Natural remedies for stomach problems such as indigestion and digestive upset in cats and dogs.

Digestive Upset

remedies for cats and dogs with upset stomachs and digestive problems

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What are Digestive Upsets?
What Causes Digestive Upsets?
Help for Digestive Upsets
More Information on Digestive Upsets

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What are Digestive Upsets?

Just like us, our pets are often subject to the harmful effects of convenient processed diets, preservatives and additives in food, environmental pollutants, and the stress of modern living. These factors can affect digestive functioning and can result in a number of digestive complaints and upsets.

What Causes Digestive Upsets?

One of the biggest problems causing digestive upsets are the commercial tinned and dried foods that often promote themselves as being the "best" diet for your pet! It often takes a little experimenting with high quality diets to find one that suits your pet’s individual dietary and physical needs.

Table scraps are also sometimes the source of the problem as our pet’s digestive systems are not able to handle many of the foods we eat, especially when they are high in additives, fat and spices. Some pets also seem to have more sensitive stomachs and digestive systems, and may just be prone to a number of digestive problems such as stomach inflammation, frequent vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, constipation, IBS and bloating.

Chronic and acute digestive upsets are unpleasant for both you and your pet and because they are so often resistant to treatment, many pet owners are faced with the helpless feeling of seeing their pet in pain and discomfort, with little idea on how to help them.

Help for Digestive Upsets

Natural Remedies

Luckily nature has a first aid box filled with the natural herbal and homeopathic ingredients to relieve a number of digestive disorders and upsets. In nature, many animals would instinctively seek out the herbs that would make them feel better, but since our pets do not have easy access to these ingredients, it is up to pet owners to provide them.

Licorice is one such natural ingredient that has outstanding anti-inflammatory properties and works as a very effective tonic for the entire digestive system. Other natural ingredients for digestive upsets include Slippery elm which is an excellent digestive herb and has a long history of use in the treatment of digestive disorders, and Marshmallow which is well known for soothing painful and inflamed mucous membranes of the digestive tract.

More Information on Digestive Upsets

Tips for promoting digestive health

Dietary intolerance is a leading cause of digestive upset in pets. It only takes intolerance to a single ingredient in your pet’s food to cause digestive complaints such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Opt for high quality, balanced diets filled with unprocessed foods, and if necessary, experiment with a few different diets to find one that most suits your pet’s digestive system.
Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh clean water available at all times. Many cats are fussy water drinkers and may only drink from water sources other than their water bowel, such as from running taps, baths, or your drinking glass. Keep at least two sources of water around for your pet.
Food and water bowels should be made from glass, ceramics or stainless steel, and not plastic. Plastic is porous and can harbor bacteria. Bowels should also be washed regularly with hot water.
Many pets will refuse to eat if they are feeling ill. This natural fasting process give’s your pet’s digestive system time to rest and heal, so don’t worry too much if your otherwise healthy pet skips a meal. If however, your pet doesn’t eat for 48 hours, or shows other symptoms of illness, then a trip to the vet is necessary.
Certain foods such as onions and chocolate are toxic for pets and should never be given as treats. Other human foods can also cause digestive upsets such as very spicy, or rich foods. Next time your pet lashing those pleading eyes at the dinner table, just say "no" or opt for a healthy pet treat.
Furballs can seriously disrupt the digestive system and cause a number of digestive complaints. It is therefore important to manage furballs with regular grooming and natural supplements, if they are a problem for your pet