Dog Food for Canine Colitis Treatment

Canine colitis is a common dog affliction, and most dogs face a bout of colitis at some point in their lives. The disease itself is difficult to assess on sight alone, but it typically results in frequent bowel movements, diarrhea and other related intestinal upsets. Colitis can come about for a variety of reasons, and treating the disease effectively oftentimes rests upon your ability and your veterinarian's assistance at recognizing the specific situation and causes of the condition. Many pet owners find that a combination of diet alterations and lifestyle changes can help to address their pet's colitis adequately.

Recognizing Canine Colitis

Before you can treat your pet's colitis by adjusting his food, you must first recognize his condition. Colitis itself is an infection or inflammation of the colon. The most common symptoms of canine colitis include the following:

  • Increased number of bowel movements
  • Mucous or blood in the stool
  • Loose stool
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite

If your pet experiences chronic colitis, consult with a veterinarian about the best ways of treating his symptoms and addressing the source of the condition.

Select Foods that Can Be Processed Easily

Colitis may result from your dog not being able to adequately digest his food. This is frequently the case if your dog has access to human food or table scraps. Some of these foods are appropriate for a canine diet, while others may not move through his system easily. Emphasize foods that your pet's system can process easily, such as rice, eggs, cottage cheese and white meats like chicken. Consider halving the amount of standard dog food that you give him and adding a mixture of each of these ingredients.

Consider a Prescription Food

Some dogs have digestive tracts that do not function well, regardless of the quality of the food or the type of food. In these cases, many of the top dog food manufacturers have formulated special diets for pets with chronic colitis. Science Diet, Iams and other brands all offer specialized foods for dogs suffering from intestinal problems. These dog foods are an excellent choice because they emphasize a well-rounded diet and ensure that your dog receives a properly balanced set of nutrients.

Avoid Food Allergies

Pets suffer from food allergies in the same way that humans do. If your dog has developed an allergy to an ingredient in his food, he suffer from chronic colitis. These allergies may be present at birth or may also develop over the course of your pet's life. A veterinarian can help to diagnose a food allergy by isolating ingredients and testing your dog's reaction to each one specifically. If your pet does have allergy-related colitis, adjusting your pet's diet to avoid the offending ingredient may be sufficient to clear up the intestinal problems immediately. Many top dog food manufacturers also offer limited-ingredient food options.

If none of these methods suffice to reduce your pet's colitis, take him to a veterinarian for further examination. Symptoms of colitis are similar to those of other, more serious diseases, and it is possible that your dog needs another type of treatment.

 

Comments