How to Treat Your Pet’s IBD with Holistic Methods
Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, upset/painful stomach, acid reflux: these are some of the signs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is way too common in our dogs and cats.
What CAN you do?
Well as an alternative option, you should consider trying our NEW 95% Curcumin Supplement, Dr. Jones’ Ultimate High Absorption 95% Curcumin for Dogs and Cats
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Dogs and Cats
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammatory condition affecting the intestines, the exact cause of which remains unknown. It is suggested that hypersensitivities against food or bacterial antigens could be the underlying pathogenesis. The clinical manifestations typically include chronic vomiting and diarrhea, accompanied by weight loss. Another contributing factor could be the overstimulation of the immune system, possibly from vaccines and other antigens.
Understanding IBD
IBD is characterized more as a syndrome than a disease. It stems from a specific reaction to chronic irritation within the intestinal tract. This results in the intestinal lining being invaded by inflammatory cells, triggering an allergic-type response. The ensuing inflammation disrupts the normal digestion and absorption of nutrients, often leading to recurrent or chronic symptoms of vomiting and/or diarrhea, and potentially a poor appetite in affected dogs and cats.
Symptoms of IBD
IBD can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but primarily targets the stomach and/or intestines. Symptoms vary depending on the part affected:
- Stomach: Chronic vomiting
- Intestines: Chronic diarrhea
- Both: Vomiting and diarrhea
Long-term effects may include poor appetite and weight loss, although some animals might develop an increased appetite due to their inability to absorb nutrients effectively.
IBD Treatment Options
- Dietary Therapy: Utilization of novel proteins or hydrolyzed proteins
- Probiotics: Such as those found in ULTIMATE Canine/Feline formulations
- Anti-diarrheals: Loperamide is commonly used, with a recommended dose of 1mg per 10lbs of body weight, twice daily for three days
- Natural Immunosuppressives: Examples include Cannabidiol (CBD), with a dose of 3mg per 10lbs, twice daily
- Licorice Root: Often used as a short-term natural steroid alternative, dosed at 1/4ml per 10lbs twice daily for 10 days
Herbal Treatments: Slippery Elm
Slippery Elm, derived from the inner bark of the Ulmus rubra tree, creates a viscid gel when mixed with water. This herb is celebrated for its protective and lubricating properties, particularly in pets with gastrointestinal issues. The tannins in Slippery Elm reduce inflammation, while its mucilage components help lubricate the digestive tract and aid in waste elimination.
Dosage:
- Powder: 0.125 to 0.25 teaspoons once or twice a day
- Capsule: One 350-400mg capsule daily
95% Curcumin for IBD
A recent study by Shusuke Toden at Baylor University, published in ‘Scientific Reports’, highlights the efficacy of BCM-95 (Dr. Jones’ 95% Curcumin), a high-potency turmeric extract, in managing colitis. This formulation, which includes essential oil with curcuminoids, was found to be more effective than standard curcumin in reducing both disease activity and inflammatory burden in an established animal model of colitis.
This supplement, containing 250mg of Curcumin per capsule, is highly effective due to its enhanced bioavailability. BCM-95 (CURCUGREEN), with the addition of piperine (BioPerine), is up to 700% more bioavailable than regular curcumin. Piperine has been shown to increase the absorption of curcumin by up to 2000%.
While managing IBD in pets can be challenging, the availability of natural options like 95% Curcumin offers hope and potential relief for our dogs and cats suffering from this frustrating disease.
