A diet of plain chicken, plain rice and potatoes as discussed above are part of the treatment plan for chronic colitis.
An antibiotic medication, Baytril being a common one, may be prescribed by the veterinarian which can help in many cases. The 2nd most commonly used antibiotics are with Clavomox or Metronidizole.
Sulfasalazine (a sulfa medication used for treating ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis ) and Corticosteroid medicines may be given.
Dosage will vary depending on the severity of the colitis and the age of the Boxer. In general, 2 pills a day is common with Baytril. This, in combination with a bland diet can begin to work after approximately 24 hours and each day will bring about more improvement. Full results are often seen in 10 to 12 days.
Some dogs will respond well and then once they go back to eating kibble, symptoms may come back....In these cases, a bland diet may be recommended indefinitely. When feeding plain foods, be sure to not add any spices such as salt, pepper, etc. The goal is to feed simple foods that are easily digested and do not put any un-needed stress on the intestines during digestion. Foods high in fiber are not recommended.
Here are other key ingredients that seem to help a Boxer with Colitis:
- Canned pumpkin - 2 tablespoons mixed into 1 meal per day
- Yogurt - plain white yogurt, 1/4 cup per day, mixed into kibble or eaten right off a big spoon
- Psyllium powder, 1/2 teaspoon, mixed well into 1/2 cup of warm water and then dribbled over food. Veterinarians often supply this.
- Kaopectate - You'll want to double check with your veterinarian, however this works well for many Boxer dogs, with a dosage of 1 tablespoon (for adults), 2 times per day. This is for short term use, during times that bowels really need to be tightened up (high diarrhea days).
Another key step to helping dogs with colitis is providing your Boxer with outdoor access via doggie door or open door policy.
They have to eliminate frequently and giving them the option to get out on their own relieves stress, as it can sometimes be mere seconds that a dog has to make it to his or her designated bathroom area and anxiety of "knowing" he won't make it in time can make things worse since stress affects this condition.