Slippery elm bark has been used medicinally for centuries, and is still popular today. The benefits of slippery elm for dogs are numerous, including treating diarrhea, constipation, and other gastrointestinal issues. It’s also effective at soothing sore throats and coughs, and can be helpful for respiratory problems. Additionally, slippery elm has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it beneficial for dogs with various health issues.
If your dog is experiencing any digestive problems, such as diarrhea or vomiting, you can give them slippery elm bark in capsule form. You can also make a tea from the bark and give it to your dog to drink.
Slippery elm bark tea is available online or at most health food stores. If your dog is suffering from a respiratory illness, slippery elm bark can be effective at soothing the symptoms.
Slippery elm bark contains compounds called mucilage and tannins. These have a slippery consistency, which gives slippery elm its name.
How Does Slippery Elm Work?
This slippery substance coats the walls of your dog’s stomach and intestines, relieving diarrhea or constipation by keeping stools moist. The coating may also keep other digestive enzymes from irritating the stomach lining.
Slippery elm bark tea can be given to dogs with upper respiratory infections to soothe nasal passages and throat irritation.
In addition to providing relief from spasms, slippery elm tea coats painful membranes in order to reduce swelling and inflammation. It also stimulates mucus production when your dog has a dry or irritated throat, balancing out excess inflammation.
Slippery Elm Dosage for Dogs
Slippery elm dosage for dogs is typically around 1-2 tablespoons per 10 pounds of weight, depending on the purpose of your treatment. For example, if you want to give your dog slippery elm for diarrhea or constipation, then you’ll want to use about 1 tablespoon per 10 pounds of weight. But if you’re giving it for sore throats or coughs, then use about 2 tablespoons per 10 pounds of weight.
If you purchase a slippery elm product, take a look at the directions on the package. Depending on if there are other ingredients in the mix, they may have a different recommendation.
Slippery Elm Side Effects in Dogs
There are no known side effects of slippery elm in dogs. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) recommends giving your dog slippery elm as long as he does not have any allergies or intolerance to herbs or plants. If your dog does have any allergies or intolerance, talk to your veterinarian about whether it’s safe to give him this herb before you do so.
The UMMC says that although there are no known risks associated with giving slippery elm to your dog, some people believe that it can cause diarrhea if given too much at once or on a daily basis for an extended period of time.
Read more:
9 Times Slippery Elm Can Help Your Dog
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