IBS (bloody stools--cyclic) in dog

Question
QUESTION: My vet says my dog has IBS; she is on 10 mg. steroid every other day and it seems to be controlled (HOPEFULLY!!)  I read on your website about Innova Evo food.  Where can I purchase it (near Aurora, Missouri)?  Also, I read about using Flax Seed Oil; how much AND how often??

She supposed to be a house dog but has to say in the garage as when she has these bloody stools they are a horrible, huge MESS, and I never know when they're going to hit again!!!

ANSWER: The steroid is actually doing more long term harm than good. You need to get her on a good enzyme and pre and pro biotic supplement like E-BARF PLUS or even go to your local health food store and get a very complete one for people as it will do dogs too. Lack of these is the main cause of IBS.

I wouldn't do the Flax seed right now because she doesn't need anything that's oil base right now.

I would recommend switching her to a raw food diet. Do this slowly over a period of weeks. My other answers here on this site talk about books, pre-prepared raw diets, etc.

I would also suggest calling Dr Gerald Wessner at 352-245-2025 for homeopathic treatment.

It was on someone else's site you read about Evo, but it is a good food. Canadae also has some good grain-free foods. You will have to contact the companies for local dealers.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I've been doing LOTS of searching and DO appreciate your prompt and helpful response to my question about bloody (cyclic) stools in my dog.  You suggested a raw food diet; could you be more specific, please?  Do you mean raw vegetables, raw meat or what??

Also, what about: "Chicken and Rice Dog Food made by Nutro", "Purina Pro Plan Salmon Dog Food", AND "Blue Buffalo's Wild Dog Food"???

Answer
There are several pre-made complete raw food diets available. I have no idea where you live but if you go on line and research them you can possibly track down some in your area. Also, one of the best, the B.A.R.F. diet is available drop shipped from the company. You can order it through www.naturespet.com. Making your own is also possible, but it is quite complex and you need to read up and get specific instructions.  The best book I've found for this is "Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats" by Kymythy R Schultze.

The dry foods you mentioned are not what you need (especially nothing by Purina). Blue Buffalo is probably the best of the ones you mentioned. You need to avoid any food containing wheat, corn, soy, dairy and beef and also any bi-products and chemical preservatives. You must as supplemental enzymes, prebiotics and probiotics with any processed food, even the best ones.