This case report discusses the administration of pure psyllium husk powder to an 8-year-old, 70 pound golden retriever with a chronically sensitive and reactive GI system. While generally very healthy, this golden regularly experienced soft stools. On occasion, she appeared to have some discomfort immediately after defacation, i.e. squatting, panting or attempting to reach the area. These symptoms generally lasted only a few minutes but were noticeable.
General “household diet” was not suspect, as the other dog in the house, also a golden retriever from the same breeding line, consumed the exact same diet and experienced no such issues.
The cause for this dog’s apparent symptoms and discomfort are unknown. One possible explanation is that as a puppy, she consumed sand and dirt before coming to her current / forever home, resulting in a trip to the ER, GI tract irritation and subsequent medication. As a result it is possible she experienced some longer term compromised GI function. This is not known as a fact, but is one possible explanation, especially considering the other dog has had no such issues.
Why did I choose psyllium husk powder to try in this case?
Psyllium is a well known source of soluble fiber, which absorbs excess water in the intestinal tract and helps transport waste through the body. It can actually help with both constipation and diarrhea, and is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other intestinal problems.
In fact, psyllium is an ingredient in some prescription pet foods designed to address GI issues. However, being an advocate of whole foods diets, I decided to add psyllium to a simple homemade diet, rather than pursuing prescription pet food.
Due to its relative safety, established place in IBS and other GI issues, and its easy availability, I decided to introduce psyllium husk powder to this dog’s diet.
Mixing with liquid
Because of the way it reacts with water, guidelines include mixing the powder in a glass of water. Most dogs won’t bother with that. So how to administer? My own dogs eat a moisture-rich homemade diet, so there is quite a bit of water present already, and they also drink water. But if you feed kibble, it is recommended to mix the powder in something liquid – either add water to the kibble, or you might try a little broth or some other flavorful liquid to encourage your dog to drink it. And as always, make sure your dog has free access to cool, fresh water throughout the day.
Package directions on the item I used was 1 tablespoon of powder per 12 ounces of water. BUT… dosage for dogs will be different, so adjust accordingly.
Administration procedure
My approach on introducing anything new in the diet is extremely restrained. I prefer to start small and work my way up. This allows me to monitor reactions, and get a sense of the needed dosage.
Although dosage for psyllium varies for dogs, I began introducing the powder in minuscule amounts, beginning with 1/16 teaspoon twice a day with meals – basically a pinch!
This dosage made little if no difference. After two days, I increased the dosage to 1/8 teaspoon twice a day with meals. Still, I was not seeing much difference there.
Each two days, I increased by tiny amounts. By the end of the first week, I was up to about 1/4 teaspoon per meal.
2-Week Results
It wasn’t until I reached about 1/3 teaspoon, twice a day with meals, that I started to see a small improvement in stool quality. This was approximately two weeks after introducing the psyllium. I have seen no negative effects thus far – no flatulence, vomiting, acid reflux, mood changes or any other symptoms.
Next up
Seeing mild improvement with 1/3 teaspoon twice a day, I am optimistic about using psyllium to help this golden retriever. I will continue to increase the dosage slowly, and will report back at the one month mark, around mid-October.
Update, October 24 2024: We are now at 1 teaspoon twice a day with meals. I am seeing continued improvement in stools. It is not 100% perfect, but in general, this girl’s stools are larger, less liquidy and generally more comfortable for her, I think. Of course this is difficult to know, but I see the aforementioned running away, panting and squatting less frequently although it does still happen. Her GI tract appears to be very sensitive to dietary changes. And indeed, in IBS-type cases it is generally recommended to find a diet that works for the dog, and stick with it.
Further information and psyllium husk powder sources for you
The brand I used in this case is NOW Foods. I have no association with them, but I purchase items from them often for my dogs and myself, because many of their products contain JUST the ingredient you are seeking, with no fillers. This was the case with this particular psyllium husk powder. There are many products available, but please make sure you are getting a pure one, as well as an authentic one and not a counterfeit.
You are welcome to create an account on my Fullscript store, which carries a wide range of supplements. Here is a link to the psyllium husk powder I used in this case. You will need to log in or create an account, and then you will have access to products and the 15% discount.
I opened my Fullscript store in response to numerous requests from people asking for direction and guidance towards quality supplements. This is a very important issue, as there are many counterfeit products (aka knock offs!) on the market. Those will do your dog no good whatsoever, and may cause harm.
If you have a dog with IBS symptoms or other intestinal issues, and feel confident in your decision to introduce psyllium in a slow but sure manner, you might want to give it a try.
And as always, please visit my Services page for ways I can assist you and your dog.
Thank you!
~Sarah
Founder, Dog Food Coach
Supporting website: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/psyllium