Pet Care
Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Pets UK — Dogs & Cats
Published Last updated 3 min read
Quick answer
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes long-term gut inflammation — leading to chronic vomiting, diarrhoea and weight loss in dogs and cats. It is a diagnosis of exclusion: your vet must rule out parasites, infections and other causes first. Most pets improve with vet-led diet trials and treatment.
What IBD is
According to the PDSA, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes chronic inflammation of the stomach, small intestine or colon. The gut's immune system reacts abnormally — to dietary proteins, gut bacteria, or triggers that are not fully understood — causing ongoing digestive upset.
IBD is not the same as a one-off stomach bug. Signs persist for weeks or months and often return after brief improvement.
Signs in dogs
Chronic gut disease in dogs may show as:
- Vomiting — see Dog vomiting causes
- Diarrhoea or soft stools — see Dog diarrhoea home remedies for when acute diarrhoea needs urgent care
- Weight loss despite a good appetite
- Increased hunger with weight loss
- Rumbling tummy and flatulence
- Poor coat and low energy
Signs in cats
In cats, IBD often presents as:
- Vomiting — see Why is my cat vomiting
- Diarrhoea or very soft stools
- Weight loss — see Cat weight loss
- Reduced appetite in some cats; increased appetite in others
- Hairballs may be confused with IBD vomiting — frequency matters
How IBD is diagnosed
There is no single test for IBD. Your vet typically:
- Takes a full history — diet, treats, worming, duration of signs
- Runs blood tests to check organ function and rule out hyperthyroidism (cats), pancreatitis (dogs) and other conditions
- Checks faecal samples for parasites and infections
- May use ultrasound to assess gut thickness and lymph nodes
- Sometimes recommends intestinal biopsy — the most definitive diagnosis
Do not assume IBD without veterinary work-up. Pancreatitis in dogs, parasites, and foreign bodies can mimic IBD.
Treatment and management
Diet trials
A hydrolysed or novel-protein diet for 8–12 weeks is often the first step. Your vet will specify a commercial prescription diet — random supermarket changes rarely diagnose food-responsive disease properly.
Medication
When diet alone is insufficient, your vet may prescribe:
- Anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive drugs (such as prednisolone or budesonide)
- Antibiotics in selected cases
- Probiotics and gut support
- Vitamin B12 injections if absorption is poor
Never use human medicines or leftover pet medications without veterinary guidance.
Long-term monitoring
IBD is usually managed lifelong. Regular weight checks, stool quality, and blood tests help adjust treatment. Many dogs and cats live comfortably for years with stable disease.
When to see your vet urgently
Contact your vet today if:
- Blood in vomit or stool — see Dog pooping blood
- Repeated vomiting over 24 hours
- Not eating for 24 hours (especially cats)
- Marked weight loss or lethargy
- A puppy or kitten is affected
Related guides
Sources & further reading
Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).
Related guides
- Dog Vomiting: Common Causes, Home Care & When to Call the Vet
- Dog Diarrhea: 8 Safe Home Remedies (and 2 That Are Dangerous)
- Why Is My Cat Vomiting? Hairballs, Diet & When to See the Vet
- Unexplained Weight Loss in Cats: UK Causes & When to Worry
- Pancreatitis in Dogs: Symptoms, Diet & Recovery
- Dog Pooping Blood: Causes, What It Means & When It's an Emergency
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is inflammatory bowel disease in pets?
- IBD is chronic inflammation of the stomach or intestines. The immune system overreacts to food, bacteria or unknown triggers, causing vomiting, diarrhoea and weight loss over weeks to months.
- What are the signs of IBD in dogs and cats?
- Common signs include chronic vomiting, soft stools or diarrhoea, weight loss, poor coat, increased appetite with weight loss, and lethargy. Signs may come and go or worsen gradually.
- How is IBD diagnosed in pets?
- Diagnosis involves ruling out parasites, infections and other diseases with blood tests, faecal samples, imaging and sometimes intestinal biopsy. There is no single blood test for IBD.
- Can IBD in pets be cured?
- IBD is usually managed rather than cured. Many pets respond well to diet change, probiotics and medication prescribed by your vet. Lifelong monitoring helps maintain quality of life.