Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Dogs: Treatment and Natural Remedies for IBS

November 2, 2010 | Dog Health | Leave a Comment |

Irritable bowel syndrome in dogs is a medical condition characterized by spasms of the intestines. These spasms, in turn, cause constipation, stomach distress, or diarrhea. Aside from spasms, dogs may also experience any of the following:

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Dogs

  • Vomiting – undigested food, foam, or yellow liquid
  • Flatulence – gas and bloating may also cause abdominal distress
  • Frequent elimination – passing of wet or mostly liquid stool and more frequent episodes of defecation
  • Urgency – even house trained dogs may have difficulty in controlling their bowels
  • Blood or mucus in the stool
  • Discomfort you may also like to read symptoms of enlarged spleen in dogs
  • Lethargy (Read more about what to do when dog is lethargic )
  • Lack of interest in food and water
  • Read more about inflammatory bowel disease in dogs

What Causes IBS in Dogs

Extensive years of research on dogs have not revealed a definite reason why dogs suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.

What researchers and pet owners do know is that dogs eat all sorts of stuff – food or not. Any of these food, spoiled food, and non-food items can cause the problem.

Stress can also cause irritable bowel syndrome in pets, read more about feline irritable bowel syndrome

Natural Remedies for Dog’s Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome in dogs varies, depending on the extent of the ailment. Any of the following can be used:

  • Prednisone
  • Prednisolone
  • Metronidazole
  • Azathioprine
  • Cyclosporine
  • Sulfasalazine
  • Diphenoxylate
  • Loperamide
  • Yogurt
  • Tylosin
  • Intravenous fluids if the dog is severely dehydrated

Natural Remedies for IBS in Dogs

  • Licorice
  • Marshmallow
  • Slippery elm
  • Feed dogs with
    • High-fiber food
    • Hypoallergenic diet
    • Low residue diet

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