Though visiting your vet is always best, there are also natural and simple medications that can be used at home to treat diarrhea in your pet. Food and medications will help them feel better quickly.
Start by feeding your pup a bland diet. This should consist of serving white rice and light food without added fats or seasoning that might aggravate its stomach.
Contents
Probiotics
Probiotics are food-grade probiotics designed to restore digestive balance in your dog. Some examples of probiotic-rich food sources for dogs include plain, unflavored yogurt, fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut or human-grade nondairy milk alternatives (human grade). When giving probiotics to your pup, avoid including sugar or spices as this could further upset their stomachs.
Probiotics are an excellent way to prevent diarrhea in the future and can be purchased as chewable tablets, powders or capsules.
Slippery Elm can soothe the lining of your dog’s digestive tract while L-Glutamine, an amino acid which repairs intestinal cells. Keep in mind, however, that home remedies cannot replace consulting with your veterinarian in case your pup develops diarrhea; seeing one will allow them to identify its source and prescribe effective treatments, making sure your pup gets the best care!
Pumpkin
Puppies bring great joy into our lives, but sometimes they come with some unwelcome surprises such as diarrhea. Adding pumpkin to their diet is an effective way to soothe her stomach.
Pumpkin may be considered both fruit and vegetable by some; regardless of which category it falls into, one thing is certain: It provides plenty of nutritious benefits. Packed full of vitamin A – which has numerous health benefits – as well as plenty of soluble fiber content, pumpkin is an excellent way to nourish yourself both physically and nutritionally.
Pumpkin is an excellent source of potassium, a mineral essential for heart and nerve regulation, as well as vitamin C which supports immune health and healing, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Be sure to use plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling), since adding any sugar could upset their stomach further and make their journey uncomfortable. Check the label to ensure there are no other hidden ingredients or preservatives present in it before giving to your pup!
Rice
Mild diarrhea in dogs may be caused by many things: diet indiscretions (table scraps, treats, grass or other unsuitable foods they should not have eaten), viruses or bacterial infections, stress and even serious conditions like kidney disease. Most often these conditions can be addressed at home with some easy-to-digest meals and probiotic supplements.
Begin by restricting food for 12 or 24 hours and offering water in its place. When feeding back your dog, aim for a diet consisting of white rice with unseasoned boiled chicken or hamburger, or try commercially prepared dog food specifically tailored to meet his nutritional needs over time.
If your dog’s diarrhea persists, be sure to visit a veterinarian immediately and bring a stool sample with you so they can better diagnose the issue and help your pup feel better sooner.
Water
Water can help dogs suffering from mild diarrhea. Be sure to administer small doses, and don’t force your pup to drink it; too much liquid could make their symptoms worse.
Slippery Elm and L-Glutamine may help speed recovery from an upset stomach in dogs. Slippery Elm soothes mucous membranes while L-Glutamine acts as an amino acid which heals intestinal linings.
Avoid feeding your pup fruits as these contain acids which could exacerbate their digestive system. Instead, offer bland and easily digestible food like boiled chicken, low-fat hamburger, and white rice for optimal digestion.
For severe cases or dehydrated dogs, consult with their veterinarian right away. Your vet will conduct a fecal exam and may order radiographs (x-rays) or blood work to identify what’s causing their diarrhea and then provide treatment that will restore health to both of you.
