Digestive Problems in Small Animals

Digestive problems are one of the most common reasons people bring their pets to the veterinarian.  Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and flatulence plagues our beloved pets but the good news is there are numerous safe options for treating these common problems holistically and many of the solutions are not expensive.

Here are signs that you need to bring your pet to the veterinarian:

1. If vomiting is continuous over several hours
2. If the animal acts lethargic or depressed
3. If vomit contains blood (yellow or white is the usual color, not red)
4. If the animal cannot pass stools for more than two days
5. If the animal cannot keep water down

If the answer is "yes" to any of the above questions, go to the vet, but otherwise fast your pet for 24 hours (no food but water is okay). The reason you need to go the vet is your pet could have a poisoning, foreign body obstruction (may need surgery), bloat (emergency!) or organ failure. All of these require radiographs, bloodwork and, at the very least, intravenous fluid therapy.   IV therapy is the best thing Western medicine offers to help because gastrointestinal problems can cause dyhydration.  

The fasting period is super important because it allows the intestinal mucosa to rest and for the digestive system to utilize its own secretions to promote healing.  If the animal has "garbage gut" (e.g., got into the garbage or ate something unmentionable outdoors), you can give him 2 doses of Nux vomica 30C (available at most health food stores) during this fasting period.  After the fast, start the animal on a bland diet of boiled chicken and overcooked brown rice in very small amounts spread throughout the next day. 

If a fast and bland diet cures your pet, you may consider a diet change. In general, commercial pet foods are not optimal for dogs and cats. To a delicate mucosal surface, kibble can be harsh and extracts a large amount of fluid in order to process correctly. Canned food is often preferable to dry, especially for cats, but a homemade diet may be the best. Let your pet's digestion be your guide. Vomiting, diarrhea or even soft stools are not normal for any pet, and neither is binging on grass (an animals natural emetic system).  It's normal for pets to graze, but when they head for the grass like gangbusters there is generally a problem. They are trying to self medicate.

Here is a partial list in order of prevalence of the underlying causes of chronic or recurrent, digestive problems. The symptoms are often the same.

1. Inflammatory Bowel Disesase (IBD): This is a catch-all diagnosis that usually but not always is another way of saying food allergies. It is entirely curable using only holistic medicine, diet changes, NAET and herbal remedies.
2. Gastroenteritis: That is the older name for essentially the same thing as IBD but infers the inflammation may be located more cranial, or closer to the mouth than the anus.
3. Pancreatis: Inflammation of the pancreas as opposed to the gastrointestinal tract. I might suspect this in a pet with diabetes or a known pancreatic condition. 
4. Ulcers, polyps or tumors.
5. Organ failure or liver or kidney imbalance.

Here is a safe protocol that you can try for your dog or cat with chronic or recurrent vomiting or diarrhea:

1. Homemade diet (see Nutrition).
2. Digestive enzymes: Prozyme, Wobenzym and OptaGest are some common brands. These aid in the pancreatic ability to produce exocrine digestive enzymes.
3. Probiotics: Jarrow's Petdophilis is one brand but there are many. Choose products that require refrigeration and keep them refrigerated.
4. Marshmallow root powder: 1/2 tsp per 10 lbs. body weight twice a day. Marshmallow root is more ecological than slippery elm and more effective.

Myles' Story

"Shortly after I adopted Myles when he was three it became clear he had some health issues as he was prone to throwing up quite a bit. I had been feeding him a raw food diet, mainly chicken or turkey based. After exploring many options, he was eventually diagnosed with IBD, and numerous Chinese herbs and homeopathic remedies weren't working.

"In July 2008, I realized we needed to see Dr. Donna as I knew she was a nutrition expert. I didn't know anything about NAET, but on our first visit, she discovered he was allergic to protein among other things. No wonder he was throwing up all the time! He ate only mashed potato and parsley for awhile as we cleared things out and slowly added protein back in. His vomiting slowed down to just a few times a week, and he was gaining weight. As this improved, he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. After some trial and error, we landed on a thyroid ear cream, a new supplement regimen, and switched to a home-cooked diet.

"Over the last six months Myles has held steady. Occasionally, the protein slips, so we do a treatment and he's back on track. It has been almost two years since our first appointment and he is now rarely throwing up food, he is at an optimum weight, and his fur is shiny and soft. His liver enzymes are normal and his hyperthyroidism is under control.

"It took us a lot of persistence and work, and along the way I realized bodies heal in their own way and time. Dr. Donna had to keep reminding me that, when I got anxious and upset, it didn't help Myles heal but only kept him stuck. She is a true healer and always comes up with different solutions if something isn't working."

Read more client stories.