How To Treat Diarrhea In Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs and How to Treat Them

It can be unpleasant to talk about diarrhea, but it is often a common problem in dogs, as it is for humans. Various factors, such as changes in diet and food allergies, bacterial or viral infections, parasites, and even stress, can cause diarrhea. It is important to treat diarrhea promptly, as it can cause excessive dehydration. This article is for just that. Let's talk about some steps you can take to treat diarrhea in your dog?

The Do's and Don'ts of Treating Diarrhea in Dogs

Withhold Food for 12-24 Hours

If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, it may be a good idea to withhold food for 12-24 hours. This will give your dog's digestive system a chance to rest and recover. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water during this time, as it is important to keep them hydrated.

What to Feed Your Dog with Diarrhea

Offer Bland Foods

After the fasting period, you can gradually introduce bland foods to your dog's diet. Good options include boiled chicken, rice, and sweet potatoes. These foods are easy to digest and can help to firm up your dog's stool. Make sure to feed your dog small, frequent meals rather than one or two large meals.

Avoid Certain Foods

While introducing bland foods to your dog's diet, it is important to avoid certain foods that can exacerbate diarrhea. This includes fatty foods, dairy products, raw meat, and bones. These foods can be difficult for your dog to digest and can make diarrhea worse.

Gradually Transition to a New Diet

If your dog's diarrhea is caused by a change in diet, it is important to transition to a new diet gradually. This means slowly introducing new foods over the course of several days to allow your dog's digestive system to adjust. Sudden changes in diet can lead to digestive upset and diarrhea.

Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so it is important to make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water. You can also offer your dog an electrolyte solution, such as Pedialyte, to help replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

Use Probiotics

Probiotics can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in your dog's gut, which can be disrupted by diarrhea. You can find probiotic supplements specifically formulated for dogs at most pet stores, or you can ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Promote Good Gut Health

In addition to using probiotics to restore healthy gut flora, there are other steps you can take to promote good gut health in your dog. This includes providing a balanced diet that is high in fiber and easy to digest, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics or medications, and providing regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Use Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes can help to break down food in your dog's digestive system, making it easier to digest and absorb nutrients. You can find digestive enzyme supplements specifically formulated for dogs at most pet stores, or you can ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

 

Treat Diarrhea in Dogs: What You Need to Know

Consider Medication

In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend medication to help treat your dog's diarrhea. This may include antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation in the gut, or deworming medication to treat parasites.

Maintain Good Hygiene

Diarrhea in dogs can be contagious, so it is important to maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. Make sure to clean up any fecal matter promptly, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling your dog or cleaning up after them.

Monitor Your Dog's Condition

If your dog's diarrhea persists for more than a day or two, or if your dog shows other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite, you should contact your veterinarian. These could be signs of a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention.

Consider the Underlying Cause

While treating the symptoms of diarrhea is important, it is equally important to consider the underlying cause. This may require a visit to your veterinarian to determine the root cause of your dog's diarrhea. Depending on the cause, your veterinarian may recommend a change in diet, medication, or other treatments.

Watch for Signs of Dehydration

Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can be dangerous for dogs. Watch for signs of dehydration, including lethargy, dry gums, sunken eyes, and decreased skin elasticity. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Be Patient

Treating diarrhea in dogs can take time, and it may take several days or even weeks for your dog's digestive system to fully recover. Be patient and consistent in your treatment approach, and continue to monitor your dog's condition closely.

Keep a Record of Symptoms

Keeping a record of your dog's symptoms can help your veterinarian to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your dog's diarrhea. Keep track of when your dog experiences diarrhea, what they have eaten, and any other symptoms they may be experiencing.

Avoid Stressful Situations

Stress can disrupt your dog's digestive system and exacerbate diarrhea. Avoid stressful situations as much as possible, and provide plenty of opportunities for your dog to relax and unwind.

Provide Plenty of Exercise

Regular exercise can help to promote good gut health and prevent constipation or other digestive issues. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise every day, and provide opportunities for mental stimulation as well.