Your Dog's Gut Microbiome: A Gentle Herbal Guide to a Happy Tummy

Hello again!

If you have ever been woken in the night by a gurgling tummy, or you worry about your dog's loose stools, windy evenings or sensitive digestion, you are certainly not alone. Tummy troubles are one of the most common things owners ask me about.

Over my 40 years as a herbalist, I have come to see the gut as the heart of a dog's wellbeing. Let us look at what is going on in there, and the gentle ways we can support a happy tummy.

What is the gut microbiome?

Your dog's gut is home to trillions of tiny, friendly microbes, together known as the gut microbiome. When it is varied and balanced, it plays a part in digestion, the body's natural defences and even skin and coat.

I like to think of it as a busy garden. A rich mix of healthy plants keeps the weeds at bay. But stress, sudden food changes, a course of antibiotics or a bout of illness can all upset the balance for a while.

Gentle herbs for digestive comfort

These are the herbs I have relied on for years. They are traditionally used to support a comfortable, settled tummy:

• Slippery elm bark: one of my oldest favourites. Mixed with water, it forms a soft, gel-like paste, and has been used for generations to support digestive comfort.
• Marshmallow root: another gentle, mucilage-rich herb, traditionally used to support the gut lining.
• Chamomile: a calming flower, traditionally used for tummies that get upset when a dog is anxious or unsettled.
• Fennel and dill: gentle kitchen herbs traditionally used for windy, bloated tummies.

Slippery elm can affect how some medicines are absorbed, so give it at a different time from any medication and check with your vet first.

Where probiotics and prebiotics fit in

Probiotics are friendly bacteria, and prebiotics are the fibres that feed them. A probiotic made specifically for dogs can be a helpful addition, particularly after antibiotics or a tummy upset. Human probiotics are formulated for people, so choose one made for dogs and ask your vet which would suit.

Fibre-rich foods such as a little cooked pumpkin or green beans can also help feed those friendly microbes.

Everyday habits for a happy tummy

• Change food slowly. Mix old and new over seven to ten days.
• Introduce one new thing at a time. Then you will know what agrees with your dog.
• Keep scavenging in check. Bins, dead things and fatty leftovers are common culprits.
• Avoid toxic foods. Onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate and xylitol are all harmful to dogs.
• Keep stress low. A calm routine helps sensitive tummies.

Natural support for digestion

My Total Digestive Herbal Support Powder is a hand-blended mix of herbs designed to support your dog's digestive wellbeing. It simply stirs into food and fits alongside a good diet and the habits above.

When to call your vet

Natural support sits alongside veterinary care, not instead of it. Please contact your vet if your dog:

• Has diarrhoea or sickness lasting more than a day, or keeps coming back
• Has blood in their stools or vomit
• Is a puppy, an older dog, or already has a health condition
• Seems lethargic, won't eat or drink, or has a painful or swollen tummy
• Is retching without bringing anything up, which can be an emergency
• Is losing weight

Final thoughts

Looking after your dog's gut is one of the kindest things you can do for their overall wellbeing. Feed well, make changes slowly, keep stress low and welcome a little gentle help from nature, with your vet on hand whenever something doesn't seem right.

Natural love & care,

Elaine, The Dog Herbalist