Tummy Soothers

As pet owners, we all know the sinking feeling that comes when our furry friends experience tummy troubles. Whether it's from gobbling down their food too quickly or sneaking a forbidden treat, digestive upsets can leave both pets and their owners feeling uneasy. But fear not! With a few simple ingredients commonly found in your kitchen cupboard, you can whip up some gentle remedies to ease your pet's discomfort.

Surprisingly, common ingredients like pumpkin, cabbage, rice, cinnamon, ginger, and honey can be powerful allies in alleviating your furry friend's tummy troubles. Here's how each of these pantry staples can work wonders for your pet:

1. Pumpkin: A staple in many households, plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is a treasure trove of soluble fiber. This fiber helps regulate bowel movements, making it an excellent remedy for both diarrhea and constipation in pets. Simply mix a tablespoon, for cats and small dogs, or up to three tablespoons for large dogs, of pumpkin into your pet's food to provide relief.

2. Cabbage: While you may not think of cabbage as a pet-friendly food, it can actually offer relief to pets experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort. Cabbage can help soothe inflammation in the digestive tract, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Also, cabbage contains many nutrients that support the tummy and intestinal lining. Ensure you remove the tough outer leaves, chop the cabbage into small, manageable pieces, and boil it before offering it to your pet. You can also use the cabbage water from one of your culinary adventures to help your furry friend.

3. Rice: Plain, cooked rice is a bland and easily digestible carbohydrate that can help firm up loose stools in pets. Acting as a binding agent, rice absorbs excess moisture in the digestive tract, providing relief from diarrhea. Serve your pet a small portion of cooked rice alongside their regular food to help settle their stomach.

4. Cinnamon: This aromatic spice not only adds flavor to dishes but also has long been considered a treatment for nausea, fever, and diarrhea. A pinch of ground cinnamon sprinkled over your pet's food can help soothe an upset stomach and aid in digestion. However, use cinnamon sparingly, as large amounts can be irritating to pets' stomachs. Limit one (1) teaspoon daily and never let any pet chew on a cinnamon stick!

5. Ginger: Known for its medicinal properties, ginger is a natural remedy for nausea and upset stomachs in both humans and pets. You can grate a small amount of fresh ginger or sprinkle a pinch of ground ginger onto your pet's food to help ease their discomfort. Dose 100 mg for every 25 lbs. Repeat every 6-8 hours. For pets that will drink this concoction, boil peeled fresh ginger root. When it cools, let the fur baby lap it up. Not only a tummy soother, this can also prevent motion sickness when given 20-30 minutes before a road trip.

6. Honey: This sweet treat isn't just for humans – it can also offer relief to pets with upset stomachs. Honey's natural antibacterial properties can help soothe inflammation in the digestive system. It is packed with antioxidants and flavonoids, and its pH is low enough to slow or prevent the growth of many types of bacteria. A teaspoon of raw, unpasteurized honey can be added to your pet's water or drizzled over their food to encourage them to eat.

While these kitchen cupboard remedies can be effective for mild digestive upsets, it's crucial to monitor your pet closely and consult with a veterinarian if their symptoms persist or worsen. Remember, every pet is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. With a little love and the right ingredients, you can help your pet feel better and get back to their playful selves in no time.