Colitis is an inflammation of the colon. The condition is not uncommon among dogs, although some breeds, like boxers, are more prone to it than others. Many dogs which have colitis never show any symptoms except tiny specks of blood in their feces. Other symptoms of colitis in dogs are loose stools and vomiting. Homeopathic remedies may offer relief for colitis in dogs. Homeopathic medicines are not scientifically proven to work but have a long tradition of effectiveness.
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Diagnosing the Type of Colitis
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Dogs can get colitis for a number of different reasons, ranging from something as simple as unfamiliar or fatty foods to something more complicated like stress. If you suspect your dog may have colitis and there's no obvious reason, take it to your veterinarian. No remedy will be as effective if you don't know what kind of colitis your dog has.
Two common causes of colitis in dogs are parasites and bacteria. Dogs can catch infections by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. Keep your dog's bowls inside the house and dump the food and water daily to avoid exposing the animal to contamination.
Dogs also can develop colitis after they eat food they're allergic to. If you changed your dog's food recently, this may be the culprit. Switch back to the old food and see if the symptoms improve.
Some breeds are especially susceptible to colon problems. These problems include inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. If your dog is a boxer, whippet, or has a very nervous personality, have the vet check them for both if colitis symptoms pop up.
Common Homeopathic Remedies
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Homeopathy offers several remedies to help your dog get over colitis. Knowing the reason for the colitis is the key to using these because of the philosophy homeopathy is founded on. Homeopathy focuses on the thought that 'like heals like.' In other words, these remedies will cause colitis symptoms in a healthy dog, but heal a dog which already has colitis symptoms.
One homeopathic remedy that will help diarrhea associated with colitis is Colocynthis. This remedy treats not only the diarrhea, but also the cramping pain which goes along with it. Use one to five grains of this herb, depending on the size of your dog.
If your dog is constipated until the second it eats food, which lets loose diarrhea, then you should try Pulsatilla. The herb's anti-spasm effects make it beneficial for dogs with irritable bowel syndrome. Use five to 10 drops in four ounces of water.
If your dog's colitis symptoms are severe, withhold food for a day or two and continue the homeopathic remedy you chose. This will give your dog's colon a chance to heal while the remedy goes to work on it. Keep fresh water handy in the meantime.
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