Canine colitis is inflammation of the colon (lower intestine). If your dog has colitis, he will have diarrhea and fresh blood, slime or mucus in his stool. Acute colitis appears suddenly and is the easiest to diagnose and treat. Acute colitis can be brought on by stress, a change in lifestyle, dietary changes, parasites or severe weather. Your veterinarian will make an exact diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan. He may prescribe medications. If diet is pinpointed as a cause, you can implement a dietary therapy plan to help relieve your pet's suffering.
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FOS Dog Food
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Feed your dog food that is specially formulated with FOS. Dogtime.com defines FOS (fructooligosaccharide) as "carbohydrates connected with fructose units that attach to glucose units." FOS is digested in the colon in much the same way as fibers. It helps remove disease-causing bacteria from the colon and aids in the growth of beneficial bacterial. Look for FOS on the dog food label or ask for assistance at your local pet store. Both Iams and Royal Canin brands are fortified with FOS.
Elimination Diet
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Identify and remove problem foods from your pet's diet. Acute colitis is often caused by intolerance to a certain food or an ingredient in the food, such as dyes, preservatives and fillers. It can also be caused by a food allergy. Identify the offending food by implementing an elimination diet for a period of two months.
Avoid any food that contains byproducts and additives. Do not feed your pet any treats during the test period. Make your own pure dog food at home or purchase a dog food that is made for dogs with allergies. Feed your dog one "pure" food at a time. A pure food is one that is as close to its natural states as possible ate. Do not add any spices or flavorings in the preparation process.
In the article "Diet and Large Intestinal Disease in Dogs and Cats" published in The Journal of Nutrition, James W. Simpson recommends waiting until your dog's condition improves before adding a new food. Begin adding new foods one at a time. Observe your dog's behavior for several days to determine is she has a reaction to the new food. Continue adding new foods in this same manner until you have a list that is large enough to keep your pet well nourished, satisfied and happy.
Hypoallergenic Diet
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Try a grain-free or gluten-free diet to relieve your dog's symptoms. For this diet approach, eliminate wheat, barley, rye, oats, buckwheat, corn, potatoes and limit the amount of fiber-rich vegetables. Eliminate diary and soy products until after a specific allergy diagnosis is made by your veterinarian. While waiting for the diagnosis, feed your dog protein only. Play it safe by getting your veterinarian's approval before beginning a hypoallergenic diet.
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