Irritable bowel is a hard condition to diagnose because it is largely unknown as to what causes it. It has been proven to be related to diet intolerances, possibly due to allergies, and emotionally distress.
Symptoms and Types
The most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndromes is diarrhoea, including frequent passage of small amounts of faeces and mucus, or constipation. Abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and nausea may also occur. Some abdominal pain may be present if the dog’s stomach area is tender to the touch.
Causes
Some potential causes of irritable bowel syndrome include:
- Dietary fibre deficiency
- Dietary intolerances
- Stress or emotional distress
- Changes in colon function
Diagnosis
Diagnosis will be given based on a thorough history of your dog’s health, other symptoms and recent occurrences that may have led to the condition. A physical examination will also be done to help them rule out all other potential causes.
Treatment
It is highly recommended that dogs that have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome be fed a diet that is highly digestible and has a high volume of fibre in order to help restore and maintain the normal bodily function of the digestive tract. Stress should also be kept to a minimum.
Living and Management
Following initial treatment, you will need to monitor your dog’s stool consistency and watch for signs of constipation and abdominal discomfort.
Prevention
Minimise any stressful factors in your dog’s environment that encourage a flare up of irritable bowel syndrome and work to maintain a healthy, highly digestible diet. Your veterinarian will be able to guide you in planning a diet that is highest in nutrition most suitable for your dog’s needs.
