Q. Can I use coconut milk and rice milk or coconut macaroon cookies for my boxer dog's diarrhea? Would it be harmful to her?
A. Many years ago we heard from a reader that coconut macaroon cookies could alleviate chronic diarrhea. He had Crohn’s disease and discovered this benefit by accident.
Others have found that coconut is helpful for dogs with diarrhea. One reader wrote: “The veterinarian has been treating my dog for this problem for months, but nothing has worked. I gave him a macaroon and it was miraculous. I’ve switched to flaked coconut and it works just as well. I put it on top of his food and he loves it.”
Another reader told us that canned pumpkin is another option against doggy diarrhea: “My retired Greyhound racers all get pumpkin with every meal, and we no longer have that problem.”
Too much coconut or pumpkin can be constipating. Please check with your vet about treating your dog’s diarrhea.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.org.
© 2007 King Features Syndicate, Inc.