Diarrhea is a common ailment that affects dogs, and various factors, such as dietary changes, stress, and infections, can cause it. Although it may look like a minor issue for humans, it can be critical for your furry friends.
Here are some effective tips to help cure diarrhea in your pet dog and prevent future occurrences. These tips include identifying the cause, providing proper nutrition, and monitoring your dog’s health. Following these guidelines can ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy throughout.
1. Give Your Dog Some Light, Digestible Food
When your dog is suffering from diarrhea, it’s necessary to give them light, digestible food that is easy on their stomach. It means avoiding high-fat, high-fiber, high-protein foods, table scraps, or treats.
One of the best options for light, digestible food is a bland diet, which usually contains boiled white rice and lean protein such as chicken or fish. This diet is easy to digest and helps in pacifying your pet’s stomach.
It’s also necessary to give your dog small, frequent meals rather than large ones. It will help to keep their stomach from becoming upset. And when your dog’s diarrhea has subsided, it’s important to slowly transition them back to their regular diet to avoid any stomach upsets again.
It is crucial to be aware that if your pet’s diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days or if they display other signs of ill health like vomiting, loss of appetite, or lack of energy, it is advisable to seek advice from your veterinarian.
2. Make Sure Your Dog Gets Plenty of Water, Even If He Doesn’t Want It
It’s important to ensure that your dog stays hydrated when suffering from diarrhea, as it can lead to dehydration. It can happen quickly, especially in dogs that have been vomiting or have had loose stools.
One way to ensure that your dog stays hydrated is to make sure that they have access to plenty of clean, fresh water at all times. You can also offer them ice cubes or broth to lick, which can help to stimulate their thirst.
If your dog is reluctant to drink, you may have to encourage them to drink. For example, you can add a small amount of chicken or beef broth to their water, or you may have to syringe-feed them if they are too weak to drink on their own.
It’s also important to note that if your dog shows signs of severe dehydration, such as sunken eyes, dry gums, or lethargy, it’s best to consult your vet immediately. They can provide fluids to rehydrate your dog and provide the appropriate treatment for their condition.
3. Use Probiotics to Help Rebuild Gut Flora
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help to balance the gut microbiome, which is the collection of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to diarrhea and other digestive issues.
Using probiotics can help to restore the balance of gut bacteria and can be beneficial in treating and preventing diarrhea. You may give probiotics as a supplement in the form of capsules, tablets, or powders, or they can be found in fermented foods, such as yogurt or kefir.
Pet supplements are safe for those in recovery mode. According to the estimation by The Brainy Insights, the global pet supplement market will reach $9.65 billion by 2030, from $4.30 billion in 2020.
When choosing a probiotic, it’s important to look for a product that contains live, active cultures and is specifically formulated for dogs. Additionally, it’s crucial to consult your vet before starting your dog on probiotics because they may have an underlying condition that needs to be treated, and probiotics might not be the best option.
4. Watch for Warning Signs and Contact the Vet
While diarrhea is a common ailment in dogs, it can also be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. According to the Cornell University of Veterinary Medicine, most diarrhea cases in dogs are self-limiting and mild. However, if the symptoms persist over 48-72 hours, then a veterinarian’s involvement is necessary.
It’s important to be aware of warning signs that may indicate a more critical problem and to contact your vet if you notice any of the following:
- Persistent diarrhea: If your diarrhea stays for over two days, see your vet immediately. They will be able to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
- Blood in the stool: Blood in the stool can indicate a critical condition, such as an infection or inflammation in the intestinal tract. It’s necessary to contact your vet immediately if you notice blood in your dog’s stool.
- Vomiting: If your dog is vomiting and has diarrhea, it can indicate that the issue is with the stomach or intestines.
- Lethargy: If your dog is lethargic or weak, it can indicate that they are dehydrated or that its condition is more serious.
- Loss of appetite: If your dog is not eating or is not interested in food, it’s necessary to contact your vet as soon as possible.
Remember that various factors, like dietary changes, stress, or infections, can cause diarrhea. Therefore, it’s necessary to contact your vet if you suspect that your dog’s diarrhea is something other than a minor upset stomach.
If your dog is facing diarrhea, talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible. As per Zippia, there are more than 47,693 veterinarians in the US. Approach any of the experienced vets according to your feasibility.
5. Use an Anti-Diarrheal Medication with Caution
The anti-diarrheal medication effectively treats diarrhea in dogs, but you should use it cautiously. It’s crucial to consult your vet before giving your dog any medication, as they can determine the underlying cause of diarrhea and recommend the appropriate treatment.
One such anti-diarrheal medication that is commonly used for dogs is Diawin tablets. This medication can help reduce inflammation in the gut and firm up stools. However, Diawin tablets for dogs should be used under the guidance of a veterinarian, as they can have side effects, and it’s necessary to use the correct dosage.
It’s also important to note that anti-diarrheal medication should be used as a complementary treatment, not a substitute for conventional medical treatment.
6. Learn About the Causes of Diarrhea
To effectively treat and prevent diarrhea in your dog, it’s necessary to understand the possible causes of the condition. Some common causes of diarrhea in dogs include:
- Diet: A sudden change in diet or ingested spoiled or contaminated food can cause diarrhea.
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause diarrhea.
- Stress: Stressful events such as a move or the arrival of a new pet can cause diarrhea.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect.
- Intestinal disorders: Certain intestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease, can cause diarrhea.
- Chemotherapy: Diarrhea in dogs can be one of the common side effects of Chemotherapy, as per the FDA.
- Other underlying conditions: Some underlying conditions, such as cancer, liver, or kidney disease, can cause diarrhea.
It’s important to note that diarrhea can have many causes, and it can be hard to determine the underlying cause without the help of a veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
Some effective tips to cure diarrhea in your dog include identifying the cause, providing proper nutrition, and monitoring your dog’s health.
It’s important to note that if your pet’s diarrhea continues for over 48 hours or is bothered by other illnesses, such as vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, it’s best to consult your vet.
