Evanger's Health Tips: Canine Irritable Bowel Disease

Photo by Adrianna K.

One of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in pets, Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) is a term describing chronic inflammation of the small and/or large intestine.

When normal rhythmic contractions of the digestive tract are disrupted, it interferes with movement of food and waste material. This accumulated material in the intestine partially obstructs the digestive tract by trapping gas and stool.

Among IBD symptoms are constipation or persistent loose stools, mucus in the stool, abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating, weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting and lethargy.

While the causes aren’t always clear, contributing factors can be mental stress, food allergies, poor eating habits, excessive antibiotic use, parasites, and bacterial and viral infections. IBD can also be triggered by a blockage caused from chewing and swallowing items like socks, balls and other toys. Since so many variables come into play, it’s important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian.

Diet is key in helping to decrease intestinal inflammation. Foods should be free of additives, preservatives and coloring agents, and contain protein sources such as venison, rabbit or duck.

Evanger’s premium dog foods can help your pet avoid food allergies. Make these 100% USA made foods part of their early nutrition and continue it as they mature. Consider all natural Evanger’s Pheasant & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food, and Whitefish and Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food. Evanger’s Super Premium Dry Foods contain AllTech™ supplements, including live prebiotics and probiotics and LactoSacc™, helping to support the population of good digestive bacteria for a healthy digestive system. These premium dry foods make an excellent pairing with Evanger’s Grain Free Game Meats for added high quality protein.