About Slippery Elm for Pets
Slippery Elm is a herb that is most often used in a tea that is used in natural cancer treatments.
It can also be used on dogs and cats as a natural way to treat many intestinal problems. Most cats and dogs have negative reactions to herbs and medicines made from herbs due to the lining of their stomachs.
Most of the herbs on the market today are actually toxic to cats, as they do not have a strong enough stomach to break down the herbs. Some dogs also have a problem with breaking down certain herbs.
Thankfully, Slippery Elm is safe and nontoxic for both dogs and cats and comes recommended by numerous vets.
The Slippery Elm’s internal bark is made into capsules that can be given to dogs and cats. Because of the tough nature of the bark, it cannot be ground into powder form or turned into a liquid.
So for pet owners that may have a picky eater or a pet who does not like taking pills, you may have to get creative with how your pet takes this capsule.
Because of its natural ingredients, you will need to decide with your vet whether or not it is best for your pet. It may interact negatively with other prescription medications.
There are many uses for Slippery Elm, but the main uses are for mouth, stomach, and gastrointestinal issues.
There are a few things to know before giving your pet Slippery Elm, and remembering these items will help you make sure that your pet is getting the right amount and you are using the product correctly.
Make sure that your Slippery Elm is used properly. You can either use it as the capsule or empty the capsule into some water and give your pet the paste that is created.
Timing is also important when it comes to giving your pet Slippery Elm. You do not want to give it to them within an hour of another medication or supplement.
It is recommended that you give Slippery Elm to your pet once or twice a day, usually with a meal or around bedtime.
Getting your pet on a schedule with the Slippery Elm will help you make sure that they are taking it regularly and that it will not have the chance to interact with any other medication they may be taking.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Slippery Elm has been known to improve the lining of the intestinal tract. This is great for pets who suffer from moderate to severe gastrointestinal problems.
It can also help with stomach issues in pets, such as constipation or inflammation of the bowels.
If you are using Slippery Elm for gastrointestinal problems that are local to the small intestine or stomach, research shows that it best to give Slippery Elm to your pet about an hour before they eat.
This will help coat the intestines and make it easier for them to ingest their foods. If your pet is having problems with constipation, try giving it to them after they have eaten.
Mouth or Throat Issues
Like humans, dogs and cats can have sore throats and ulcers in their mouths. But unlike humans, they cannot take over the counter medication to help remedy the situation.
This is where the Slippery Elm comes into play. You can turn your Slippery Elm into a syrup that can be given in a syringe to your pet.
Turning it into syrup is the best road to take if your pet is having a large number of mouth or throat issues, as this will be the best way to give them their medication.
If your pet is suffering from mouth ulcers, you will want to give them a dose before they eat a meal to help coat their mouth and throat and make their food easier to ingest.
If they are suffering from a sore throat, simply giving them Slippery Elm syrup a few times a day will help, but make sure to fully coat the back of their throat each time.
Inflammatory Problems
If your dog or cat suffers from inflammatory problems in their joints or other parts of their bodies, you can simply give them Slippery Elm a few times a day to help keep it under control.
This would be a great addition to any medication that is being given to them by their vet, as the Slippery Elm could help aid the prescription medication and make sure that your pet stays as comfortable as possible.
Skin
If your cat or dog is having problems with their skin, such as rashes, insect bites, or small wounds, you can actually use Slippery Elm to help relieve their pain or discomfort.
Making a paste out of the Slippery Elm and applying it to the affected area and allowing it to dry can help start healing in the problem area.
As long as your pet does not bother the spot, you can leave the Slippery Elm paste on for a few hours before removing it.
This could help you if your pet falls into an ant bed or gets a small cut, and it saves you a trip to the vet’s office.
Slippery Elm Review Summary
Slippery Elm is an endangered plant that can be used to make medications for cats and dogs.
If you choose to use the Slippery Elm, please use it sparingly, as there are not many plants left to harvest.
Make sure that you use a routine with it, and only use it when needed to make sure that you always have some on hand.
This is one of the few herbs out there that is safe for use by both cats and dogs. Because of this, you will want to make sure that you are getting pure Slippery Elm.
The majority of cats cannot use any other kind of herbs, and some dogs have had negative reactions to other herb supplements.
Talk with your pet’s vet to make sure that it is okay for your pet to consume Slippery Elm before you begin giving it to them.
