
Best Herbs To Relieve Diarrhoea in Dogs Naturally
Introduction
Diarrhoea in dogs is a common issue that can arise from various causes, including dietary indiscretion, stress, infections, or chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This article provides a comprehensive guide to the best herbs for managing and preventing diarrhoea in dogs. You’ll learn how specific herbs can help firm stools, soothe the digestive tract, and address the underlying causes of diarrhoea. Detailed information on the bioactive compounds in each herb and their mechanisms of action is provided to help you understand how to naturally support your dog’s digestive health.
Table of Contents
- Firming Stools
- Soothing the Digestive Tract
- Addressing Infections and Inflammation
- Supporting Gut Microbiome Balance
Comprehensive List of Herbs for Dogs’ Diarrhoea
- Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
- Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
- Liquorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
- Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
- Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Aniseed Oil (Pimpinella anisum)
- Echinacea Purpurea
- Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
- Burdock (Arctium lappa)
- Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
- Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
- Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)
- Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Summary
Areas Covered
This article focuses on the following areas of dog diarrhoea management:
- Firming Stools: Herbs that help solidify stools and prevent loose bowel movements.
- Soothing the Digestive Tract: Herbs that provide a calming effect on the digestive system.
- Addressing Infections and Inflammation: Herbs that target the root causes of diarrhoea, such as infections or inflammation.
- Supporting Gut Microbiome Balance: Herbs that help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
Comprehensive List of Herbs for Dogs’ Diarrhoea
1. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
- Bioactive Compounds: Mucilage, Tannins
- Mechanism of Action: Coats the intestinal lining, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
- Impact: Firms stools and alleviates diarrhoea.
2. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
- Bioactive Compounds: Mucilage, Pectin
- Mechanism of Action: Forms a protective layer on mucous membranes, soothing irritation.
- Impact: Reduces inflammation and calms the digestive tract.
3. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
- Bioactive Compounds: Menthol, Menthyl acetate
- Mechanism of Action: Relaxes gastrointestinal muscles, reduces gas, and eases discomfort.
- Impact: Reduces symptoms associated with diarrhoea, such as cramping and bloating.
4. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
- Bioactive Compounds: Bisabolol, Apigenin
- Mechanism of Action: Soothes the digestive tract and reduces inflammation.
- Impact: Eases diarrhoea caused by stress or mild infections.
5. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
- Bioactive Compounds: Anethole, Fenchone
- Mechanism of Action: Antispasmodic effects reduce cramping, bloating, and gas.
- Impact: Supports overall digestive function and reduces loose stools.
6. Liquorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Bioactive Compounds: Glycyrrhizin, Flavonoids
- Mechanism of Action: Anti-inflammatory properties soothe the gastrointestinal lining.
- Impact: Helps with diarrhoea caused by inflammation and irritation.
7. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
- Bioactive Compounds: Berberine, Hydrastine
- Mechanism of Action: Antimicrobial properties help fight infections in the digestive tract.
- Impact: Treats diarrhoea caused by bacterial infections.
8. Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
- Bioactive Compounds: Berberine
- Mechanism of Action: Similar to Goldenseal, it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Impact: Reduces gastrointestinal infections that cause diarrhoea.
9. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
- Bioactive Compounds: Flavonoids, Triterpenoids
- Mechanism of Action: Promotes healing in the digestive tract and reduces inflammation.
- Impact: Supports recovery from diarrhoea, especially when accompanied by gastrointestinal inflammation.
10. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
- Bioactive Compounds: Myristicin, Apigenin
- Mechanism of Action: Diuretic and digestive stimulant properties aid in digestion.
- Impact: Reduces gas and bloating associated with diarrhoea.
11. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Bioactive Compounds: Thymol, Carvacrol
- Mechanism of Action: Antimicrobial properties help combat digestive infections.
- Impact: Supports gastrointestinal health and reduces diarrhoea caused by infections.
12. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Bioactive Compounds: Gingerol, Shogaol
- Mechanism of Action: Anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects promote digestive comfort.
- Impact: Reduces symptoms of diarrhoea and improves digestion.
13. Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
- Bioactive Compounds: Salicylic acid, Tannins
- Mechanism of Action: Anti-inflammatory and astringent properties soothe the digestive system.
- Impact: Helps with diarrhoea associated with mild stomach upset and acid reflux.
14. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Bioactive Compounds: Rosmarinic acid, Terpenes
- Mechanism of Action: Calms the digestive system and reduces spasms.
- Impact: Eases diarrhoea caused by nervous stomach or stress.
15. Aniseed Oil (Pimpinella anisum)
- Bioactive Compounds: Anethole
- Mechanism of Action: Carminative properties reduce gas and bloating.
- Impact: Eases digestive discomfort and supports digestion.
16. Echinacea Purpurea
- Bioactive Compounds: Alkamides, Cichoric acid
- Mechanism of Action: Immunomodulatory effects support the immune system and reduce inflammation.
- Impact: Supports overall digestive health and helps manage diarrhoea associated with infections.
17. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
- Bioactive Compounds: Thujone, Absinthe
- Mechanism of Action: Stimulates digestion and combats intestinal parasites.
- Impact: Supports digestive health and reduces diarrhoea caused by parasitic infections.
18. Burdock (Arctium lappa)
- Bioactive Compounds: Inulin, Arctiin
- Mechanism of Action: Detoxifies the body and supports liver and kidney function.
- Impact: Promotes healthy digestion and supports recovery from diarrhoea.
19. Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)
- Bioactive Compounds: Anthraquinones, Tannins
- Mechanism of Action: Stimulates bile production and promotes detoxification.
- Impact: Supports liver health and digestion, aiding in recovery from diarrhoea.
20. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
- Bioactive Compounds: Inulin, Taraxacin
- Mechanism of Action: Stimulates bile production, supporting digestion.
- Impact: Supports liver function and helps manage diarrhoea.
21. Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
- Bioactive Compounds: Harpagoside, Phytosterols
- Mechanism of Action: Anti-inflammatory properties reduce digestive inflammation.
- Impact: Helps with diarrhoea caused by gastrointestinal inflammation.
22. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Bioactive Compounds: Linalool, Linalyl acetate
- Mechanism of Action: Calms the digestive system and reduces anxiety-related digestive issues.
- Impact: Eases indigestion and diarrhoea associated with stress or anxiety.
23. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
- Bioactive Compounds: Flavonoids, Harmine
- Mechanism of Action: Reduces gastrointestinal spasms and calms the digestive tract.
- Impact: Eases diarrhoea caused by nervousness and stress.
24. Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)
- Bioactive Compounds: Viburnin, Tannins
- Mechanism of Action: Antispasmodic effects reduce gastrointestinal cramps and discomfort.
- Impact: Helps alleviate cramps and discomfort associated with diarrhoea.
25. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
- Bioactive Compounds: Acemannan, Anthraquinones
- Mechanism of Action: Soothes and heals the digestive tract, promoting healthy bowel movements.
- Impact: Eases symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhoea.
Summary
This extensive list of herbs provides a natural and effective way to manage and treat diarrhoea in dogs. Each herb is carefully selected for its specific bioactive compounds and their role in addressing the causes of diarrhoea, such as infection, inflammation, stress, and digestive imbalance. By incorporating these herbs into your dog’s diet, under the guidance of a veterinarian, you can promote firmer stools, reduce digestive discomfort, and support overall gut health. For further detailed information, please refer to the Guide on diarrhoea in dogs and Herbs for Dog’s Health and the research piece on the best herbs for dogs, Veterinary Herbal Medicine: A Systems-Based Approach.
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It includes the following science informed ingredients to provide the very best preventative and curative support for your dog’s stomach health:
- Prebiotics (inulin, baobab, FOS and MOS)
- Probiotics (Calsporin® Bacillus velezensis)
- Postbiotics (TruPet™)
- Omega-3 + DHA (DHAgold®)
- Adaptogens (Turmeric, Panax Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng)
- Herbs (Ginger, Parsley, Chamomile, Echinacea
If you are looking for further information on Diarrhoea in Dogs these articles may be of interest Best Vegan Dog Food for Dogs with Diarrhoea and Best Food for Dogs with Diarrhoea
For increased support Bonza Belly is a science-based supplement for diarrhoea and gut health in dogs that delivers highly effective support for dogs with gastrointestinal issues.
