IBS in Dogs: Causes, diagnosis, symptoms and treatment of the condition that can affect your adorable pet dog

Many of us humans know the discomfort of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - but it's a condition that can also affect our four-legged friends.

IBS is a condition that can affect both humans and dogs.

It's estimated that around 15 per cent of the population suffering from the chronic condition IBS.

And the debilitating illness can also impact pets - so is something to look out for to ensure your family pup gets the best possible treatment before the condition worstens.

To held out, Dr Scott Miller, vet at pet food brand Barking Heads, has shared everything you need to know about IBS in dogs.

Here's what he had to say.

What is IBS in dogs? 

 Like humans, IBS is a condition that affects the digestive system in dogs, giving them an upset stomach. While it is an uncommon issue in dogs, any dog can be affected. Breed, sex and age do not change the chances of your pup getting IBS, so your small breed puppy has the same chances of having an IBS episode as a large breed senior dog. In dogs that suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, it can cause diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting due to irregular function of their intestinal muscles. 

  What causes irritable bowel syndrome in dogs? 

 There isn’t one definitive trigger for irritable bowel syndrome in dogs, as it can be set off by genetics or environmental stimulants like stress or food allergies. So, making sure your dog is getting the proper nutrition is key for their general health. A dog's IBS can also be triggered by bacterial infections or irritation in the bowel from obstructions in the intestines. To narrow down the cause, make sure to book an appointment with your vet. 

 What are the symptoms of IBS in dogs?

When it comes to the symptoms, you can notice physical and behavioural changes that may signify your dog is suffering. Not all of these symptoms are exclusive to IBS, though, making it harder for a vet to determine if your dog is experiencing the condition. 

Top 10 IBS symptoms in dogs 

Some behavioural changes you may notice when a dog is suffering from irritable bowel syndrome are that your dog may seem more emotionally sensitive than usual and have less energy, and want to rest more than usual. 

 How do you diagnose IBS in dogs? 

IBS presents many of the same symptoms as other health conditions dogs may suffer from, so your vet would diagnose them through exclusion. This is where your vet will test for other illnesses to rule those out before declaring IBS. They will most likely conduct blood tests and faecal matter examinations to check for bacterial infections in the intestinal tract that may be giving your pooch an upset stomach. 

How do you treat IBS in dogs?

As with humans, doggy IBS can lie dormant until it’s triggered and flares up, so treating it may be an ongoing affair. Your vet may prescribe your pup antispasmodic medications, which can help with their abdominal pain and discomfort. 

They may also be prescribed anti-diarrhoea medication to help firm their stool, but dietary management and a swap to high-fibre dog food may also be suggested. This would firm up their stool as well as provide them with the proper nutrition they need to be a healthy, happy pup. 

  Your vet may suggest they are not fed rich foods – like the scraps off your plate - in order to let the medication and dog food they’re on work their course, as the richer foods may irritate their bowels further. 

  What if it's not IBS? 

  IBS can often be mistaken for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in dogs as it is also a condition which affects a dog's intestines. 

   In dogs, IBD can be caused by an infection in the gut or a food allergy. It has some of the same symptoms as IBS, like vomiting and chronic diarrhoea, but it is tested for differently than IBS, as vets look for inflammatory cells through biopsies. The main difference between IBS and IBD is that IBS is mainly caused by stress related to a dog's environment or anxiety, whereas IBD has mainly physical causes that a vet can look for. If you suspect your dog is suffering from either, make sure to take them to the vet for a diagnosis. 

 Just remember that not all cases of doggy diarrhoea are a case of IBS and there can be many factors involved, but if you notice the other symptoms at home, make sure to book a trip to the vet and comfort your pet.