Chihuahuas are known for being a bit of a picky eater. If you have one, you know that their appetite can sometimes be unpredictable. A common problem among Chihuahuas is irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. This common ailment is characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, and gas, often leading to weight loss and chronic dehydration. The good news is there are things you can do to help control your pet’s IBS symptoms!
You can use the steps to help reduce or eliminate your Chihuahua’s IBS symptoms. This includes tips about food choices, supplements, exercise routines, and much more!
Get Your Chihuahua’s IBS Under Control
Irritable bowel syndrome is quite common in a chihuahua. The main cause of it is an irregular diet which can cause an increase or decrease of yeast in the stomach (this is similar to humans). So the best thing you can do for your Chihuahua with IBS is to ensure their diet remains consistent.
Bland Diet
If your pet has recently been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, it must stick to a bland meal plan.
Plain rice and boiled chicken are great options, but any food that does not contain garlic, onions, grapes/raisins, chocolate, etc., should be fine. I also recommend that you minimize treats during this time as well!
The first step is to put your Chihuahua on a bland diet. Bland diets are low in fiber and typically consist of boiled chicken or white fish, cooked rice, and boiled vegetables. This diet will help calm the digestive system and give the stomach a break.
Probiotics Can Help Your Dog’s IBS
If your Chihuahua suffers from IBS, supplementing with probiotics may help. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that line the gut and keep things running smoothly. They can be found in yogurt or Kefir, which can help reduce gas and bloating.
If your Chihuahua’s IBS is caused by bacteria overgrowth, then you can also try giving them probiotics. I shall say that they can be found in both pill and powder form at most pet stores.
Novel Protein
A common cause of IBS is intolerance to certain proteins in many dog foods on the market today. Switching your Chihuahua’s food may be necessary if you notice that they are experiencing gastrointestinal issues after eating.
Try feeding them a novel protein like a rabbit, kangaroo, duck, venison, buffalo, chicken (not vegetarian), lamb meal (no fillers), etc., as these proteins will provide more nutrients for their digestive system than beef or chicken ever could!
Home Cooking
Another way to control your pet’s symptoms is by preparing home-cooked meals instead of feeding them processed pet food. This way, you will know exactly what is going into their food, and you can avoid any ingredients that may trigger IBS.
You can cook various home-cooked food for your Chihuahua. It can be lamb, boiled veggies, and much more. However, you are not feeding them food they are allergic to or cannot digest. Furthermore, these can consist of chocolates, raisins, grapes, chicken bones, and much more.
Not only this, but you can also take help from our feeding guide.
Fiber
Including fiber in your Chihuahua’s diet is another important step in controlling their IBS symptoms.
Fiber helps regulate the digestive system and keep things moving as they should. You can add fiber to their diet by feeding them a portion of high-quality dog food, adding fruits and vegetables to their meals, or using a supplement like a pumpkin puree.
Eliminate Stress
Stress is often a contributing factor to IBS flare-ups. If possible, try to eliminate stress from your Chihuahua’s life by providing them with plenty of toys and exercise, routine vet visits, and love!
Raw Diet
If you are up for it, transitioning your Chihuahua to a raw diet may be the best for their IBS symptoms.
A raw diet consists of whole, unprocessed foods like meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables. This diet is easier for dogs to digest and does not contain fillers or artificial ingredients.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is another option for treating IBS in dogs. Similarly, CBD oil is made from hemp plants and contains Cannabidiol, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it can help reduce pain, inflammation, and anxiety in dogs.
Supplements
In addition to a raw diet or CBD oil, you may consider supplementing your Chihuahua’s diet with probiotics, digestive enzymes, and omega-fatty acids.
Probiotics help restore balance in the gut, digestive enzymes help break down food, and omega-fatty acids are beneficial for the entire body’s health.
Exercise
Lastly, be sure to provide your Chihuahua with plenty of exercises! Exercise is great for physical and mental health and can help reduce stress. A good 30-minute walk each day should do the trick!
Conclusion
IBS is a common condition in dogs, and it can be very frustrating for both pet parents and pups. However, following these 11 steps will make your Chihuahua feel better before too long!
As we’ve discussed throughout this blog post, there are several ways to help control the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Chihuahuas.
Follow these tips closely, as they may make all the difference when helping your little pup feel their best!
