Have you ever noticed that, like babies, your "furry family" members seem to have no qualms about putting things they shouldn’t in their mouths? Perhaps this is why dogs and cats (and babies!) often experience vomiting and diarrhea. But when your pets stay sick for weeks or months instead of days, they could be suffering from a more serious digestive problem called irritable bowel syndrome (also known as inflammatory bowel disease.)

While veterinarians are uncertain as to the specific causes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), many agree that it occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks tissues in the digestive tract. Food allergies can cause irritation in the stomach, lower intestines, or pancreas. Even hair balls (which are known to irritate the intestines), can cause symptoms related to IBD.

The obvious "first step" is to change your pet’s diet. Because some pets with IBD are sensitive to ingredients in commercial foods, switching to a high-quality food or better yet, to a homemade diet, may help prevent the diarrhea and vomiting that accompanies IBD. Beyond that, your veterinarian will probably opt to treat IBD by stopping the symptoms with medications: steroids to suppress the immune system, sometimes accompanied by antibiotics to control bacteria in your pet’s digestive tract. It is important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian to determine if they are suffering from IBD, and to begin the correct protocol to treat the painful symptoms associated with IBD. (Your veterinary pet insurance plan should cover the exam, as well as any further tests and medications your pet may require.)

Signs that your pet may be suffering from IBD may include some or all of the following:

• Excessive vomiting (primarily cats);

• Chronic runny, jelly-like diarrhea (cats and dogs);

• Blood in your pet’s stools (cats and dogs);

• Straining to pass diarrhea (cats and dogs);

• Weight loss (cats and dogs);

Some veterinarians believe that IBD occurs when the pancreas is "overworked" to produce enzymes necessary for digestion naturally. Giving your cat or dog pet-specific digestive enzymes allows the pancreas to work more efficiently. Others believe that by giving your pet 1-3 teaspoons of live-culture yogurt will help replenish the supply of beneficial bacteria and get the intestines back into balance, and eliminating painful inflammation.

Finally, some pet professionals may also recommend switching filtered water, since most municipal water supplies contain chlorine, which can kill ‘good" bacteria in the intestines. Giving your furry family members filtered or bottled water, (which is chlorine-free), will help these bacteria to flourish.