Treatment and Prevention of Dog Diarrhea

Overview

Dog diarrhea is the passing of loose or liquid stool more frequently than usual. Many things can disrupt this well-balanced system, causing diarrhea or, less frequently, constipation. Some things, like eating too much grass, are not serious at all. Others can be a sign of a life-threatening problem, such as an indigestible object (like a rock) lodged in the stomach, or a disease like cancer.

Color can also indicate a lot about what is going on inside your dog’s gut. Chocolate brown is normal, while colors like orange, green, or gray may signify issues with such organs as liver, gall bladder, or pancreas. Black tarry stool is very serious, and may point to internal bleeding. If you see this, contact your vet as soon as possible.

If your dog has diarrhea, you may be looking for some home remedies to let it stop, but there are many important considerations to think about before getting started. You should skip home remedies for diarrhea and go straight to the vet if your dog has a fever, is lethargic, and not acting right. See your vet as well if the diarrhea is severe and your dog is getting dehydrated or if you see blood in the stool.

Home Remedies for Mild Dog Diarrhea

Mild cases of dog Diarrhea(Acute) can often be managed at home. Don’t give your dog over-the-counter diarrhea medications without first consulting a veterinarian. Remedies include;

Fasts

Withholding food for 12 to 24 hours, and providing water in small amounts frequently, can clear the cause of the upset and allow the gastrointestinal tract to settle. It’s usually the first line of attack for the runs. Before you decide on a fast, be sure that your dog is healthy enough to endure it. Puppies, and elderly dogs, for example, need nutrients.

Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so make sure to give your dog access to water at all times. Many people also offer unflavored Pedialyte to maintain electrolyte balance.

During the fast, make sure your dog has plenty of rice water to drink. Rice water is the creamy liquid that results from boiling white rice in water.

Rice Water

To make rice water, boil one cup of white rice in four cups of water for 10 to 30 minutes (slightly uncovered) or until the water turns creamy white. Decant the liquid and allow it to cool. You can serve the rice water to your dog as often as she will drink it. If she isn’t interested, mix a teaspoon of chicken baby food (or another flavor that your pet likes) in the rice water to increase its palatability.

Give Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that can be used to naturally prevent and treat a wide range of health problems, including diarrhea. Probiotics provide your dog with valuable post biotics like butyrate and lactic acid. These help regulate the immune system that lives in your dog’s gut. They help reduce inflammation, one of the core causes of diarrhea.

Provide yogurt. Give some plain yogurt or cottage cheese to add some good bacteria to his bowels.

Diet Changes

Diet changes are one of the easiest ways to reduce and prevent diarrhea, especially if your vet suspects a food allergy. Switching to a grain-free diet or novel protein. This is a protein source that has not been eaten before by your dog. It can help bypass the body’s reaction to that ingredient. New and unusual food ingredients are increasing in popularity and are available both over the counter and via prescription from your veterinarian.

My dog has diarrhea and is vomiting?

• Take away all food and treats for 12 hours

• Offer your dog small amounts of water frequently throughout the day to avoid dehydration. In addition to water, offer diluted chicken broth, beef broth, or Pedialyte if necessary.

• Once your dog has not vomited for at least six hours, offer a small meal consisting of boiled white meat chicken, removing all bones and skin, and white rice.

• After the meal, wait two hours. If your dog has refrained from vomiting, offer another small meal of boiled chicken and rice.

• Continue this pattern while gradually increasing the amount of food offered at each meal. Slowly lengthen the time between meals until your dog’s stool consistency returns to normal.

• If diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours or your dog’s condition worsens at any time, call your vet immediately.

Treatment for Chronic Dog Diarrhea

If the diarrhea continues for more than a day, or if your dog experiences other symptoms such as dehydration, lethargy, fever, vomiting, decreased appetite, or if you notice dark-colored or bloody stools, then it could be linked to something more serious. Dry and tacky gums are an indication of dehydration, and you should consult your vet immediately if your dog is experiences any of these symptoms.

It’s also important to seek advice from your veterinarian if your dog has a pre-existing medical condition such as diabetes or cancer, or is taking medication such as antibiotics. If you think your dog make have eaten something toxic, take him to your nearest veterinary hospital right away.

Knowing what is normal for your dog is important, and if his diarrhea continues longer than usual or if you have any concerns at all, consult your veterinarian for advice. Even if the diarrhea does turn out to be triggered by something minor, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Prevention for Dog diarrhea

These steps can help prevent many episodes of diarrhea from affecting your dog’s quality of life:

• Feed a balanced, nutritious diet. 

• Don’t change food suddenly; if you change your dog’s diet, do so gradually.

• Make sure your dog is checked and treated for parasites.

• Exercise your dog regularly.

• Minimize any stressors in your dog’s environment.

• Keep garbage, spoiled food, or ingestible objects out of your dog’s reach.

• Vaccinate your dog on a regular schedule.