Signs and Symptoms of IBS in Dogs

With all the things animals can get into it is often hard to know why your dog is reacting strangely to food, has an odd appetite, or just isn't being himself. Normal upset stomach is common from time to time but there are some telltale signs that mean your dog has irritable bowl syndrome (IBS).

  1. Significance

    • IBS is a disorder that affects the large intestine. It is an illness that affects both humans and animals. Mayoclinic.com says "Irritable bowel syndrome commonly causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating gas, diarrhea and constipation."

    Effects

    • According to Vetinfo.com, "When a dog has IBS, the normal rhythm and intensity of peristalsis (wavelike movements of colon muscles) is disrupted. In some cases, there is too much peristalsis. This can cause diarrhea."

    Identification

    • Animals cannot tell you what is ailing them; however, it might be IBS if your dog has the following signs and symptoms: chronic diarrhea; blood in the stool; weight loss with diarrhea and frequent vomiting; excessive bloating and gas; nausea; and the passage of a mucus-like fluid during bowel movements.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Testing should be done by your vet if you notice any of these symptoms and if diarrhea is occurring more often than not.

    Potential

    • There are few different ideas on how to treat IBS for dogs. Suggestions from PreciousPets.org and Vetinfo.com include: giving dogs digestive enzymes to help the pancreas work better; a change in their diet; adding yogurt to the dog's diet to aid in digestion; a switch to spring water from tap.