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Coconut Might Help Dog With Diarrhea

Posted on: Tuesday, 6 January 2004, 06:00 CST

Q: I have read in your column that coconut can help relieve chronic diarrhea in humans. Would the coconut work in dogs? I have an 8-year-old Lab with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and would love to give him some relief from diarrhea other than using drugs.

A: We heard from a reader whose dog had irritable bowel syndrome. She experimented with coconut macaroon cookies and found that two a day.

Instead of cookies, you might try mixing some dried coconut in your dog's food. You will have to pay attention to the dose, though. If the dog gets too much coconut, he might become constipated. We do not know why coconut seems to work against chronic diarrhea, but we don't think dogs are susceptible to the placebo effect. Monitor your dog for the remote possibility of an allergic reaction.

Q: I used to take my bath or shower in the morning before leaving for school or work. I was miserable, especially in the wintertime, when my damp hair sometimes froze.

I have changed to taking my bath at night about an hour before bed. It gives my hair a chance to dry, and I find I sleep very well. Also, I hardly ever come down with colds. I can't believe such a simple switch could have such health benefits.

A: A hot shower an hour before going to bed can help a person get to sleep. Not only does it help ease stress, but it also warms the body. As the temperature drops during the next hour, melatonin production begins, and the body clock adjusts to "bedtime."

Inadequate sleep can make the immune system less effective, so finding a good method to help you go to sleep has profound health benefits.

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