At home, there are several things you can do to assist your dog during an episode of diarrhea. First and foremost, ensure they remain restful and hydrated.
Over-the-counter medications such as Kaopectate or Pepto Bismol may provide immediate relief; however, long-term usage could prove harmful to your dog.
Insoluble fiber such as oligofructose, inulin and guar gum is an effective natural laxative that helps bulk up stool to prevent constipation. Bananas contain plenty of insoluble fiber while providing potassium-rich potassium sources to soothe your bowels and ease constipation symptoms.
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Chicken
Boiled chicken is often recommended by veterinarians when your dog has diarrhea, as it’s easy for their stomach to digest and can help soothe their discomfort. You could supplement it with eggs which contain protein and vitamin supplements like choline to further relieve their condition.
As tempting as it might be to give your pup beef or ground turkey, these species-inappropriate proteins could actually increase inflammation in his digestive system and trigger diarrhea episodes. Instead, opt for ground turkey which has leaner proteins that won’t trigger diarrhea attacks as easily.
A bland diet consisting of boiled white rice (not brown), some chicken and canned plain pumpkin could help soothe your dog’s upset tummy. To add more flavor, consider including one tablespoon of natural yogurt or probiotics into the mix; just be careful that no table scraps or foods that could further irritate their GI tract cause additional diarrhea!
Rice
Some dogs have delicate stomachs and any change to their diet containing high amounts of fats or fiber may lead to diarrhea in mild cases. If this happens to your dog, withholding food for 24 hours during episodes of diarrhea will allow him or her to purge her bowels without further aggravating the situation.
Once you reintroduce feeding your dog, start off slowly by providing him with a bland diet consisting of white rice and lean boiled meat in equal portions – this should be about 2:1 in terms of rice to meat ratio, with low-sodium chicken products like boiled chicken or turkey as ideal options.
This diet is gentle on your dog’s digestive system and should help ease her distress. Once her stools return to a normal consistency and her behavior returns to normal, gradually introduce her kibble back into her diet in small portions throughout the day.
Broth
If your pup is experiencing diarrhea, it’s wise to refrain from giving any treats, bones or food that might aggravate their stomach further. This will give their intestines time to rest so they can release whatever is causing issues.
Provide them with a bland diet to soothe any irritation they are feeling, such as plain, cooked white rice mixed with some chicken and canned pumpkin puree (not pie variety) as well as peeled boiled potatoes that you peel prior to boiling them.
Add probiotics, with your vet’s permission, for maximum digestive support. Probiotics contain good bacteria which aid in maintaining an equilibrium within your digestive tract. Make sure you purchase one that guarantees live bacterial colony-forming units or CFUs; these products are widely available in pet stores and clinics.
Water
If your dog has diarrhea accompanied by vomiting or is not eating normally, give them small amounts of cooled boiled water regularly to help them remain hydrated by replacing lost fluids. This will prevent dehydration from taking place.
Foods and remedies may help alleviate your pup’s diarrhea, but only a veterinarian can provide an accurate diagnosis of its cause. Keep in mind that any food allergy, inflammatory bowel disease or chronic health condition could also contribute to diarrhea in some form or another.
Diarrhea in your pet is rarely serious, and should pass after just a few days. If diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours, contact your vet for an appointment as they may prescribe medication such as metronidazole (Flagyl) and Tylosin (Tylan), both known for eliminating microbes and protozoa in the gut while decreasing inflammation.
