How to Treat Pet IBD Naturally: 9 Holistic Remedies for Diarrhea Relief
Understanding and Treating Chronic Diarrhea in Dogs and Cats: My Top Eight Holistic Remedies
Hello, Dr. Andrew Jones here. If your dog or cat suffers from chronic diarrhea, you’re not alone. Many pet parents face this challenge, and today, I’ll share my top eight natural treatments you can try at home to help alleviate these symptoms. If you’re interested in learning more about natural pet health, subscribe to my channel and sign up for our free upcoming webinar on Tuesday, November 12th, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific!
What Causes Chronic Diarrhea in Pets?
Chronic diarrhea in pets can have various causes, with one of the most common being Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This condition results from an abnormal immune response in the intestinal tract, often triggered by bacteria or food antigens. Symptoms may include chronic vomiting, reduced appetite, weight loss, and skin issues such as ear infections or inflamed skin.
To diagnose IBD, veterinarians may perform blood work, fecal tests, or even endoscopy to identify inflammation. While endoscopy is often avoided due to cost, the goal is to identify and treat the root cause of your pet’s chronic diarrhea.
My Top Eight Holistic Remedies for Chronic Diarrhea in Pets
1. Dietary Adjustments For dogs, I recommend a simple, easily digestible, non-reactive carbohydrate source. Cats generally benefit from a straightforward protein-focused diet. For example, you could try a mix of 50% turkey and 50% white rice for dogs, while sticking to a single protein source like turkey for cats. A six-week strict hypoallergenic elimination diet can help identify if diet alone is the solution.
2. Deworming To rule out parasites, I suggest using a broad-spectrum dewormer like Panacur (fenbendazole). Chronic diarrhea could be linked to parasites such as Giardia, so treating with Panacur is a proactive approach. For cats, a specific treatment may be necessary if Trichomonas foetus is suspected.
3. Probiotics A good-quality, multi-strain probiotic is essential for restoring healthy gut bacteria. I recommend veterinary-specific probiotics with high CFU counts to help rebalance the intestinal tract and aid digestion. Our Dr. Jones’s Ultimate Probiotic Formula, containing 5 billion CFUs per capsule, is an excellent choice.
4. Slippery Elm This herb is a natural, anti-inflammatory, gut-soothing remedy that’s safe for all pets. Slippery elm coats and soothes the intestinal tract, reducing inflammation and supporting digestion. The standard dose is 400 mg per 10-20 pounds of body weight once or twice daily.
5. Vitamin B12 Supplement Vitamin B12, crucial for nerve and intestinal health, can be very beneficial for pets with IBD. Administering B12 either via injection (as taught by your vet) or orally at a dosage of about 1,000 mcg per 25 pounds of body weight can help improve intestinal healing and alleviate symptoms.
6. Licorice Root Extract Known as a natural alternative to corticosteroids, licorice root is a potent anti-inflammatory herb often used in Chinese medicine. Licorice root can be given for 14 days at a time with a week’s break in between. However, monitor liver and kidney health with prolonged use.
7. CBD (Cannabidiol) CBD can help to calm the overactive immune response in the gut that leads to inflammation. A standard dosage of 3 mg per 10 pounds of body weight twice daily can potentially reduce inflammation and ease digestive symptoms. Ensure you use a pet-safe CBD product, as it is both effective and safe when administered correctly.
8. Curcumin (Turmeric Extract) Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has shown promise in helping with chronic inflammation, including intestinal inflammation. Although results vary, a dosage of 250 mg per 50 pounds of body weight daily may be beneficial, especially if other remedies have not been effective.
9. Digestive Enzymes For pets with chronic diarrhea, adding digestive enzymes can aid in breaking down food properly and alleviating digestive issues. Our Digestive Care Soft Chews contain enzymes that target common food sensitivities and inflammatory reactions, plus probiotics to further support gut health.
