In recent years, veterinarians have found better ways to diagnose and treat dog IBD. Symptoms of dog IBD involving the large intestine (chronic colitis): Symptoms of dog IBD involving the small intestine: Since symptoms of dog IBD are also symptoms that can be present in other canine medical conditions, such as parasitic infections or liver disease, spotting and diagnosing IBD in dogs can be particularly tricky.īe sure to note the severity and frequency of symptoms, and share this information with your veterinarian when you bring your dog in to be evaluated. The severity of signs and symptoms also depends on the types of inflammatory cells present and whether the disease is in the colon, small intestine, or large intestine. For example, while eating less or “picky” eating may not be an immediate cause for concern, a culmination of GI symptoms may indicate a more serious condition like IBD.Ĭlinical signs of IBD can vary from weight loss and lethargy to vomiting and diarrhea-or a combination of those symptoms and more. Identifying IBD in dogs is more about the culmination of symptoms as opposed to one. Note: Even if your pup is on the “high-risk list,” this does not mean your dog will develop IBD. Norwegian Lundehunds (this breed is especially vulnerable) While dogs of any age or breed can develop IBD, certain breeds have a higher risk of developing this inflammatory disease.īreeds that have a greater risk of developing dog IBD include: As the affected area becomes increasingly inflamed, your dog’s IBD symptoms will worsen. These immune system “triggers” cause inflammation of the stomach lining, colon, large intestine, small intestine, or a combination of these areas. IBD in dogs is usually caused by one of the following issues:Īn abnormal immune response sparked by the dog’s own body Many people confuse IBD with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but these are very different diseases that require very different treatment.ĭog IBD is a condition caused by a dysfunction of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, aka the gut. Here’s what you need to know about the causes and symptoms of IBD in dogs, which dogs are most at risk, and how dog IBD is treated. Inflammatory bowel disease in dogs is a common cause of chronic vomiting and diarrhea and continues to be one of the most challenging conditions for veterinarians to treat. These conditions may pass naturally however, if they occur every day or more than once a week, your dog may have a condition called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Coger says, “both because of possible serious underlying causes and before it becomes a habit.Like people, dogs can experience occasional stomach and/or intestinal upset that can include vomiting and soft stool. “I would add that any new, unnatural behavior, such as dirt eating, should be acted upon quickly,” Dr.
It’s also possible that your dog could ingest a parasite along with the dirt, which can cause a range of additional health issues. Sharp sticks could puncture the linings of your dog’s mouth, throat, intestine, or stomach. “Depending on the dirt, dental damage or wear could also be a concern.” If the dirt has rocks in it, for example, it could cause damage to your dog’s teeth and cause obstruction in the throat or any point along the digestive tract. The dirt could also contain pesticides, fertilizers, or other toxins that could reach toxic levels if enough dirt was ingested,” Dr. The main risk is impaction of the intestine (hardened stool that gets stuck in the body due to long-term constipation) if your dog eats a lot at once. Bloodwork to look for underlying abnormalities may be helpful in pinpointing a cause.”Īs you may expect, there are risks to letting your dog continually eat dirt.
“Changes in stool would be another sign that a vet visit is in order. “If is frequent, intense/manic in nature, or large quantities are consumed, then it’s time to go to the vet,” she says. Coger notes that while stomach and gastrointestinal issues could be to blame for your dog’s interest in dirt, canines are more likely to seek out grass in these cases. Nutritional imbalances or deficiencies, especially in mineralsĭr.It could be a sign of a bigger issue, such as: If your dog is continually eating dirt, you shouldn’t discount this behavior. Stress or boredom can also lead to eating all sorts of things, including dirt.” There are many causes, including nutritional, behavioral, and physical. Coger, DVM, explains, “Dirt eating is a form of what is termed ‘pica,’ the ingestion of nonfood materials. But have you ever observed your pet snacking on straight-up dirt? Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt? As a pet owner, you may have caught your dog eating (or attempting to eat) some pretty weird stuff.
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