Does Your Dog Suffer From IBD?

Pet Care Tips 3 min read

Does Your Dog Suffer From Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Is your dog suffering from vomiting or chronic diarrhea? Do they seem tired and have poor coat condition. These symptoms may mean that your dog is suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease in dogs is the name given to a group of digestive system diseases that result in the inflammation of the intestines and other chronic symptoms related to the GI system.

Inflammatory bowel disease can affect any dog of any age or any breed. Some breeds like the German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, and French Bulldog may be more predisposed to suffering from IBD.

What Causes Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs?

There is no single known cause for inflammatory bowel disease in dogs. Potential factors or possible causes can include parasites, fungi, bacteria, food hypersensitivity, or other underlying diseases and disorders like cancer and genetic predisposition.

Although food allergies may contribute to the development of the disease by further triggering inflammation through allergic reactions inside the intestine, they are not thought to be the cause of the disease.

What are the Symptoms of IBD in Dogs?

Signs and symptoms of IBD come and go, but the most common clinical signs seen in pets with IBD and include: vomiting, diarrhea, changes in appetite, and weight loss, gas, bright red blood in stools, and poor coat condition.

Treatment for IBD in Dogs

Treatment goals are management-based since no “cure” exists for IBD.

Treatment goals are management-based since no “cure” exists for IBD. The treatment goals for IBD include reducing or eliminating diarrhea and vomiting and stabilizing a healthy body weight.

Conventional treatment for IBD in pets includes using Glucocorticoids, which are anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing drugs. Since inflammation is part of the body’s immune response, it is thought that suppressing the immune system may aid with inflammation. Other conventional treatments include antibiotics.

Your veterinarian may also recommend you feed a hypoallergenic diet or elimination diet, which is where you provide your dog with a new source of protein and other changes. The new diet should be the only food source for a period (4-6 weeks). No other food, including treats, should be fed.

If you need any holistic recipes, feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to provide a recipe for your dog.

Natural supplements for IBD in Dogs

As the goal for controlling IBD revolves around eliminating uncomfortable GI symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea while also managing weight, NHV recommends the following natural supplements for pets with IBD.

Probiotics are known for their benefits in our digestive system – the same goes for our furriends. Our newest supplement, NHV Probiotic & Prebiotic, helps keep the GI tract healthy, mitigate digestive discomfort, and support smoother digestion.

NHV Plantaeris can help to naturally reduce your dog’s diarrhea while helping to maintain normal bowel function. Plantaeris contains herbs like Myrrh, Mullein, and Ginger, which help to relieve spasms, inflammation and improve muscle tone. The other herbs in this proprietary blend, like Barberry, Thyme, and Oregon grape, help reduce bacterial and parasitic infections.

NHV TumFlora is our main IBD and gastrointestinal health support. It can help to reduce discomfort while improving natural intestinal flora.

NHV Inulin PK, a natural parasite cleanser, helps with any underlying parasitic causes of inflammatory bowel disease. Inulin PK contains herbs like Wormwood and Jamaica Quassia, which help expel parasites, while herbs like Bacopa clear toxins and improve healing.

NHV Yucca will help by providing appetite stimulation, helping digestion, and helping your pet cope with abdominal discomfort. Yucca root is also very nutritious and is rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, B vitamins, magnesium, iron, calcium, manganese, protein, miacin, and phosphorus.

NHV Multi Essentials helps your pet get essential vitamins and minerals through plant-based sources. Giving your pet vitamins and minerals from whole sources and not just isolated synthetic sources. Plant-based vitamins and minerals keep your pet healthy while reducing the potential for toxicity in the body. Read why natural sources of vitamins are more beneficial here.

If you have any questions on Inflammatory Bowel Disease in dogs or need recipes or advice on natural supplements, please contact your NHV Pet Expert. We’re here to help you and your furbaby.

NHV Yucca

USD $46.95

multivitamin support

Multi Essentials for dogs

USD $50.95

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NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.