Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often triggered by diet, infections, or medication. Natural care focuses on rest, hydration, soothing foods, and support from herbs, probiotics, mushrooms, and fiber to calm the gut, restore balance, and strengthen overall digestive health.
Hydration is key for a dog or cat with gastroenteritis. Make sure your pet has plenty of access to water or bone broth. Electrolytes are also a great option.
Probiotics, digestive enzymes and sacchromyce boulardii can be very beneficial.
Adored Beast Gut Soothe, Adored Beast Feline Gut Soothe, Coptis or slippery elm can help reduce inflammation and calm the stomach and help with diarrhea and vomiting.
Gastroenteritis isn’t actually a diagnosis — it’s a description of what’s happening in the body. The term refers to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which can occur for many reasons. While poor nutrition and low-quality food are common culprits, bacteria, viruses, parasites, or even certain medications can also trigger it.
Common Symptoms
Pets with gastroenteritis may experience:
Natural and Holistic Support Options
1. Rest the Digestive Tract
A short fast (24-48 hours) gives the gastrointestinal system time to calm down and heal. Do not give food during this timeframe.
2. Hydration is Essential
Keep water available at all times. Bone broth is an excellent option because it provides hydration along with vital nutrients and minerals. In more serious cases, your veterinarian may recommend subcutaneous or IV fluids to restore balance.
3. Food Therapy (TCVM Approach)
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) considers the digestive system part of the “Earth Element.” When this system is out of balance, vomiting and diarrhea can result. Food therapy focuses on reducing inflammation and supporting energy (qi) flow.
4. Herbal Support
Herbs like coptis, marshmallow root, plantain, and goldenseal can reduce inflammation and resolve stagnation. Garlic (used carefully) offers antibacterial benefits. Other supportive herbs include boswellia, milk thistle, neem, and turmeric. Chinese herbal blends are also widely used to address spleen qi and liver qi imbalances linked to diarrhea.
5. Probiotics & Digestive Enzymes
These help restore gut balance and support the immune system. If antibiotics are needed, probiotics are even more important. Saccharomyces boulardii is especially useful because it survives antibiotics and helps manage diarrhea. Digestive enzymes can also soothe and repair the gut lining.
6. Medicinal Mushrooms
Reishi (10% off with this URL) and lion’s mane (10% off with this URL) provide antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits while supporting overall digestive health.
7. Fiber Supplementation
Adding fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables) or using psyllium husk can slow digestion, regulate stools, and improve nutrient absorption.
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.
Healthy Gut aids in the digestion of food and supports a healthy immune system. Helps rebalance and cultivate proper growing conditions for friendly digestive flora destroyed by antibiotics and toxins.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Gastroenteritis involves irritation of the stomach and intestines. Essential oils can help by easing nausea, reducing gut inflammation, calming cramping, and supporting the body’s natural repair processes. Used correctly, they help settle the digestive tract so healing can take place.
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Gastroenteritis and Colitis in Dogs and Cats.”
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “My Tummy Hurts! Caring for Your Ailing Pet.”
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Pets With Vomiting, Diarrhea, or Abdominal Pain? May be Gastroenteritis” with Dr. Katie Woodley.
What We Would Do for Our Pets…
Diet Recommendations:
Gastroenteritis in dogs and cats is most commonly caused by dietary indiscretion (eating something inappropriate), sudden diet changes, infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic), food sensitivities, toxins, stress, or underlying inflammatory conditions. In some cases, medications or vaccines may also temporarily disrupt the gut. Identifying and removing the trigger is key to preventing recurrence.
Veterinary care is recommended if your pet has repeated vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, refuses food for more than 24 hours, or if symptoms worsen rapidly. Puppies, kittens, seniors, and pets with underlying conditions should be seen sooner. Severe cases such as acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) can become life-threatening quickly and require immediate care.
During recovery, easily digestible, minimally processed food is typically best. Small, frequent meals of a gentle, species-appropriate diet can reduce stress on the gut. In some cases, temporary bland feeding may be recommended. Chicken and rice are not a suitable bland diet. Support the microbiome with appropriate probiotics and gut-soothing supplements can also help restore balance and improve stool quality as healing progresses.
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