Chronic intestinal disease: What can I do for my dog?

Dog owners whose dogs suffer from chronic bowel disease contact us again and again. The dogs have diarrhea, intestinal cramps, some lose weight and are constantly exhausted. The owners are often at a loss and are looking for the right treatment options to help their dogs. But what can I do as a dog owner to help my dog? What leads to an improvement in symptoms? And does my dog's diet have an influence?

There are many clinical pictures of chronic intestinal diseases. Based on the symptoms and examinations at the vet, diagnoses such as z.B. IBD "Inflammatory Bowel Disease" or feed-induced diarrhea . As a rule, the dogs then need consistent treatment with medication and a special composition of their food. Often several treatment options have to be tried out. It can take some time before there is any relief or improvement. This often requires a lot of patience and perseverance from both dog and owner. The exact causes of chronic intestinal inflammation are usually not fully understood and are still being researched. Various triggers, such as allergic reactions to food substances, z.B animal proteins, an excessive immune system, but also intolerance to additives, an altered microbiome of the intestine or even genetic components in different dog breeds are possible causes. IBD usually affects the small and large intestine. The intestines are permanently irritated and the intestinal mucosa swells. In some cases, it even becomes scarred. The food is no longer digested properly and the dogs receive too few nutrients as a result. It is important to keep the inflammation of the mucous membrane in check and to switch to a food that does not further irritate the dog's intestines.

Can a change of food help?

Experience has shown that it is good to choose a new protein source (z.B. Lentils, lupins, peas in VEGDOG) that the dog has never eaten before. This can counteract a negative immune response to the as yet unknown protein. Always with the hope that the new protein will be well tolerated by the dog.

The aim of the food change is to calm the immune system, which has been overreacting all this time, and to give the intestinal mucosa time to regenerate.

How can VEGDOG help?

With VEGDOG you have a feed that contains a new protein source (z.B. Lentils, lupins, peas) for your dog. This can prevent an excessive immune response, which can be a trigger for inflammatory bowel disease, and further irritation of the intestinal mucosa.

VEGDOG is needs-based and 100% plant-based and gluten-free. The varieties ADULT lentils & millet and SENIOR peas & millet contain u.a. Potatoes, to which a few dogs also react (very rarely, but still sometimes). For these, we recommend our SENSITIVE lupin protein variety or our dry food.

Further therapeutic approaches

And last but not least, a few links to new, innovative approaches in the treatment of chronic intestinal diseases:

• Fecal transplantation in dogs with chronic intestinal disease
  https://www.facebook.com/486116471453087/posts/httpswwwmedvetmeduni-muenchendeforschungstud_inneredarmindexhtmles-ist-bekannt-d/2525972927467421/
• Use of prebiotics and probiotics
  https://www.med.vetmed.uni-muenchen.de/forschung/stud_innere/darm/index.html

• https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/steroids-diet-best-for-treating-canine-ibd/

"Greetings everyone. I have a 10 month old Havanese bitch. She has IBD. It appeared when she was 6 months old, but none of the doctors thought of it and we had a long period of suffering until I came across VEGDOG about 3 weeks ago - by chance because I wanted to google IBD on the internet. I then looked at the composition of the food as I come from the medical field, so I can implement a few things. I thought to myself, you can't do more than try it. Our Nele was constantly suffering from diarrhea and was very nervous due to her latent stomach pains. She has now been on the food for 14 days and we are only halfway through the changeover. Digestion is great, firmness is no problem at all and she's happy as punch when she gets the food. Oh, and anyway! I feed Green Chrunch" - VEGDOG Customer (March 2020)

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