doggy runs...

Question
My dog has had diarrea (dont know how to spell it)  for a few days now. is there any thing that we can do to help him get over this? he ate some ham the other day like 3 days ago and that is when it all started.  

Answer
Hello Rachel -

It is very possible that the ham could have triggered a possible allergic reaction in your pet's system or the ham may have had a bacteria present that got into his system. He could also simply have a stomach virus. Either way the following suggestions will help you through this ailment.

The simpliest thing to try is to add Garlic powder to his food. Garlic is an anti-microbial and helps to fight bacteria and infection in the system. Don't be afriad to sprinkle it with a heavy hand, dog's love Garlic and he should eat it up right away. The only draw back to adding Garlic to the food is flatulence. It may be a little stinky but the Garlic is doing its job by pushing the bacteria through the system. Just keep a couple clothes pins handy! If there is bacteria present from the ham, his will help it passs through the body and get rid of it. This is safe and effective for long term use as well.

Also, give your dog, plain yogurt. The live cultures in yogurt are known as Probiotics. These cultures help to build up good bacteria in the gut and help to support proper digestion in humans and animals. If he is sick this will also help get rid of the bacteria and help to reestablish the good bacteria in the gut and will allow for a faster healing time. You could give this to your pet daily, it is not harmful and will really benefit your pets overall health long term.

Keep lots of water available for your pet. Diarrhea dehydrates the body and he will need the additional water to restore proper balance.

As a last resort, you could administer Pepto-Bismol to your pet. Do not administer more then 2 (two) doses in a 24 hour period. If taken in large doses it can be harmful and NEVER give Pepto to cats. This should settle his stomach but still give the Garlic and yogurt.

If the diarrhea persists for longer then 5 days, schedule and appointment with your veterinarian. They will be able to check for other illnes' or allergies. Be sure to bring a stool sample so they can exmaine it for foreign matter.

I hope this information has helped you and your pet.

If you would like information on natural and herbal remedies for human and animal concerns please contact me at wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be ahppy to help you and would also send you my catalog of home made herbal remedies.

Best wishes to you and your pet.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certfied Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist