Digestive upset is one of the most common reasons pet parents seek help. Occasional diarrhea or vomiting can happen, but repeated episodes or changes in stool can signal deeper issues such as food intolerance, parasites, infections, inflammation, or organ stress. Understanding what your pet’s symptoms mean can help you act quickly and support their digestive system before small issues become larger problems.
A must have in your pets first aid kit is Adored Beast Gut Soothe or Adored Beast Feline Gut Soothe. It is fanstastic for diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and upset tummy. Have it on hand for when these occassions arise….don’t wait to buy it.
Hydration is key when your pet has diarrhea or vomiting. Bone broth, raw fermented goats milk (5% off with this URL) or electrolytes are all excellent options.
For mild digestive upset, small portions of an easily digestible bland diet may be helpful (tip: chicken and rice is not a good bland diet). Fasting isn’t appropriate for every pet—especially cats, puppies, kittens, seniors or pets with certain health conditions.
Dogs and cats can develop diarrhea, vomiting, or changes in their stool for a variety of reasons. Some of the more common ones include:
From a holistic perspective, these issues are often linked to imbalances in the gut and immune system. Supporting digestive health with a wholesome, species-appropriate diet, probiotics, natural supplements, and stress reduction can make a big difference. Addressing the root cause — rather than just the symptoms — helps dogs and cats heal more fully and maintain long-term wellness. Your pets will thrive, not just survive.
If your pet got diarrhea or vomiting after opening a new can or bag of food that they normally eat, visit our pet food toxicity page. If you are transitioning to a new food click here.
Vomiting and diarrhea are some of the most common tummy troubles pets experience, and they can be stressful for both you and your furry friend. The treatment really depends on what’s causing the upset, but veterinarians often use a few tried-and-true options to bring relief. If your pet is nauseous, medications like Cerenia, Ondansetron, or Metoclopramide may be given to help calm the stomach. When diarrhea is present, a vet might prescribe something like Metronidazole or Tylosin, especially if infection or inflammation is suspected. Sometimes stomach acid reducers such as Famotidine (Pepcid) or Omeprazole are recommended but we sugest you use holistic options. Because staying hydrated is so important, fluids under the skin or through an IV may be given, and in many cases a gentle, bland diet or low-fat food is recommended to help the digestive system rest and recover.Alongside conventional veterinary care, gentle holistic approaches may also support recovery, particularly for mild digestive upset once serious underlying causes have been ruled out.
Along side traditional veterinary care, gentle holistic approaches may also support recovery, particularly for mild digestive upset once serious underlying causes have been ruled out. We recommmend you try these first. Many families find that simple, home-prepared bland diets made with gently cooked turkey or white fish and pumpkin, can soothe the digestive tract. We do not recommend chicken and rice as a bland diet. Probiotics and prebiotics are wonderful for restoring healthy gut bacteria, and natural herbs such as slippery elm bark, marshmallow root, or chamomile can provide gentle comfort. Bone broth is another nourishing option that’s easy to digest and healing to the gut lining, while colostrum can help strengthen both the immune system and digestive health. In some cases, remedies like activated charcoal or bentonite clay may be used to bind toxins, though these should be guided by a veterinarian. For pets with ongoing issues, more advanced holistic therapies like fecal microbiota transplants (FMT), acupuncture, or Chinese herbal medicine may also be considered.
The good news is that many mild tummy upsets can be managed with simple, soothing care at home, while more serious or chronic concerns can benefit from a thoughtful blend of veterinary treatments and holistic support. With the right balance, you can help your pet’s digestion heal and keep them feeling comfortable, happy, and healthy.
Dog poop might not be the most glamorous topic, but it’s one of the clearest windows into your pet’s overall health. This Poop Inspector Cheat Sheet breaks down the essentials of consistency, color, and contents so you can quickly spot what’s normal — and what might need a closer look.
Consistency Matters
The ideal stool should be firm, mostly odorless, and easy to pick up without leaving residue. Anything too hard may signal dehydration, while soggy, soft-serve, or liquid stools can point to dietary issues, infections, or the need for added fiber. If you notice diarrhea or watery “poop soup,” it’s often a red flag that your dog is dehydrated or reacting poorly to something in their diet.
Color & Content Clues
Healthy poop is brown, compact, and well-formed. But deviations in color tell their own stories:
Why It Matters
Keeping an eye on your dog’s poop helps you catch issues early, whether it’s a minor diet tweak or something that needs veterinary attention. With this simple guide, you’ll know when your pup’s bathroom break is a sign of good health — and when it’s time to take action.
A small amount of mucus in a dog or cat’s stool can occasionally occur, but frequent mucus, mucus-covered stool, or diarrhea with mucus can be a sign that the large intestine or colon is irritated or inflamed. The colon naturally produces mucus to help stool move through the digestive tract, but inflammation can cause it to produce more than usual. Colitis, or inflammation of the colon, commonly causes frequent small bowel movements, urgency, straining, and stool containing mucus or sometimes fresh red blood.
Mucus may look clear, white, yellowish, slimy, or jelly-like and can appear on the outside of formed stool or mixed with loose stool or diarrhea.
Common reasons a pet may develop mucus in the stool include a sudden diet change, eating something unusual, food intolerance or sensitivity, stress or anxiety, intestinal parasites such as Giardia or whipworms, gastrointestinal infections, disruption of the gut microbiome, or inflammation of the colon. Chronic or recurring mucus and diarrhea can also occur with chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions and other underlying digestive disorders.
When a dog has diarrhea with mucus, the colon is often involved. Large-intestinal diarrhea tends to cause more frequent trips outside, urgency, straining, and smaller amounts of stool at a time. Some dogs may otherwise seem completely normal and continue eating and playing despite the diarrhea.
For an otherwise healthy adult dog with a single mild episode, monitoring hydration, simplifying the diet, and supporting the gut may be reasonable. A holistic approach should focus on identifying why the intestinal tract became irritated rather than simply trying to stop the diarrhea. Consider recent food changes, new treats or chews, stress or anxiety, scavenging, medications, supplements, and possible parasite exposure.
Digestive support such as appropriate probiotics, soluble fiber, or soothing herbs such as slippery elm may be helpful in some mild cases, depending on the individual pet and the underlying cause. Persistent or recurrent symptoms deserve further investigation rather than repeatedly treating the stool alone.
Contact your veterinarian if mucus or diarrhea continues, repeatedly returns, or is accompanied by significant blood, black or tarry stool, repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, loss of appetite, fever, dehydration, or a major change in behavior. Puppies, kittens, seniors, very small pets, and pets with underlying medical conditions may need evaluation sooner.
Recurring mucus can warrant fecal testing for parasites and other diagnostic testing to determine whether infection, dietary sensitivity, chronic intestinal inflammation, or another gastrointestinal problem is contributing.
Slippery elm is a gentle herbal digestive support commonly used for dogs and cats experiencing occasional diarrhea, loose stools, vomiting, nausea, reflux, constipation, or irritation of the digestive tract. When slippery elm powder is mixed with water, it forms a thick, gel-like substance called mucilage. This mucilage can coat and soothe irritated tissues in the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines.
For pets with diarrhea or digestive upset, slippery elm may help soothe an irritated gastrointestinal tract and support more comfortable digestion. Its soluble fiber can also act as a prebiotic, providing nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria and supporting a healthier intestinal environment.
Slippery elm can be especially useful as part of a holistic approach when digestive upset is related to dietary changes, stress, stomach irritation, or temporary changes in stool. However, persistent or severe diarrhea and vomiting can also be caused by parasites, infection, pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, toxin exposure, inflammatory disease, or other medical conditions and should not be treated with slippery elm alone.
We recommend:
Slippery elm powder should be mixed with water before giving it to your pet. Because the powder absorbs water and becomes thick and gel-like, use enough liquid to create a soft gruel or slurry. It can then be mixed into food or given separately.
For pets experiencing nausea, reflux, vomiting, or other upper digestive discomfort, slippery elm is often given before a meal so the mucilage has an opportunity to coat and soothe the upper digestive tract.
For diarrhea, loose stools, constipation, or lower intestinal irritation, it may be given with or around meals. Make sure your pet has adequate access to fresh water, particularly when using fiber-containing herbs.
Slippery elm may also be used to soothe irritated tissues in the mouth or throat. However, liquids should never be syringed toward the back of a pet’s throat because of the risk of aspiration.
Slippery elm is generally well tolerated, but natural does not mean risk-free. Because its mucilage coats the gastrointestinal tract, it may interfere with the absorption of medications or supplements. We recommend separating slippery elm from oral medications and supplements and checking with your veterinarian or pharmacist when your pet takes prescription medications.
Stop using it and contact your veterinarian if your pet develops an unexpected reaction or if digestive symptoms worsen.
More importantly, slippery elm should not delay veterinary care. Repeated vomiting, persistent or severe diarrhea, blood in the stool or vomit, black/tarry stool, abdominal pain or swelling, weakness, dehydration, inability to keep water down, suspected toxin exposure, or possible foreign-body ingestion warrant veterinary attention. Puppies, kittens, seniors, very small pets, and pets with underlying medical conditions may need veterinary care sooner.
Gut Soothe, a health supplement for dogs, is a proprietary blend of pre and probiotics, and select herbs to help maintain a healthy intestinal tract, normal digestive function, proper gut flora and a healthy inflammatory response. Gut Soothe aids in reducing occasional loose stools due to environmental stress or changes in diet
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Gut Soothe, a health supplement for dogs, is a proprietary blend of pre and probiotics, and select herbs to help maintain a healthy intestinal tract, normal digestive function, proper gut flora and a healthy inflammatory response. Gut Soothe aids in reducing occasional loose stools due to environmental stress or changes in diet.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Pumpkin is a wonderful superfood for dogs and makes a healthy, tasty addition to their meals. Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, along with minerals like iron and potassium, pumpkin supports your dog’s eyes, muscles, skin, coat, and immune system. It’s rich in fiber, which can help regulate digestion, soothe the stomach, and even remove excess water from the digestive tract. Pumpkin also works as a natural prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your dog’s gut to promote overall health. Just add 1–4 tablespoons per meal, starting with small amounts to avoid too much fiber, and enjoy the boost in hydration, energy, and wellness it brings to your pup! We love Project Sudz Pumpkin Rx Anti-Diarrhea Formula (10% coupon: savingpets).
From The Balanced Canine
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a well-known warming herb with a wide range of benefits for dogs. From supporting digestion to improving circulation and even aiding kidney and liver function, ginger is a versatile and valuable addition to a canine wellness plan.
Key Benefits of Ginger for Dogs
Digestive Support & Motion Sickness Relief
Ginger is a wonderful digestive tonic, particularly for dogs that are cool to cold in nature. It supports gut health by:
Heart Health & Circulatory Support
Kidney & Liver Function
Respiratory Health
Lymphatic System Support
How to Use Ginger for Dogs
Tip: If combining ginger with cooling herbs, the warmth of ginger can help balance their effects. However, tinctures (alcohol-based) may intensify ginger’s heating properties, so infusions are often a better choice.
Potential Concerns & Precautions
Herb-Drug Interactions
Cautions
Final Thoughts
Ginger is a fantastic warming herb with a wealth of benefits, from aiding digestion to supporting circulation, kidney health, and immune function. Used appropriately, it can be a valuable natural remedy in your dog’s wellness toolkit.
Marshmallow root is a gentle, soothing herb that can support your pet’s overall digestive and urinary health. It is rich in mucilage, a natural, slippery substance that coats and protects irritated tissues. For pets, this makes it especially helpful for:
Digestive Comfort: Marshmallow root can help calm upset stomachs, reduce inflammation in the gut, and support healthy digestion. It may soothe conditions like gastritis, colitis, or general stomach irritation.
Urinary Support: Its soothing properties can help ease discomfort in the urinary tract, supporting pets with mild urinary inflammation.
Coughs and Throat Irritation: If your pet has a dry or irritated throat, marshmallow root can help coat and soothe the respiratory tract.
Skin and Coat Health: Topically or internally, marshmallow root may help calm mild skin irritations or inflammation.
It’s gentle and typically safe for dogs and cats in appropriate amounts, but it’s always best to check with your veterinarian, especially for pets with chronic conditions or those on medication.
Essential oils can offer gentle, natural support for dogs dealing with digestive challenges. By calming the nervous system, reducing inflammation, and supporting microbial balance in the gut, these plant-based therapies may help ease symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation while promoting healthier digestion overall.
For Diarrhea
Diarrhea often develops from gut imbalance, irritation, food changes, or stress. Essential oils can help soothe inflammation, relax the digestive tract, and support a more stable bowel pattern.
Supportive Oils:
For Vomiting
Vomiting may occur from irritation, toxins, gut infection, or emotional stress. Essential oils can help settle the stomach, calm nausea, and support recovery.
Supportive Oils:
For Constipation and Stool Irregularity
Constipation and irregular stool are often signs of slowed gut motility or stress. Essential oils can help restore natural digestive flow and reduce tension.
Supportive Oils:
It may be one of the least appealing habits to witness, but stool-eating — known as coprophagia — is more common in dogs than most people realize. While it’s frustrating for pet parents, there are several reasons why dogs engage in this behavior, many of which trace back to diet and nutrition.
Some veterinary nutritionists suggest that dogs eat stool to replenish enzymes, helping them better digest their food. There’s also evidence that nutrient deficiencies — particularly a lack of Vitamin B — can trigger poop-eating as the body’s attempt to “make up” for what’s missing. Overfeeding may also play a role; when dogs consume more than they can absorb, their stool often contains undigested nutrients, tempting them to “recycle” it.
Beyond diet, behavior can also be a factor. Dogs may eat stool out of boredom, loneliness, or simply to gain their owner’s attention — even negative attention like scolding can reinforce the habit.
The quality of food makes a huge difference. Many kibble diets are packed with carbohydrates and fillers that aren’t fully absorbed, leading to nutrient-poor waste that the body discards. In contrast, raw diets are far more digestible, produce less waste, and better meet a dog’s nutritional needs — making stool-eating less likely.
At the end of the day, the answer is often diet. For many dogs, switching to a balanced raw or gently cooked diet can be the key to breaking the cycle of coprophagia while supporting better overall health.
“Why Fido Feasts on Feces. The Scoop on Poop!” by Dr. Steve Marsden.
“Why are Dogs Eating Poop” by Dr. Chris Bessent and Dr. Odette Suter, DVM – Facebook post.
“Why Do Dogs Eat Poop and Should You Stop Them?” by Animal Biome’s Holly Gants and Dr. Odette Suter, DVM.
Dogs (and sometimes cats) don’t always stick to eating what’s in their bowl. The abnormal habit of ingesting non-nutritive items such as dirt, sand, clay, paper, fabric, chalk, plastic, wood, or even bricks is called pica. When pets eat feces, the behavior is referred to as coprophagia. While both can be frustrating and concerning, they’re usually a sign that something deeper is going on with your pet’s health or environment.
Possible Causes
There is no single cause for pica, but several factors may contribute:
A Holistic Approach
Since diet and digestion are often at the root, supporting gut health is the first step. Here are some gentle, holistic ways to help:
Final Thoughts
When your pet eats non-food items, it’s not just a “bad habit” — it’s often a message from their body or environment. Addressing nutrition, gut health, and emotional wellbeing holistically can often curb the behavior while improving overall vitality.
What is this product used for?
For discouraging consumption of poo. “Coprophagia” can be due to behavioral issues, digestive concerns, parasites and nutritional deficiencies. This product strives to address all of these potential causes.
Hunger pukes in pets usually happen when the stomach sits empty for too long, allowing bile to build up and irritate the stomach lining. This often shows up as early-morning or late-night vomiting of yellow foam or liquid, especially in dogs, but cats can experience it too. At the root, it’s less about “too much acid” and more about an empty, irritated stomach, blood sugar dips, and digestive imbalance.
From a holistic perspective, hunger pukes are often a sign the body needs more support through food timing, gentle nutrition, and digestive resilience. Smaller, more frequent meals, a balanced diet that’s easy to digest, and support for the gut lining and nervous system can make a big difference. Digestive enzymes can be beneficial. While it’s usually manageable with simple changes, recurring vomiting should always be discussed with a veterinarian to rule out underlying issues and make sure nothing more serious is going on. Read our hunger puke blog for more information.
“Is Your Dog Vomiting In The Morning? Understanding Hunger Pukes in Dogs & Cats” by The Adored Beast Team.
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “The Dangers of Pepto Bismol in Pets”.
“Home Remedies to Naturally Treat Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs and Cats” by Dr. Katie Woodley.
“Natural Laxatives for Dogs: Safe Options to Ease Constipation“ by The Adored Beast Team.
“A Brief Overview of Dr. Katie’s Remedies Tummy Digestive System Support ” by Dr. Katie Kangas.
“What Antibiotics REALLY Do to Your Dog’s Gut ” by Dr. Katie Woodley.
“Let’s Talk Poop ” by Dr. Odette Suter.
Dr. Katie Kangas gives a brief overview of “Dr. Katie’s Remedies Tummy Digestive System Support”.
What we would do if our pets had diarrhea and vomiting:
Shop in our Saving Pets Store and get 5% off and look at Kelly’s Picks for Diarrhea, Vomiting and Stools.
A dog can have diarrhea while otherwise acting normal due to a sudden diet change, eating something unusual, stress, food intolerance, parasites, or a temporary disruption of the gut microbiome. For mild cases, focus on hydration and a gentle, easily digestible diet while monitoring your dog closely. If diarrhea persists, becomes frequent, contains blood or black stool, or is accompanied by vomiting, pain, weakness, loss of appetite, or dehydration, contact your veterinarian.
Occasional vomiting can happen, but repeated vomiting or vomiting accompanied by diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, bloating, blood, loss of appetite, or an inability to keep water down warrants veterinary attention. Puppies, kittens, seniors, very small pets, and pets with underlying health conditions may need to be evaluated sooner. Suspected toxin exposure or ingestion of a foreign object should be treated as urgent.
Gentle foods such as lightly cooked lean proteins like turkey or white fish, simple carbohydrates like pumpkin or squash, and easily digestible diets can help give the digestive system time to recover. Chicken and rice is not a good bland diet.
Slippery elm is commonly used as a natural digestive support for dogs with occasional diarrhea or loose stools. When mixed with water, it forms a soothing mucilage that can coat irritated tissues in the gastrointestinal tract. Because it may affect the absorption of medications or supplements, slippery elm should be separated from them and discussed with your veterinarian if your dog takes prescription medications.
Slippery elm may help soothe irritation in the upper digestive tract and is sometimes used as supportive care for mild nausea, reflux, or stomach irritation. However, repeated vomiting can be caused by more serious problems such as pancreatitis, obstruction, toxin exposure, infection, or other illnesses, so persistent or severe vomiting should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Slippery elm is also used as digestive support for cats and may help soothe an irritated gastrointestinal tract during occasional loose stools or diarrhea. Cats can become dehydrated quickly, however, and persistent diarrhea, repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, or other changes should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Mucus in dog stool often occurs when the colon becomes irritated or inflamed. Possible causes include sudden diet changes, stress, food intolerance, parasites, infections, colitis, or other gastrointestinal conditions. A small amount may occur with a temporary digestive upset, but frequent mucus, blood, repeated diarrhea, pain, vomiting, or other symptoms warrant further investigation.
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