![\"Irritable](\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-4-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis is the story about Togo who suffered from advanced gastrointestinal disease that required long-term management. Alongside veterinary treatment, dietary modification became a key strategy in supporting his gut health. Despite meaningful improvements, his condition remained medically complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An Active Family: Togo and Lisbeth Story<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With a passion for outdoor activities throughout the year, the family conducted thorough research to find the perfect breed. Their search ultimately led them to the Australian Shepherd, a highly intelligent and energetic dog that matched their active lifestyle. Despite its name, the breed has no real connection to Australia; instead, it originated in the United States, where it became an invaluable working companion for cowboys. From California, the Australian Shepherd quickly gained popularity across the western U.S., prized by ranchers for its endurance, drive, problem-solving skills, and strong work ethic, qualities essential for herding cattle and other livestock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For many years, Lisbeth had dreamed of having a four-legged companion to practice rally obedience<\/a> with, learn new tricks, and simply enjoy endless fun together. The Australian Shepherd, known for its hardworking nature and cooperative spirit, is highly trainable and makes a fantastic family dog for an active household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inflammatory Bowel Disease <\/a>(IBD) is a chronic condition that affects the lining in the digestive system, leading to persistent issues such as diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, and poor nutrient absorption. While the exact cause of IBD remains unclear, researchers suggest that genetics, an overactive immune response to proteins, or an imbalance in gut bacteria may contribute to inflammation in the gut lining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Togo, the symptoms appeared early. Despite his playful nature, the young puppy frequently vomited, leaving Lisbeth puzzled and concerned. Multiple vet visits provided no clear answers, tests indicated he was healthy, and there were no obvious signs of illness beyond the vomiting. But as time passed, Togo became increasingly lethargic, his usual energy fading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Determined to help him, the family worked closely with their vet, experimenting with different diets in hopes of finding one that would support his extremely sensitive digestive system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the new food prescribed by the vet, it seemed the family had finally found a solution. Togo was eating well, full of energy, and back to his playful self. But the relief was short-lived, and Togo\u00b4s condition relapsed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One day, without warning, he became seriously ill again, vomiting excessively and suffering from severe diarrhoea, likely triggered by something his sensitive stomach couldn\u2019t tolerate. The family rushed him to the vet, where treatment helped stabilize his condition. For a couple of months, he seemed to be doing well, but then the symptoms returned with vomiting, followed by bloody diarrhoea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In consultation with the vet, they changed his food again. Yet, despite extensive testing, nothing conclusive was found. Togo still had an appetite, but his energy was fading and he was no longer as playful or agile. Then, in November 2024, his condition took a dramatic turn for the worse. He was suddenly struck by severe, bloody vomiting and diarrhoea, requiring urgent admission to the veterinary hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Togo spent five days in the hospital before he was stable enough to continue treatment at home. The vet prescribed medication and a new specialized diet. By this point, countless blood tests, multiple ultrasound examinations, and stool samples had been conducted, yet none provided clear answers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Then, in early December 2024, Togo suffered another severe relapse and was rushed back to the hospital. This time, the vets decided to perform an endoscopy to investigate suspected IBD further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was a long, distressing, and at times terrifying journey before Togo finally received a diagnosis: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). For the family, getting answers brought a sense of relief, but it also marked the beginning of a new challenge: finding the right treatment and diet to give Togo a stable, comfortable life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By the end of 2024, Togo\u2019s condition had worsened significantly. He frequently had loose, mucus-filled stools. Although he continued eating, he showed little enthusiasm for daily life. During dog training sessions, he suddenly lost all focus, preferring to stand in one spot and sniff the ground. Eventually, they stopped attending altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At home, he mostly lay still, seeking solitude. He panted from discomfort and suffered from severe bloating. While his stools became slightly firmer, they remained mushy and slimy. After consulting with the veterinarian, they decided to try another change in diet while continuing his medication. Lisbeth also received several new recommendations regarding his food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I wasn\u2019t satisfied with the recommendations, so I started researching different types of food and learning what it truly means to manage IBD. That\u2019s when I discovered Nala Health. I examined the ingredients and instantly fell in love with the formulation. We just had to give it a try<\/em>,” she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Towards the end of December, we started feeding Togo Nala Health. By early January, his stools had already transformed from mushy and slimy to firm. And as the month progressed, they became even better. Since switching to Nala, he hasn\u2019t had any issues with flatulence. His fur, which had been severely affected by medication, is now thick, silky soft, and even has a pleasant scent<\/em>,” says Lisbeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Togo’s quality of life has improved significantly since starting Nala. He is now so stable that we\u2019ve begun gradually reducing his medication. He\u2019s more joyful, eats better than ever, eagerly joins us for walks, and wants to be involved in everything we do. At dog training, he\u2019s regained full focus on his tasks, and overall, he just looks genuinely happy<\/em>,” Lisbeth concludes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the lining of the digestive tract, with symptoms ranging in severity. Dogs with IBD often experience unpredictable cycles of good health followed by sudden flare-ups, reminding their owners that managing the condition is an ongoing challenge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most reliable method for diagnosing IBD is a tissue biopsy<\/a><\/strong> of the intestines. Additional tests may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accurate diagnosis is key to managing IBD effectively, helping dog owners find the optimal treatment plan to improve their pet\u2019s quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Treatment <\/strong>will usually consist of a combination of medication and dietary changes, but since there can be many causes of the inflammation, it will often be a trial-and-error process. Furthermore, the dog may be given a broad-spectrum worming treatment because stool samples do not always reveal specific parasites that may be present in the intestines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Selecting a diet that minimizes inflammation is essential, whether you opt for wet or dry food. It\u2019s important to note that raw meat may contain parasites, which is why many veterinarians are hesitant to recommend raw feeding to dogs with IBD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By choosing the right diet and monitoring your dog\u2019s response, you can help manage IBD symptoms and support a more stable, comfortable life for your pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While Nala Health dog food is not specifically formulated for IBD, it can be a suitable choice due to its carefully selected ingredients that support digestive health:<\/p>\n\n\n\n With its nutrient-rich, easily digestible formulation, Nala Health can be a great option for dogs with sensitive digestion, helping to support overall health and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When managing a dog with IBD or digestive sensitivities, certain natural supplements may help support gut health and overall well-being. However, always consult a veterinarian before introducing new herbs or supplements.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Always consult a veterinarian before giving herbs or supplements to ensure they are appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Togo\u2019s journey is a powerful reminder that managing IBD in dogs requires patience, perseverance, and a tailored approach. His story underscores the importance of understanding IBD in dogs, remaining vigilant for changes in your pet\u2019s condition, and working closely with your veterinarian to find the optimal treatment plan. With the right balance of nutrition and care, dogs with IBD can enjoy a renewed quality of life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Togo quickly became the heart of the family, bringing joy and energy into their home. But their happiness was soon overshadowed by concern when he started showing alarming symptoms\u2014vomiting, diarrhoea, and eventually, bloody stools. Despite multiple veterinary visits, there were no clear answers, leading the family through a long, exhausting, and costly journey before Togo was finally diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This challenging condition affects digestion and overall well-being, and for Togo, finding the right treatment and a diet that could stabilize his health became a difficult but crucial battle.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6958,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[90,93],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6949","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-customer-stories","category-gut-health"],"yoast_head":"\nUnderstanding IBD in Dogs: How It Affected Togo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Irritable](\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4-2-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe most common IBD symptoms include:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Navigating IBD Flare-Ups: The Unpredictable Health Journey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Symptoms](\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-683x1024.png\")
<\/figure>Togo\u2019s IBD Diagnosis: A Challenging Path to Clarity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Dogs](\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Hoykant-10-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nTogo\u2019s Transformation with the Right Diet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Understanding IBD in dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The exact cause of IBD remains uncertain, but several factors may contribute to its development:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Dogs](\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1-6-1024x683.jpg\")
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Diagnosing IBD in Dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Choosing the Right Diet for Dogs with IBD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key Dietary Considerations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/strong>Clean protein sources that are less likely to trigger inflammation include venison, black soldier fly larvae, ostrich, and rabbit. Some veterinarians may also recommend hydrolyzed protein.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n![\"Irritable](\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-683x1024.png\")
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<\/strong>An elimination diet may help identify food sensitivities. Common allergens include beef, chicken, dairy, eggs, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives such as BHT, BHA, and sodium nitrite.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Healthy fats with a balanced ratio of omega-3, -6, and -9 can support gut and skin health. Good sources include coconut oil, canola oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, and pure fish oils. Marine algae is a rich and sustainable alternative to fish oil for DHA omega-3.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Ingredients such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and gluten-free grains like millet, sorghum, oats, and quinoa provide fibre, plant protein, and antioxidants. Fibre plays a crucial role in gut health by nourishing beneficial bacteria and helping to regulate stool consistency. We find fibre in vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes and black soldier fly larvae (there is no fibre in meat or fish).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Probiotics and butyrate can help create a healthy intestinal environment, strengthen the gut lining, and reduce the risk of leaky gut syndrome.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nNala Health: A Gut-Friendly Option for Dogs with IBD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Symptoms](\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1-683x1024.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nNatural Supplements to Support Digestive Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Interested in Reading More?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n