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Plantaeris for cats

Natural relief to help your cat’s diarrhea and inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)

USD $44.95
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Managing IBS in Pets

Pet Care Tips 3 min read
A puppy dog playing with toilet paper

IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a condition that affects millions of people in the United States and also causes digestive issues and gastrointestinal upset for our pets. Many people can confuse Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). IBS in pets is a psychosomatic disease, meaning that the mind is connected to the symptoms, and that episodes of IBS may be linked to stress, among other factors.

IBS in pets may be a difficult condition to understand at first, but there are many ways that you can help your pet manage this disease.

While the veterinary community is continuously learning more about the best ways to treat and manage this condition, holistic care can be very useful for providing relief and avoiding flare-ups.

Symptoms & Causes of IBS in Pets

A pet with IBS may present with a variety of symptoms, some of which can even contradict each other. The most prevalent symptoms are diarrhea and constipation, and these may be accompanied by bloating and gas, abdominal discomfort, and changes in eating habits. Episodes of these symptoms can arise due to food sensitivity or intolerance, stress, gastrointestinal infections, or genetic predisposition. These irritants can lead to the dysfunction of the intestinal muscles, disrupting the normal pattern of contractions. This wide range of causes may be why IBS can be particularly difficult for pet parents to manage, but we hope we may be able to provide our fellow pawrents with some holistic care strategies that will help.

Diagnosis & Treatment

First, if a pet is experiencing chronic digestive issues, it is important for these symptoms to be evaluated by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will be able to diagnose a pet with IBS by eliminating other potential diseases. They will likely order bloodwork, do an analysis of the stool to look for bacteria or parasites, perform an abdominal ultrasound to observe the structure and movements of the intestine, and test for viral infections.

Once a diagnosis of IBS is confirmed, your veterinarian may recommend that your pet begins taking a probiotic and prebiotic or a fiber supplement, as well as other changes to their diet, and may prescribe medications for reducing stress. In addition to these suggestions, there are some natural remedies for symptoms of IBS and techniques for reducing stress to avoid flare-ups. NHV’s Plantaeris and NHV’s TumFlora are two supplements that may be helpful for promoting a healthy gastrointestinal tract, while NHV’s Yucca may also be beneficial for this condition as it reduces inflammation and discomfort.

Suggested Products for IBS in Pets

NHV’s Plantaeris contains herbs which may help reduce inflammation and calm the gastrointestinal tract, relieving spasms and expelling gas. Due to the properties of NHV’s Yucca which may help to alleviate inflammation, it can also reduce pain and discomfort, thereby supporting the appetite and digestion. Other products that may be useful for supporting a pet with IBS would be probiotics and prebiotics. These products balance the gut environment by supplementing the biome of the gut with bacterial populations that help break down certain compounds of the diet.

Since episodes of IBS can be triggered by stress, it may also be beneficial to introduce a supplement like NHV’s Lesstress for dogs or NHV’s Matricalm for cats to help reduce anxiety, as well as to ensure regular exercise and provide your pet with a safe space in the home that they can retreat to, if needed.

Conclusion

IBS in pets may be a difficult condition to understand at first, but there are many ways that you can help your pet manage this disease. If your little one is frequently dealing with symptoms like diarrhea and constipation, it may be time for an assessment by a veterinarian.

For a holistic approach to dealing with IBS in pets, it is important to incorporate the recommendations of your veterinarian along with a regimen of supplements and natural supports. NHV’s digestive support supplements, Plantaeris and Tumflora, and NHV’s Yucca may provide proactive support for IBS by promoting a healthy gut environment. Probiotics and prebiotics may assist with balancing the gut microbiome, as well. Reducing stress in the home environment and regular visits to the veterinarian should help empower you to manage this disease, too. By implementing all of these strategies, we hope you will be able to ensure comfort for your furkiddo and relief from IBS symptoms.

Sarah Burr, BSc

Sarah Burr, BSc

Sarah graduated from the University of British Columbia with a BSc. in Applied Animal Biology, and has experience working with a variety of pets in animal shelters and veterinary hospitals. She has received a certificate in animal welfare, and her topics of interest have also included animal behavior and physiology.

Published: June 20, 2024

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