Yes, Dogs Suffer From IBS Too

Dogs will experience stomach troubles every now and then, and most won’t be too much to worry about. But beyond occasional diarrhea, some symptoms of stomach problems should not go ignored.

Like humans, dogs can develop inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. Diseases under this umbrella affect the gastrointestinal system, resulting in inflammation in the intestines. There isn’t much research into why and how dogs get IBD, but experts believe that bacteria, nutrients, and gut flora are thought to trigger this unusual immune system response.

Essentially, the dog’s immune system in their intestines may have lost the ability to tolerate certain kinds of bacteria or nutrients, causing them to inflame the bowels. Common symptoms of this include:

• Appetite loss
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Weight loss
• Bloody stools
• Vomiting
• Rumbling abdomen

A vet working to diagnose the issue will ask for a detailed summary of your dog’s symptoms and medical history in order to rule out other causes, like parasite infestation, metabolic disease, infection, or allergies. An intestinal biopsy will likely be performed.

There is no cure to IBD, but you can manage it. Prednisone and other anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed, and your dog’s diet will likely have to be changed in order to provide hydration and maintain a healthy weight.

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