What Can I Give My Dog for Diarrhea?
Dog diarrhea is not an exciting topic that people enjoy talking about. However, if you have a dog, you have likely had to clean it up from time to time. It may be useful to know a few different ways that you can help your canine friend feel better, quicker.
Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs
If your dog has diarrhea, there are many possible reasons behind it. Look down this checklist to see what likely happened to your canine friend.
- Your dog has eaten too much food, spoiled food or has possibly eaten garbage.
- You recently changed your dog’s dog food. It simply takes a few days for your dog’s digestive system to adapt.
- Your dog is having a food intolerance or allergic reaction to a food.
- Your puppy could have parasites.
- Your dog could have eaten poisonous substances or plants.
- Antibiotics and other medications can cause diarrhea.
- Being overstressed or emotionally upset can upset the GI tract.
Fasting to Remedy Diarrhea
According to the American Kennel Club, withholding food from your dog for 12 to 24 hours is one way to approach diarrhea. However, during this time and always, it is important to make sure your dog is getting enough fresh, clean water to drink.
Under your vet’s advice, you may want to try giving your dog some unflavored Pedialyte to stop him from becoming dehydrated from diarrhea.
Fasting is not the appropriate approach for every dog who has diarrhea. Elderly dogs and puppies alike require a regular dose of nutrients to feel their best. Fasting is also not the best idea for small dogs, says the AKC.
Home Remedies to Help Dog Diarrhea
There is another approach you can take to help your pet with diarrhea, and it is by feeding them a home remedy. Foods that are rich in fiber and bland in flavor are particularly useful in relieving your dog’s digestive troubles and stopping diarrhea. Here are a few foods you can try at home to naturally remedy diarrhea in your dog:
- Pumpkin puree (with no spices, no pumpkin pie filling)
- Plain white rice
- Boiled chicken
- Plain yogurt
- Potatoes (peeled, boiled, mashed, and cooled)
When Is It Time to Visit the Veterinarian?
Dog diarrhea sometimes goes away by itself after a day or two. If it seems to be hanging on and isn’t improving after you have changed his diet, there may be something deeper going on. If your dog is also showing symptoms such as a loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, or vomiting, it is time to take a trip to the vet.