Dogs, just like us have tummy issues. Whether they inherited it, like a lot of us did, or it came upon them due to stress, changes in food or environment or poor diets.

Symptoms of an upset stomach in dogs are just like they are in us. Diarrhea and vomiting are the outcome for poor eating habits even when changes are made in their environment. It takes time to acclimate an animal to a new food or household and environmental changes can play havoc with their digestive system    The good thing is that there are many soothing and nutritious ways to help get a stressed-out canine digestive system back on track.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a great addition to your dog’s diet if they are having bouts of constipation or diarrhea. It is a terrific stool softener, making it a perfect remedy for constipation. And since it is very rich in fiber, one to two teaspoons in your dog’s food is an effective remedy for diarrhea. A sprinkle of ground pumpkin seeds can help destroy intestinal worms too. Pumpkin is truly a wonderful addition to their bowl!

Carob

Carob is rich in natural sugars and contains all the principal minerals and vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, magnesium and iron. Carob is great for calming an upset tummy and curbing diarrhea. It can be found in health food stores, either in vacuum sealed bags or in bulk form. Dogs really like the taste. I bet it tastes like chocolate !

I’ve been told it’s great to mix a teaspoon of carob powder with a bit of honey or molasses with spring water. You can always mix it with yogurt to top your dog’s food or just sprinkle it on.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a wonderful spice that is great for the treatment for nausea, fever and diarrhea. Native American Indians also used it for diarrhea, chills and to freshen breath. It is used much the same way today, treating a variety of gastrointestinal problems, including nausea and flatulence. The oil found in cinnamon has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is also a carminative and makes a digestive tonic when prepared as a tea. Just like carob, cinnamon can be sprinkled on your dog’s food. Try adding a shake or two to his daily diet.

Cabbage

Cabbage is one of the world’s healthiest foods. Research has shown that cabbage juice helps heal stomach ulcers, and very recent studies have illustrated it has a positive impact on the entire digestive tract. Cabbage contains a variety of nutrients that support the stomach and intestinal lining. Uncooked cabbage is high in glutamine. It has been proven to be both antibacterial and antiviral. Cabbage also contains S-methylmethionine, another compound with anti-ulcer properties, and its lactic acid helps settle gastritis.

Simple cabbage juice

Chop up a handful of purple cabbage, put it in a pot, add a cup or more of filtered water and heat gently, just until the water is a nice purple color. Remove from heat, cool and serve. Cabbage juice is soothing and can help stop diarrhea.

Honey

We have all heard that honey is packed with antioxidants and flavonoids, and its acidity or pH is low enough to hinder or even prevent the growth of many types of bacteria. There is substantial evidence that honey, especially New Zealand’s Manuka honey, may be effective against Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which causes stomach ulcers. The UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a phytochemically-derived antibacterial property found in some strains of Manuka honey. A UMF rating of 10 is the minimum recognized for beneficial healing properties. The term “UMF” is a guarantee that the honey you have purchased contains this special antibacterial property to at least the level indicated on the label.

To give your dog honey simply drizzle it on his food.

Slippery elm

Slippery Elm is a great herb for digestive disorders. When the bark is mixed with goat milk or goat milk yogurt, it lines the gut and intestines, protecting the mucous membranes from irritation. Slippery elm has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

Now that you know how to help your dog’s stomach ailments, maybe you could do the same for you?  All of the ingredients shown above can be taken by us humans too!