Elm

What is elm?

Elm is the name of a genus of deciduous trees found in Europe, Asia and North America. The best-known species is the red elm (Ulmus rubra), which is also known as the slippery elm. This elm grows up to 20 meters high and has reddish-brown bark that peels off easily. The inner bark is the one used for medicinal purposes.

The inner bark of the red elm contains many valuable ingredients, such as:

• Long-chain carbohydrates, which form a slimy film when combined with water
• Tannins, which have an anti-inflammatory and astringent (astringent) effect
• Bitter substances that stimulate the appetite and aid digestion
• Minerals such as calcium, sodium and magnesium
• Vitamin A, which is important for the skin, eyes and immune system

The indigenous people of North America have been using elm bark for centuries as a remedy for various ailments. They chew the bark or prepare a tea or porridge from it. Slippery elm bark is considered a gentle and well-tolerated remedy that helps with gastrointestinal problems in particular.

How does elm work for dogs?

Slippery elm can also have a beneficial effect on dogs. The mucilage in elm bark covers the mucous membranes of the digestive tract like a protective film, thus relieving irritation, inflammation and ulcers. The tannins also have an astringent effect and stop bleeding or diarrhea. The bitter substances stimulate the appetite and digestion and thus help with anorexia or indigestion. The minerals and vitamin A strengthen the immune system and promote wound healing.

Slippery elm can therefore be used in dogs for

• Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
• stomach ulcers
• heartburn
• irritable bowel syndrome
• diarrhea
• constipation
• flatulence
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• Inflammation of the mouth or throat
• Skin problems such as eczema or abscesses

How is slippery elm for dogs used?

Slippery elm for dogs is available to buy in various forms, for example as a powder, capsules or ready-made preparations. You can also make your own tea or poultice from the dried bark.

To make a tea from elm bark, pour a teaspoon of bark over a cup of boiling water and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Then strain the tea and give it to your dog to drink lukewarm or mix it into his food.

To make elm bark gruel, mix a teaspoon of bark with a little warm water until a slimy mass is formed. You can give this directly into your dog's mouth or mix it into his food.

The dosage of elm bark for dogs depends on your dog's weight.As a guide:

• 1.5 grams daily for dogs up to 5 kilograms
• 3 grams daily for dogs up to 15 kilograms
• 6 grams daily for dogs up to 30 kilograms
• 9 grams daily for dogs over 30 kilograms

You can give your dog elm bark once or twice a day, depending on the need and severity of the symptoms. However, the duration of use should not exceed four weeks, as otherwise the intestinal flora could be disturbed.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of slippery elm for dogs?

Slippery elm for dogs has many advantages, but also some disadvantages that you should be aware of. Here are the most important ones:

Benefits:

• Slippery elm is a natural and gentle remedy that has no side effects
• Slippery elm works quickly and effectively for gastrointestinal complaints
• Slippery elm strengthens the immune system and promotes wound healing
• Slippery elm stimulates the appetite and digestion
• Slippery elm is easy to use and inexpensive

Disadvantages:

• Slippery elm can interfere with the absorption of other medications, so it should be given at least two hours before or after the administration of other medications
• Slippery elm can cause allergies or intolerances in some dogs, so it should be dosed carefully and attention should be paid to possible reactions
• Slippery elm can disrupt the intestinal flora if used for a long time, so it should not be given for longer than four weeks and probiotic preparations should be given if necessary to support intestinal health
• Slippery elm can cause constipation in some dogs, so make sure your dog drinks enough water and gets enough fiber