Any pet owner knows that diarrhea can often be a normal part of a dog’s life. But when it comes to chronic, recurring episodes, you know your pup’s got a problem. Not only is diarrhea upsetting to both you and your dog, but it can also be dangerous for them. It may lead to dehydration and malnutrition, which could result in tumors, inflammation, and even death.
Canine diarrhea is a common problem for dogs, but the illness’s frequency, duration, and intensity vary greatly from one dog to another. The more you know about diarrhea, the less likely it is that your dog will experience one of these awful episodes and the shorter its duration. Today, there are many over-the-counter diarrhea treatments available for dogs.
What Is Diarrhea in Dogs?
Dogs with frequent diarrhea experience unformed or loose stools a lot or more often. Many different illnesses can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea isn’t a disease but rather a sign of many other conditions. Most of the time, simple treatments can quickly solve diarrhea caused by minor illnesses.
An infection or bacteria in the digestive tract may also cause diarrhea. There are many remedies for this issue at home. Diarrhea should stop if you cut back on food and then slowly introduce bland food into your dog’s diet. However, if that doesn’t work, you need to call your veterinarian. It’s essential to get your pet checked out by the vet, even if they’re acting normally.
Note: Always consult your veterinarian first for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs
Many things could go wrong with a dog’s digestive system, causing it to break down and cause diarrhea. Loose stools in dogs are often caused by one of these:
- Consuming waste or food that has been spoiled
- Change to dietary habits/food
- Hypersensitivity to certain foods
- Diseases caused by a common virus, such as Parvovirus
- Salmonella and other bacterial infections
- Illnesses like renal and liver dysfunction
- Allergies
- Parasites
- Harmful plants or chemicals
- Swallowing inedible items
- Antibiotics and other drugs
- Anxiety or distress
Home Remedies for Canine Diarrhea
Many cases are minor and can be handled at home with the advice of your vet. These are some things that could help them:
- Over-the-counter dog diarrhea treatments: These medicines are handy to have.
- Fasting: It is possible to alleviate the symptoms of an upset stomach by limiting food intake for 12 to 24 hours and ensuring your pet drinks enough water every few hours.
Note: Dehydration can result from diarrhea, so make sure your dog always has access to water. Additionally, you can administer unflavored Pedialyte to your pet if your veterinarian recommends it.
- Slowly add food back into the dog’s diet after a fast. Many dog owners start by giving their pets a diet rich in binders, which can help keep their stools in check.
What to Feed a Dog With Diarrhea?
- Rice water: To make rice water, bring a lot of water to a boil, add some rice, and remove the grains. Then give your dog the water.
- Plain white rice
- Pumpkin puree or pet-specific canned pumpkin for dogs
- Plain yogurt with live cultures can be good for dogs
- Probiotics can help with digestion
- Boiled skinless potatoes
- Butter-and-oil-free eggs or skinless chicken
- Sensitive stomach dog food
Frequently Asked Question:
Why Is Your Dog Pooping Blood?
Bloody poop can signify that something is wrong with your dog’s digestive tract. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is when blood is found in the digestive tract. This can happen when your dog eats something it shouldn’t, including non-food items such as sticks, bones, toys, toxins, and garbage. It may also occur when your dog eats new dog food, treats, or another pet’s food.
