Gastrointestinal (GI) distress is one of the most common ailments to afflict dogs and cats. Problems can range from an acute episode of vomiting and/or diarrhea brought on by eating something unusual to chronic problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and leaky gut syndrome. The latter conditions are much more serious, so you’ll want to consult with your holistic veterinarian about treatment so they don’t develop in to evenmore serious disease over time.
An occasional bout of diarrhea is one thing, but regular bouts of either diarrhea or constipation call for further analysis and treatment. The quantity and quality of the stool is an indication of the health of your dog. Poop is such an important topic that it deserves a bit more detail here. Normal canine stool is chocolate brown in color, the consistency and shape of a doughy log, and firm enough to be picked up easily. The size and quantity should be consistent with the size and diet of the dog (e.g., raw fed dogs generally produce much less stool). It should free of mucous, blood, and undigested food. Whether you are dealing with acute or chronic digestive problems, symptoms can be improved by feeding a proper, species-appropriate diet and administering some well-indicated dietary supplements or other remedies.
The GI tract is the largest immune organ in the body – 70% or more of the immune system resides in the gut – and the balance and health of the microbial microenvironment there is crucial to good health. Food can critically impact this balance, in the short and long term. Feed the freshest, most moisture-rich, and least processed food possible – ideally home-cooked or raw meals. High-quality kibble, canned food, or freeze-dried food without grains or starches are also acceptable.
For acute episodes of GI upset, consider fasting your dog for a meal or feeding a bland diet, such as ground turkey and pumpkin. Pumpkin is rich in soluble fiber (much more so than white rice) and helps coat and soothe the bowel and slow transit time. The potassium in pumpkin also helps restore some of the electrolytes lost during bouts of vomiting and/or diarrhea. A bland diet should not be fed long-term, as it doesn’t provide all necessary nutrients. Transition back to your dog’s normal diet within about 24 hours of the return of normal stool.
If your dog isn’t better within 48 hours or is lethargic and acting sick, take him or her to your veterinarian.For mild to moderate symptoms, the following remedies can be used to provide relief of symptoms and to help your dog’s gut heal.
Herbal Remedies
Herbs such as slippery elm, ginger, and peppermint can provide speedy relief. Two formulas by Animal Essentials work by coating and soothing the tummy and reducing inflammation. Phytomucil contains slippery elm, licorice, and marshmallow root. The same company’s Ginger Mint formula helps reduce nausea.
Homeopathy
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Homeopathic remedies such as Arsenicum and Nux Vomica have been safely used for over200 years and can provide fast relief from acute bouts of vomiting and/or diarrhea. Arsenicum is good if the animal is anxious, fearful, restless, and/or if the GI disturbance was caused from toxic exposure. Nux is indicated if there is vomiting along with diarrhea and if the dog is irritable or over-sensitive. Try one or two doses of one of these formulas in a 30c potency and if it doesn’t help, try the other. For chronic problems,consult your holistic veterinarian or a skilled homeopath.
Enzymes
If stomach upset of any kind is an ongoing problem foryour dog, you may want to consider an enzyme supplement and/or an enzyme/probiotic combination, as these can facilitate nutrient absorption and improve digestion.
Probiotics
Fast Balance is a high-potency oral probiotic cream thathelps restore beneficial bacteria. This formula is primarily used for acute conditions and generally stops diarrhea very quickly. An oral probiotic containing strains of bacteria appropriate for animals may also be helpful for chronic GI problems and can be used long term.
Colostrum
This is a substance in mother’s milk that helps establish a child’s immune system. Commercial colostrum is generally derived from either cows or goats but is beneficial for all mammals. It is a natural and whole super food with many healing and immune-modulating properties. For purposes of this discussion its main benefits are reducing inflammation and restoring GI balance and vitality.
Raw Goat’s Milk
This nutritious milk is much more easily digested than pasteurized cow’s milk and provides natural enzymes, probiotics, and more omega 3 fatty acids than fish oil. According to the Journal of American Medicine, “Goat milk is the most complete foodknown.” It provides great general nutritional support and can be very useful in treating both acute and chronic GI disturbances.
Heidi Hill is a homeopath and owner of Holistic Hound, a health food store for dogs and cats located in the heart of Berkeley’s gourmet ghetto.
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