Slippery Elm

Slippery elm, also known as Ulmus rubra, is a natural remedy that’s been widely used for centuries to promote digestive health and soothe various problems in both humans and dogs. 

This herbal supplement is derived from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree and offers several potential benefits for our canine companions. Slippery elm is a useful herb to have on hand at all times, as it’s especially effective in managing all types of digestive issues. 

Let’s walk through the soothing properties of slippery elm for dogs and its many benefits … plus some risks and cautions to keep in mind before getting started. 

Slippery Elm Benefits For Dogs

Here are some of the ways slippery elm can help your dog. 

Gentle Digestive Aid

One of the primary benefits of slippery elm for dogs is its ability to relieve digestive problems. The inner bark of the slippery elm tree contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that becomes slippery when mixed with water. When swallowed, this mucilage coats the digestive tract, soothing inflammation and irritation along the way.

Slippery elm can be particularly helpful for dogs suffering from conditions such as: 

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Gastritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Acid refliux
• Leaky gut
• Gastrointestinal ulcers

It can help reduce discomfort, alleviate symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, and promote the healing of the digestive lining.

Soothe Irritated Skin

In addition to its benefits for the digestive system, slippery elm can also be used topically to soothe and protect the skin. It has emollient properties, meaning it forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface, helping to retain moisture and prevent further irritation.

If your dog is experiencing skin issues such as itching, hot spots, or minor wounds, a slippery elm poultice or ointment can provide relief. You can also make a slippery elm gel or paste by mixing it with water. It can help reduce inflammation, calm itching, and promote healing, allowing your dog's skin to recover more quickly.

Respiratory Support

Slippery elm is known for its demulcent properties, which means it can help soothe and relieve irritation in the respiratory tract. 

For dogs with respiratory conditions such as coughing, bronchitis, or kennel cough, slippery elm can provide gentle relief. It forms a protective layer in the throat and respiratory passages, reducing inflammation and helping to ease coughing and discomfort.

How Much Slippery Elm Can Dogs Have?

When using slippery elm for dogs, follow the recommended dosage guidelines provided by either your holistic vet or the product manufacturer. 

Some slippery elm supplements include added digestive support ingredients like marshmallow root, chamomile, ginger, aloe vera or licorice root. These are safe for dogs, but it’s best to buy a  product that’s formulated for dogs not people.

Here’s our general dosage recommendation when using slippery elm for dogs

Give ¼ tsp of powder for every 10 lbs of body weight. Mix the powder into food or some yogurt, or make a gel with water or broth.

Slippery elm gel or paste can also help if your dog gets something stuck in his throat or swallows something that needs help traveling through his digestive tract. This cold be a stick or a bone he didn't chew thoroughly enough, for example. Combine slippery elm powder with warm water, and feed to your dog when cool. You can syringe it into his throat if necessary.

Caution: If you use it for this purpose, keep an eye on your dog for any signs he might have a bowel obstruction, and get him to your vet immediately if he shows signs of discomfort.

Slippery Elm For Dogs: Risks And Cautions

Even though slippery elm is generally considered safe for dogs, every supplement has potential risks if it’s used improperly. 

Here are some of the common cautions to keep in mind when using slippery elm for your dog:

1. Allergic Reactions: Although uncommon, dogs can have allergic reactions to slippery elm. If you notice any signs of an allergic response such as itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, discontinue use immediately and consult your holistic vet.
2. Interactions with Medications: Slippery elm may interact with certain medications that are taken orally. It can potentially affect the absorption and effectiveness of these medications. If your dog is on any medications or has preexisting conditions, consult with your holistic vet before introducing slippery elm to ensure there are no potential interactions.
3. Prolonged Use and Dependence: Slippery elm is generally safe for short-term use, but prolonged or excessive use may lead to dependence or interfere with nutrient absorption. It's important to follow the recommended dosage guidelines above and use an appropriate duration of use as advised by your vet.

Remember that for all new foods and supplements, it’s generally best to introduce them into your dog’s diet and lifestyle slowly so that you can watch your pup’s reactions and ensure that all goes smoothly. 

Slippery Elm For Dogs | Bottom Line

Slippery elm can provide your dog with gentle support for many digestive, skin, and respiratory issues. It's a great herb to have hand to help relieve acute conditions like diarrhea, constipation or other digestive problems.