Motility disorders in the irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology clinics of North America, 20(2), 279–295. Motility disorders in the irritable bowel syndrome – PubMed (nih.gov)
HOW IS IBS IN DOGS DIAGNOSED
Diagnosis of ibs in dogs or irritable bowel syndrome in dogs can vary with veterinarians needing to rule out other causes such as parasites, foreign objects, or other infections or other conditions like hypothyroidism could cause constipation. Diarrhea could be caused by parasites like giardia.4López-Arias, Á., Villar, D., López-Osorio, S., Calle-Vélez, D., & Chaparro-Gutiérrez, J. J. (2019). Giardia is the most prevalent parasitic infection in dogs and cats with diarrhea in the city of Medellín, Colombia. Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports, 18, 100335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100335 These are not all possible tests listed below, as if something comes up abnormal, they may want to run additional testing.
They will want to run tests such as;
- CBC
- Serum Chemistry
- Urinalysis
- Ultrasound
- X-ray
TREATMENT OF IBS IN DOGS
If no underlying reason is found and they have ruled out that there is no inflammation either, then more than likely they will discuss diet modification options with you.5Lecoindre, P., & Gaschen, F. P. (2011). Chronic idiopathic large bowel diarrhea in the dog. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 41(2), 447–456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2011.02.004 Usually, diet modification will help the issue if it is not IBD and there are no other underlying factors. IBS can cause sensitivities or intolerances to food.6Is it food intolerance | The IBS Network
NATURAL HOME REMEDIES FOR IBS IN DOGS
Below are some natural home remedies for IBS in dogs;
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a plant related to the mint family or Lamiaceae family. This is a great herb for certain stomach issues. For example, when food moves through the stomach, muscles contract and relax.7Antispasmodic Medicines. IBS medicine side effects, dosage. | Patient With IBS smooth muscle contractions could happen too often and cause discomfort.8Antispasmodic Medicines. IBS medicine side effects, dosage. | Patient
Peppermint oil is known to be a smooth muscle relaxant and can help, short-term with symptoms of IBS.9Review article: the physiological effects and safety of peppermint oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders – Chumpitazi – 2018 – Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics – Wiley Online Library 10Khanna, R., MacDonald, J. K., & Levesque, B. G. (2014). Peppermint oil for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 48(6), 505–512. https://doi.org/10.1097/MCG.0b013e3182a88357
I have used peppermint in many areas of my furbabies lives. One such area is actually in the food
I utilized this mix and they have others which are veg only or ketogenic and then you choose your own protein source and oil to feed. This contains peppermint as well as other herbs.
I also use
to make a tea which peppermint tea has been proven to have a relaxing effect on the gastrointestinal tract in animals11A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.) – McKay – 2006 – Phytotherapy Research – Wiley Online Library For my fur kid that weighs 80 pounds, I usually take 5 grams of dried herb and put it in a pot of 8 oz water and simmer on low for 15 minutes to make an infusion, then strain out the herb and I give her the liquid with her meals throughout the day and this could be anywhere from 1-2 cups depending on if I see improvement in symptoms or not.
CAUTION WITH PEPPERMINT
Peppermint has been said to be contraindicated in those with liver and gallbladder issues but there is some evidence that it can actually stimulate bile flow.12Peppermint: More than a Feel-Good Aroma – Gallbladder Attack Regardless, you should always consult a veterinarian before starting anything new in your pets life as this may not be the right herb for you and your furbabies specific issue or other medications, herbs or unknown conditions might interfere.
Probiotics
Probiotics come in many different strains. What are probiotics? They are living microorganisms that have been found to improve gut health.13Probiotics – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
There are many things that can alter gut bacteria from antibiotics to food.14A New Diet Quickly Alters Gut Bacteria | Live Science Probiotics have been found to improve symptoms of IBS in patients when taken for 8 weeks.15Dale, H. F., Rasmussen, S. H., Asiller, Ö. Ö., & Lied, G. A. (2019). Probiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Up-to-Date Systematic Review. Nutrients, 11(9), 2048. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092048
VSL#3 which are live probiotics and contain 112.5 billion bacteria per capsule
were used in a study where dogs were given either 112 or 225 billion bacteria per 10/kg for 60 days, and the dogs on probiotics were found to have a significant reduction in certain clinical symptoms.16Comparison of Microbiological, Histological, and Immunomodulatory Parameters in Response to Treatment with Either Combination Therapy with Prednisone and Metronidazole or Probiotic VSL#3 Strains in Dogs with Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease | PLOS ONE
this is what I use which contains probiotics but not nearly the same amount as VSL#3.
Psyllium
Psyllium
is a form of fiber that is used to bulk up the stool. Not all types of fiber are recommended for IBS as certain types of fiber can make the issue worse.17El-Salhy M, Ystad SO, Mazzawi T, Gundersen D. Dietary fiber in irritable bowel syndrome (Review). Int J Mol Med. 2017 Sep;40(3):607-613. doi: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3072. Epub 2017 Jul 19. PMID: 28731144; PMCID: PMC5548066. Dietary fiber in irritable bowel syndrome (Review) – PMC (nih.gov) Psyllium has had mixed results in cases of constipation and diarrhea but there is evidence that suggests it is beneficial in IBS.18Psyllium Information | Mount Sinai – New York
Always remember to consult with your veterinarian first, before starting anything new.
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