At some point every dog owner is going to have to deal with some doggy diarrhea. It just goes with the territory. But finding out the cause of why your dog has diarrhea is important, since this condition can indicate a serious underlying medical problem that needs to be treated right away.
Most often diarrhea in dogs is caused by intestinal parasites or something unsavory that they got into while at the dog park or outside. If your dog has diarrhea, it could also be caused by eating something that didn’t agree with him like garbage or unhealthy human food.
Usually, diarrhea in dogs is nothing to worry about.
However, diarrhea can be extremely serious for elderly dogs, dogs who are in poor health or puppies. If you have a dog that fits into one of those categories and he develops diarrhea, don’t wait to take him to the vet. Your dog may need IV fluids to prevent dehydration.
If you notice that the diarrhea is very dark, bloody or extremely watery, you should also take the dog to the vet right away. These are not good signs, and you need to make sure there isn’t something more serious going on.
Dog Has Diarrhea?
9 ways to prevent it and treat it
Preventing Diarrhea In Dogs
There’s no fool proof way to prevent diarrhea in dogs. Every dog is going to have diarrhea at some point. But there are a few things that you can do to try and keep your dog from getting diarrhea.
The first thing you can do is not give your dog human food. It can be cute when your dog begs for the same food that you are eating, but eating certain kinds of human food can be bad for dog’s digestive system.
Don’t do it! A few moments of cute isn’t worth cleaning up when your dog has diarrhea.
Another thing you can do is make sure that your yard is cleaned up and that there isn’t trash or debris lying around. Dogs can pick up germs easily from nosing around the garbage or other debris.
Home Remedies For Dog Diarrhea
If your dog’s diarrhea is regular run of the mill poop, you can probably treat it at home. But, if it lasts for more than three days or if your dog starts to become dehydrated then don’t wait to take Fido to the vet.
Here are 9 home remedies for dog diarrhea that are recommended by other dog owners and vets:
1. Fasting
Fasting is the first thing that most vets recommend for dealing with dog diarrhea, especially if the dog is vomiting and has diarrhea. Fasting will allow the digestive system to clean itself out and get rid of anything that could be irritating the dog’s stomach or digestive tracts.
A fast should last for about 24 hours, but make sure that your dog has access to plenty of clean, fresh, bacteria free water during that time. It’s often recommended that you give your dog bottled water or distilled water during a fast.
2. Bland Food
Ease your dog back onto food by cooking up some rice and either skinless and boneless chicken or hamburger. Feed the dog small amount of this bland mixture at regular intervals to help bulk up the dog’s stools and soothe their stomach.
If you notice that the dog has diarrhea directly after you switch to a new food, keep him on this bland diet until the diarrhea goes away and then go back to his old food. It could be that your pooch has an allergy to the new food.
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3. Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin can help make your dog’s stools solid again. But when you give canned pumpkin to your dog for diarrhea you must make sure you are giving the dog pure canned pumpkin not pumpkin pie filling.
Pumpkin pie filling is made with sugar that can make the diarrhea worse. Only give a tablespoon or two of the pumpkin to your dog. Too much pumpkin will overload your dog’s system with beta carotene.
4. Sweet Potatoes
If you don’t have any pumpkin or can’t find any canned pumpkin that isn’t pie filling you can give your dog some sweet potato instead. Cook a couple of sweet potatoes. Then skin them and mash them and when they’re cool give that to your dog.
5. Over The Counter Remedies
Some over the counter medicines for human diarrhea can work for dogs. But, always call your vet and ask which remedies are safe to use for dogs and what the dosage for your dog should be. Your vet will be able to look at your dog’s individual medical records, age and weight to tell you the right dose to use for your pup.
6. Pedialyte
Pedialyte is a great way to keep your dog from getting dehydrated when the dog has diarrhea. But again, check with your vet to make sure you don’t give your dog too much. Use unflavored, plain Pedialyte and add it to your dog’s water while he has diarrhea.
7. Probiotics or Plain Yogurt
If your dog has diarrhea, you can give him some probiotics to help the dog’s digestive system reset itself and heal. Probiotic capsules can be added to the dog’s food. Or you can give your dog some plain yogurt to get the probiotics.
Just make absolutely sure that the yogurt is plain yogurt. It should be the kind used for cooking, not vanilla or other flavored yogurt that is usually eaten for snacks or breakfast.
8. Baby Food
Baby food is gentle and can be given to a dog that isn’t enthusiastic about eating the rice and meat mixture. Just make sure that the baby food is not seasoned and is just pureed meat and vegetables. You can also give your dog plain unseasoned chicken or beef broth if the dog isn’t showing any interest in food.
9. Rest
Your dog isn’t going to be feeling very well so let the dog rest. Don’t expect the dog to play or go for long walks. Put the dog’s favorite bed in a warm and quiet place and let the dog sleep as much as they want.
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