Ron (USA) on 07/02/2024
Add magnesium chloride crystals to drinking water of the pet. Chances are magnesium levels are low if giving city / tap water. R/O water systems remove any that would be in the water. Remineralization stages do not add nearly enough back in. Fortunately, I innerstand that we along with our animals came from an evolution of drinking water in nature, which naturally has a magnesium salt content. Or eating in the wild, natural magnesium oxide content. Magnesium chloride is a great substitute. Ever since I give it to my dog and cat they both have lost their previous issues with ahrd stool or crystals in their kidneys causing pain when they pee.
I always ask my fellow animal lovers if they're aware there is next to no magnesium in public water, and if they're able to use common sense to connect that with thier animals' issues not being able to poop or pee right. They typically are ignorant to this. And even respond with high skepticism or innocent arrogance. It's simple though. Common sense. Anyways.Magnesium can cause loose stools if given too much. But it can also cause loose stools to go regular in animals and humans .
How much to give?
I go by Ted's recommendations. As practicing tjhem for near a decade, they hold true.
Mix up a dropper bottle with half magnesium chloride crystals, and half pure water. the crystals dissolve instantly.
Add 1 drop for every cup of water in your water jugs you keep at home. Thats about 16 drops.
For initial magnesium repalcement though, I add extra to their water bowls or food. Start low and work up.
a 5 lb cat would need only a single drop of magnesium in it's daily water intake. I may give him 2 drops in his water cup for the day. Adding it to his food sometimes causes GI upset if it isnt thoroughly mixed, so adding half a drop would suffice for food.
a 60 lb dog can have up to 3 drops of magnesium per feeding. 6-8 drops total per day.
a 140 lb human could have 10 drops per day minimum. more if theyre deficient.
D.A. Daly (Jacksonville Beach, FL) on 04/18/2022
Adrienne (Idaho) on 03/16/2022
Since aloe vera is one of those remedies that can cause some confusion, here is a clear explanation that I find helpful:
"When you open an aloe vera leaf, you will see that it has a clear center which is the aloe gel. The plant also has a white or yellow colored substance located around the edges, beneath the aloe leaf’s surface. This portion of the plant is the aloe latex, and the latex contains a natural chemical named aloin. Aloin can be toxic to animals. It has a laxative effect, so it can cause diarrhea and irritate the intestines, leading to electrolyte loss. Also, if an animal has a latex allergy, aloin can cause skin irritation. When this occurs, the skin will turn red after coming into contact with the aloin.
To reap the benefits and avoid any possible toxic effects, pet owners just need to make sure the latex part of the aloe vera plant has been removed during processing. To ensure a product is free of aloin, the label should state that it contains only the gel of the aloe vera plant I.e. the inner fillet. Avoid labels stating “whole leaf” since products would then include the latex substance that contains the aloin. Fortunately, most products on the market have removed the latex part of the plant."
Source: https://healthyfoodforpets.com/aloe-vera-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs.html
GertJr (Madison) on 05/04/2021
Any suggestions? so far, she won't eat any wet/canned food, only the dry. She'll eat some yogurt, but dairy isn't good for her. I'm putting miralax in her water, but who knows how much she's actually getting. Thanks
bodulica (Barrie ON) on 05/13/2019
Susanne (Springfield, Illinois) on 11/11/2019
Jackie (Nm) on 06/05/2018
I just found this site today and have read, read, read the posts until I'm 'post crazy'! I have a 9 year old rescue cat who is obese and is having big problems with constipation. The vet has her on Lactulose and Cisapride but it is not working. Since I am a natural healer with my own body I decided to look into natural healing for my cats.
Has anyone had a cat who is obese (need to lose a cat still) and has had problems with the intestinal system? The meds worked for about 9 months but are no longer working. I am thinking about trying the pumpkin and the coconut oil. Whatever I do, I have to put it in her food but she is a picky eater and I don't know if she'll like the taste of pumpkin. She will not take it from a 'tube'! I tried that and it was like fighting a lion or a cougar!
Ron (Madera, Ca) on 01/05/2018
Maggie (Idaho) on 06/13/2017
Pumpkin or Slippery Elm for Constipation in Cats Sandra (Seattle, Wa) on 05/22/2017
Jeb1 (New York City) on 12/04/2016
Bernie (Chandler, Az) on 09/22/2016
Pumpkin cannot control both constipation and diarrhea....they are opposites.
Also, is there a toxic amount of pumpkin for Chihuahuas?
Minpig (Ontario) on 04/27/2016
Stephanie (Oregon) on 02/28/2016
I thought one day how unappetizing the cold food was coming out of the fridge so started adding about 50% very hot water and smashing with a fork, I also gave him about 1 level teaspoonful of plain canned pumpkin to a 1/4 can of food. This makes almost a gravy consistency. He just laps it up (has also lost some teeth). He is now eating this 4-5 times per day, and pooping normal, soft poops every day. It took several days to get the hard stuff passed so don't be surprised if you don't get instant results. I also gave only 1/2 teas. pumpkin to start as I didn't want to cause major gas, tummy ache, etc. He seems to be much more active and eating regularly, comes running when he sees his dish. Poor old guy!!!
Chriss (Ny) on 02/12/2016
I use coconut oil. A little bit on a syringe. All will be fine. Give it a day or two in the beginning they will still strain a bit but when they finally pass the feces they will be fine. Just give it to them every other day. They don't mind the taste. If you can't physically put in your cats mouth put it on the paw and or in the food. It doesn't take much to do the trick. (The olive oil works too. Coconut oil (cosco or bjs) $10 also has positive effects on their body just like ours.
Mike (Kentucky) on 08/04/2015
My 105lb (intact) kuvasz bitch has problems once or twice a month during the summer. I get a 2qt enema bag, add 6-8oz of liquid glycerin and fill with warm water. Insert the hose a bit, and let it flow for a minute then slowly push the hose deeper. The further in you can get it with gentle pressure, the better. Works ever time, usually before she can finish the bag.
Minerva (Los Angeles, CA) on 02/08/2015
Bonnie (Sweden) on 01/28/2015
Angeleyes (Birmingham, Alabama) on 12/17/2014
Anavic (San José, Costa Rica) on 09/11/2014
One of my cats (10 years old) had constipation some time ago. Problem was solved after I stopped feeding him commercial food (homemade now). Few days ago I fed him a new canned food (supposed high quality) and constipation came back; he is healthy again but I want to have something here for constipation, just in case.
Many recommend Psyllium (Plantago ovata); however, in my country the only good quality product with Psyllium is mixed with Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers (in some countries known as "roselle", used for teas).
I read that some Hibiscus is toxic for cats... does anyone know if Hibiscus sabdariffa is safe for them?
Many thanks, Ana.
