---
title: "Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Pets UK"
description: "IBD causes chronic vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs and cats. UK guide to signs, diagnosis, diet trials and long-term management with your vet."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/inflammatory-bowel-disease-pets-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/inflammatory-bowel-disease-pets-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-25"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Pets UK

**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](/health/dog-vomiting-causes)
- **Diarrhoea** or soft stools — see [Dog diarrhoea home remedies](/health/dog-diarrhea-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](/health/why-is-my-cat-vomiting)
- **Diarrhoea** or very soft stools
- **Weight loss** — see [Cat weight loss](/health/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:

1. Takes a **full history** — diet, treats, worming, duration of signs
2. Runs **blood tests** to check organ function and rule out hyperthyroidism (cats), pancreatitis (dogs) and other conditions
3. Checks **faecal samples** for parasites and infections
4. May use **ultrasound** to assess gut thickness and lymph nodes
5. Sometimes recommends **intestinal biopsy** — the most definitive diagnosis

Do not assume IBD without veterinary work-up. [Pancreatitis in dogs](/health/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](/health/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

- [Dog vomiting causes](/health/dog-vomiting-causes)
- [Why is my cat vomiting](/health/why-is-my-cat-vomiting)
- [Dog worming schedule UK](/health/dog-worming-schedule-uk)
- [Cat worming schedule UK](/health/cat-worming-schedule-uk)
- [Senior pet care UK](/health/senior-pet-care-uk)

## FAQs

### 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.

## Sources

- [PDSA — Vomiting in dogs](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)
- [Blue Cross — Digestive problems in dogs](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice)

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Last modified: 2026-06-25