Slippery Elm For Dogs And Cats

Slippery elm is an herb that helps ease digestive issues in dogs and cats, including diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. Get safe usage tips, dosing guidelines, and veterinary advice.

Digestive upsets in dogs and cats have many causes. If they’re persistent or recur often, it’s important to take your animal to the vet for a proper evaluation. For occasional short-term upsets, home remedies like slippery elm for dogs and cats can help relieve symptoms. Here’s what you should know about this herb and its benefits. 

What is slippery elm?

The slippery elm tree is native to the northeastern US. Its inner bark contains a polysaccharide molecular complex called mucilage. This creates an anti-inflammatory response in the body. Humans have long used slippery elm to help treat GERD, stomach issues, constipation, diarrhea, and more. It is safe for dogs and cats as well as humans. You can use it in your animal’s diet as a way of holistically addressing certain digestive concerns.

1. Constipation and diarrhea 

Slippery elm for is most often used for constipation and diarrhea in dogs and cats. These two conditions are common and can lead to chronic issues.

• Acute diarrhea often occurs when the animal has eaten something he shouldn’t have. Veterinarian Dr. DiGrazia-Weigand recommends slippery elm to help calm the gut in cases of acute diarrhea. However, she warns: “Diarrhea should be addressed as soon as possible if there is blood in it, or if the animal has multiple uncontrollable bouts,” she warns. The same applies if your dog or cat’s diarrhea doesn’t go away or keeps recurring. 

• If your animal is experiencing constipation, the lubricating qualities of slippery elm can provide relief. It’s especially helpful for animals with chronic constipation, offering a holistic remedy without the need for stronger medications.

1. Vomiting

Slippery elm can help treat vomiting (depending on the cause) by calming gastrointestinal inflammation and soothing the stomach lining. 

Additionally, if your cat is vomiting because of a hairball, slippery elm can help by providing additional lubrication.

Excessive vomiting in your dog or cat likely signals a more serious issue that requires prompt veterinary attention. Persistent vomiting can cause dehydration and weight loss if not addressed as soon as possible.

1. Digestive disease

Dogs and cats, like us, can suffer from many digestive diseases. Some are dangerous if ignored, so your vet should assess any chronic symptoms. Dogs and cats can experience any of the following, some of which are more serious than others: 

• Viral or bacterial infections
• Metabolic diseases
• Stomach cancer
• Intestinal parasites
• Inflammatory bowel disease

“If these issues are left untreated, they can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, or damage to other organs,” warns Dr. DiGrazia-Weigand. “Chronic problems are often a sign of a more serious underlying disease. Slippery elm can’t treat all these issues — but it can help alleviate some intestinal discomfort in dogs and cats.”

Giving slippery elm to your cat or dog 

Slippery elm is generally well tolerated by dogs and cats Its pleasant taste makes it easy to mix into food, even for picky animals. The easiest way to give it is as a powder combined with wet food. Don’t sprinkle it directly on food, as your animal might inhale it. If your dog or cat likes the taste, you could also mix slippery elm powder with a bit of water and let him take it that way. 

Slippery elm is a mild remedy, but you still need to dose it properly and avoid giving your animal too much. “For dogs, I recommend ¼ teaspoon per 20 pounds twice daily (no more than 1 tablespoon max),” says Dr. DiGrazia-Weigand. “For cats, I recommend 1/8 teaspoon twice daily.”

As with any herb, talk to your integrative or holistic veterinarian before giving your dog or cat slippery elm. And make sure you find out what’s causing your animal’s digestive problems in the first place. In some cases, you can give slippery elm with other medications or treatments if your vet approves.

Slippery elm for dogs and cats offers a gentle, natural way to support digestive health and ease occasional issues like diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. While it’s not a cure-all, this soothing herb can be a helpful addition to your pet’s wellness routine when used correctly and under veterinary guidance. 

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Slippery elm’s inner bark contains a polysaccharide molecular complex called mucilage.  

“Slippery elm can’t treat all these issues — but it can help alleviate some intestinal discomfort in dogs and cats.”

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