As you may know, it is potentially dangerous to give certain
herbs to pets, especially cats. Many people commonly extrapolate a dose of
herbs by using the pet's weight compared to the "standard" 150-pound
human. A large dog, however, has a comparatively slow metabolism, while a small
dog's rapid heart rate and high energy level may make it difficult to get the
desired effect. Cats have very different metabolism and enzymes, and many
compounds that are safe for humans and dogs (like aspirin) can be toxic to
cats. Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) is an exception to the fears and cautions
surrounding the use of herbs in animals. It is very safe and non-toxic. The
part of the tree used is the inner bark, which is soft and stringy. Herbalists
attribute many wonderful healing properties to Slippery Elm: demulcent
(soothing, mucilage-forming), emollient (soothing and protective for skin),
nutritive (providing specific food nutrients), tonic (promoting healthy
function of one or more body systems), and astringent (constricting, binding or
drying effect). It can be used both internally and externally. Slippery Elm is
one of the herbs used in the original formulation of "Essiac," an
herbal brew widely promoted as a cancer-fighter.
In the gastro-intestinal tract, Slippery Elm acts directly.
It can be thought of as a sort of natural "Pepto-Bismol."
(Pepto-Bismol itself should not be used because it contains salicylate, a.k.a.
aspirin). Its mucilage content coats, soothes, and lubricates the mucus membranes
lining the digestive tract. Slippery Elm is an excellent treatment for ulcers,
gastritis, colitis, and other inflammatory bowel problems. It is high in fiber,
and so helps normalize intestinal action; it can be used to relieve both
diarrhea and constipation. It may also help alleviate nausea and vomiting in
pets suffering from non-GI illnesses, such as kidney disease. A syrup made from
Slippery Elm Bark can be used to help heal mouth ulcers from all causes.
Slippery Elm is said to relieve inflammation of virtually
any mucus membrane, and has been used in the treatment of inflammatory
conditions of the lungs (bronchitis, asthma), kidneys, bladder (cystitis, FLUTD
symptoms), throat (tonsillitis), and joints (arthritis).
Slippery Elm contains many nutrients (carbohydrates,
protein, fat, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, calcium, and several trace
minerals) that can be beneficial for recuperating pets, and it may stay down
when other foods are not tolerated. Slippery Elm may interfere with the
absorption of certain minerals and pharmaceuticals, so is best given separately
from any concurrent drug therapy.
In the case of cystitis (bladder inflammation), Slippery Elm
is thought to soothe the bladder lining. However, it is somewhat high in
magnesium, so may be contraindicated in dogs who have an active infection with
an elevated urinary pH, where struvite crystal formation may be a risk. (In
cats, urinary tract infections are very rarely bacterial.) Slippery Elm bark
contains natural pentosans, a class of complex sugars that contains the same
compound found in the drug "Elmiron®,"the major pain-relieving
treatment for interstitial cystitis (IC) in women. Pentosan has been used by
the pharmaceutical industry as an anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory for more
than 40 years. (Anti-coagulant effects are not seen with normal oral
administration.) Since bladder disease in cats is very similar to that in
women, slippery elm may be especially beneficial for our feline friends.
Externally, a soothing paste of Slippery Elm powder (mix the
powder with a little cold water) can be used as a poultice for hot spots,
insect burns, rashes, scratches, ulcerated areas, or other shallow wounds.
Native Americans used Slippery Elm bark to stop bleeding. It forms a natural
"bandage" that can be left in place for several hours, if you can
convince your dog to leave it alone!
To give internally, mix about 1/4 teaspoon of Slippery Elm
bark powder with cold water for every 10 pounds of body weight. For very small
dogs, it is fine to use the same 1/4 teaspoon dose. The bulk powder may be very
fluffy, so pack it down as much as possible to measure it. Slippery Elm powder
will absorb many times its own weight in water, so be sure to add enough to
make a moderately thick gruel. This gruel can be given before meals by syringe
or added to food. It has a slightly sweet taste and is usually well-tolerated
by cats and dogs when mixed with food. Give a dose 5 minutes before meals for
sore throat, and before or with meals for digestive tract problems, such as
inflammatory bowel disease, until symptoms resolve.
