Digestion – Acute Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Constipation

Course Complete

This lesson covers vomiting, food poisoning, ingesting foreign objects, eliminating foreign objects, diarrhoea, constipation

Ingesting Something They Shouldn't

Cats and dogs are very good at vomiting up anything that doesn’t agree with them. Normally they will first chew on grass or a herb (which they use as medicine). This will induce vomiting, and that’s usually the end of the problem.

Continuous vomiting may be because they can’t expel whatever it is or may be a digestive issue.

Vomiting can also indicate a chronic digestive issue, but although uncomfortable, this probably isn’t an emergency, at least in the beginning.

Constant vomiting can be. It can also lead to dehydration. This would be more serious in a young, growing animal than in an otherwise healthy adult.

If a dog swallows a large bone, they are likely to be uncomfortable for a day or two, but it will pass through.

If it’s a plastic toy or some other synthetic object, again, it is likely it will pass through in time, if they don’t regurgitate it straight back up. The size of the mouth and throat are proportionate for passing through the rest of the digestive tract.

The homeopathic remedy Silica will help the process. Several doses may be necessary a hour or so apart initially, then tapering off. It will still take time to pass through the digestive tract, perhaps days. Fast them during this time.

Horses are good at spitting things out that don't feel right.

Cows aren't as sensible and will eat things that can cause harm. Possibly the first symptom you'll see is a lack of appetite. This is serious in a herbivore. Silica will help. An X-ray may be useful.

Eliminating Foreign Objects

A regular patient rang me up in distress. She’d taken her dog out for a walk and ‘a piece of wood’ was lodged in his eye.
You don’t want to pull a foreign object out as it can create a haemorrhage,. I recommended she dose her dog with Silica. The following morning, it had fallen out and there was no sign of any injury. There was no apparent loss of sight.

Silica is excellent for expelling unwanted foreign objects. Depending on how recent, how big and how deep it is, will vary the time it takes to expel. It may take days, weeks or months.

Food poisoning, Vomiting, Diarrhoea

Cats in particular, but dogs too, are good at vomiting things that disagree with them. Fur-balls at season changes are normal and don’t need any treatment. You want that to come out.

Dogs have what I call ‘cast iron stomachs’ They can eat any natural food that’s rotting, other animals stool and not only consider that delicious, but come to no harm. I suggest it actually helps them.

An animal who vomits regularly is likely to have either a chronic a digestive issue or has ingested something unnatural like a chemical or poison.

See the relevant section.

A chronic digestive issue will normally be slow to reach a serious stage, so is unlikely to be an emergency. I recommend consulting with a homeopath to get it sorted before that happens.

Food poisoning can result in purging from both ends or just one. That can go on for quite a while.

Many years ago I had food poisoning in France after I ate mussels. I had purging at both ends that went on pretty much all night. Luckily the toilet and wash basin were close together! Obviously I was washed out in the morning, but had recovered enough by lunchtime, to enjoy more French cuisine!

So be prepared that it may take time. Arsenicum album is the best remedy for food poisoning.

If the animal has eaten something bad, such as bad eggs or bad fish, then Carbo veg can help. Remember that dogs can happily eat natural rotten things, such as meat or produce.

If an animal eats too much fat then Carbo veg and Arsenicum can help, depending on the symptoms, see the remedies for more information.

There are too many remedies for constant vomiting to mention here. It depends on the cause, the characteristics and the modalities. However, Aconite ad Rescue Remedy are always good to start with when the cause is unknown and the above remedies don't seem appropriate. If it goes on too long in a very young, growing animal, then an emergency visit may be indicated.

Whilst dehydration is a problem to consider with continued purging, it’s unlikely to be a cause of concern in an otherwise healthy adult animal who only suffers a day or two. The younger, growing ones need more careful watching and attention.

The anti-nausea drugs should be avoided as whatever it is, needs to come out, not be trapped inside to cause mischief. But they may give temporary relief for the duration. Then book a consultation with your homeopath to get to the real problem so it doesn't catch you unawares again.

Constipation

Constipation is when the animal is straining to pass a stool, but seems to be unable to. It is NOT about the frequency of a bowel movement.

Cats on a quality raw diet will often reduce their bowel movements to once every two even three days. As long as they are able to, this is perfectly normal and natural.

Dogs tend to poo/poop every day, at least once, regardless of their diet.

Horses naturally poo/poop many times a day.

A common reason for constipation is not enough water in the diet. It’s always a good idea to make the meals wet especially for cats, who don’t have a natural thirst. Most dogs have a good thirst so it doesn’t need to be supplemented. But for those who don’t have much thirst, make sure the food is wet by adding water.

If a horse becomes constipated, it’s normally from a shock or injury. See relevant section.

Always consider dehydration as a cause of constipation. See relevant section.

Nux vomica can be helpful in some cases.

Constipation isn’t what I would call an emergency, as it’s more uncomfortable than life threatening. However, other acute measures, apart from the water, include adding a few drops of coconut oil to a cats meal, or a teaspoon for an average dog. Psyllium husk for dogs and horses can also help.

Chronic constipation is best treated professionally.

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two legs and four holistic health academy

This self empowering collection of courses is to help you and yours achieve optimum health through diet, lifestyle and the use of some of the common homeopathic remedies. All in the comfort of your home.

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