Upset Stomach in Ibizan Hound
Answered by: Kerry Hackett
Question from: Andra Walters
Posted on: February 26, 2007

My oldest Ibizan Hound (who being a sighthound is extremely sensitive to anaesthetics, traditional western pain meds and some anti-biotics) has times where she will lick the floor, wall, eat absolutely anything... I think trying to throw up when she has perhaps a burning stomach is what I think - if she cannot get out to get grass... LIKE NOW IN THE WINTER SNOW... I was wondering what herb you might suggest to give on a daily basis to best assist with digestion? My vet does both natural and traditional and I feed a raw diet and keep as organic as I can. EARLIER IN THE WEEK she was doing it and I gave her homeopathic Nux Vomica, Ipecac, Colocynthis and Cocculus; she found instant relief and settled to rest for the day. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I COULD TRY TO GROW AND CONTINUE TO GIVE THRU THE WINTER MONTHS to aid her at these times. I use digestive enzymes as well on her daily two meals.

It is difficult to say whether your dog is licking everything in order to make herself vomit or due to a need in her nutritional status. It is also hard to tell from your email whether she only goes into a licking phase after undergoing anaesthetics or consuming conventional medications or whether this action can take place at any time. In addition, there are many types of raw diets but they tend to fall into two camps: those with grain and those without. In my experience, animals have done better on diets with some grain involved as it tends to take the place of the natural fibre found in prey animals (fur, feathers, etc.) and helps the body clear waste matter. Animals who were fed a purely meat and vegetable diet usually displayed lower quality coats and sluggish dispositions.

Please see the work of Richard Pitcairn, "Natural Health for Dogs and Cats" and "The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat" by Juliette de Bairacli Levy for further information.

Next, you may want to look at a supplement powder to provide extra nutrition and fill in any "gaps" not met by her present diet. There are a number of these available of which Wysong’s "Call of the Wild" is one.

Third, there are a number of herbs that provide a demulcent (soothing) effect to the digestive tract; you might want to start with Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis). Put two teaspoons dried root in one cup of water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for fifteen minutes. Let cool and add one tablespoon to your dog’s food twice a day. Marshmallow is pretty easy to grow and is very attractive in any garden.

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