Diarrhea is a common problem in dogs, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including dietary indiscretion, stress, intestinal parasites, and infections.
While diarrhea can be a nuisance, it can also be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition. If your dog has diarrhea, it is important to take them to the veterinarian to rule out any underlying causes and to get treatment.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can give your dog to help relieve their diarrhea.
What to Give Dogs for Diarrhea
Here are 9 important things you can give your dog to help relieve their diarrhea:
- Bland diet
- Pumpkin puree
- Probiotics
- Electrolytes
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Boiled chicken and rice
- Pedialyte
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
It is important to consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any of these remedies, as some may not be appropriate for your dog's specific condition.
Bland diet
A bland diet is a type of diet that is easy for your dog to digest and is low in fat and fiber. This type of diet can help to firm up your dog's stool and reduce diarrhea.
There are a few different ways to make a bland diet for your dog. One option is to boil chicken or ground beef and then mix it with white rice. Another option is to feed your dog a commercial bland diet food. These diets are available at most pet stores and are specifically designed for dogs with digestive problems.
When feeding your dog a bland diet, it is important to start slowly. Offer your dog small meals throughout the day, rather than one or two large meals. This will help to prevent your dog from vomiting or having diarrhea.
You should also make sure that your dog has access to plenty of fresh water at all times.
If your dog's diarrhea does not improve after a few days of eating a bland diet, or if your dog is also vomiting, lethargic, or has a fever, it is important to take them to the veterinarian right away.
Pumpkin puree
Pumpkin puree is another great option for dogs with diarrhea. It is a natural source of soluble fiber, which can help to bulk up your dog's stool and reduce diarrhea.
- Easy to digest: Pumpkin puree is very easy for dogs to digest, even if they are experiencing digestive upset.
- Contains soluble fiber: Soluble fiber helps to bulk up the stool and absorb water, which can help to firm up your dog's stool.
- Contains prebiotics: Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. These bacteria can help to improve your dog's overall digestive health.
- Contains antioxidants: Pumpkin puree is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your dog's cells from damage.
To give pumpkin puree to your dog, simply mix a tablespoon or two into their food. You can also give your dog pumpkin puree as a treat. Just be sure to start slowly and increase the amount you give your dog gradually to avoid causing diarrhea.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial to your dog's digestive health. They help to keep the gut flora balanced, which can help to prevent diarrhea and other digestive problems.
There are a number of different ways to give your dog probiotics. One option is to give them a probiotic supplement. These supplements are available in powder, capsule, and chewable form. You can also give your dog probiotics by feeding them fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.
When choosing a probiotic supplement for your dog, it is important to choose one that contains a variety of different strains of bacteria. This will help to ensure that your dog is getting the full range of benefits that probiotics can offer.
It is also important to start slowly when giving your dog probiotics. Start by giving them a small dose once a day and then gradually increase the dose over time. This will help to avoid causing diarrhea or other digestive upset.
If you are unsure about which probiotic supplement to give your dog, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you choose a supplement that is right for your dog's individual needs.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals that are essential for a number of bodily functions, including fluid balance, muscle function, and nerve function. When a dog has diarrhea, they can lose a lot of electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration and other health problems.
- Sodium: Sodium is an important electrolyte that helps to regulate fluid balance and muscle function.
- Potassium: Potassium is another important electrolyte that helps to regulate fluid balance and nerve function.
- Chloride: Chloride is an electrolyte that helps to regulate fluid balance and stomach acid production.
- Bicarbonate: Bicarbonate is an electrolyte that helps to regulate the pH of the blood.
You can give your dog electrolytes by offering them a commercial electrolyte solution or by making your own homemade electrolyte solution. To make a homemade electrolyte solution, simply mix the following ingredients in one liter of water:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon potassium chloride (available at most pharmacies)
- 1 tablespoon honey
Offer your dog the electrolyte solution throughout the day, in small amounts. You can also add the electrolyte solution to your dog's food.
Anti-diarrheal medication
In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend giving your dog anti-diarrheal medication. These medications can help to slow down the movement of food through the digestive tract, which can help to firm up the stool and reduce diarrhea.
- Loperamide (Imodium): Loperamide is a common anti-diarrheal medication that is available over-the-counter. It works by slowing down the movement of food through the digestive tract.
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): Bismuth subsalicylate is another common anti-diarrheal medication that is available over-the-counter. It works by coating the lining of the digestive tract and protecting it from irritation.
- Octreotide: Octreotide is a prescription anti-diarrheal medication that is used to treat severe diarrhea. It works by slowing down the secretion of fluids into the digestive tract.
- Tylosin: Tylosin is a prescription antibiotic that is sometimes used to treat diarrhea caused by bacteria.
It is important to give your dog anti-diarrheal medication only as directed by your veterinarian. Some anti-diarrheal medications can have side effects, such as constipation and vomiting.
Boiled chicken and rice
Boiled chicken and rice is a bland, easy-to-digest meal that is often recommended for dogs with diarrhea. The chicken provides lean protein, and the rice provides easily digestible carbohydrates.
To make boiled chicken and rice for your dog, simply boil boneless, skinless chicken breast in water until it is cooked through. Then, shred the chicken and mix it with cooked white rice. You can also add a little bit of low-sodium chicken broth to the mixture to make it more flavorful.
Start by feeding your dog small amounts of boiled chicken and rice throughout the day. If your dog tolerates this diet well, you can gradually increase the amount you are feeding them.
You can feed your dog boiled chicken and rice for a few days, or until their diarrhea has resolved. Once your dog's diarrhea has resolved, you can gradually transition them back to their regular diet.
Boiled chicken and rice is a safe and effective way to help your dog recover from diarrhea. However, it is important to talk to your veterinarian before feeding your dog boiled chicken and rice, especially if your dog has any underlying health conditions.
Pedialyte
Pedialyte is an electrolyte solution that is often used to treat dehydration in children. It can also be used to treat dehydration in dogs, especially if the dog has diarrhea.
Pedialyte contains a balance of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. These electrolytes help to regulate fluid balance and prevent dehydration.
Pedialyte is available in a variety of flavors, so you can find one that your dog will enjoy. It is also available in a powder form, which you can mix with water.
To give Pedialyte to your dog, simply offer them small amounts throughout the day. You can also add Pedialyte to your dog's food or water.
Pedialyte can be a helpful way to treat dehydration in dogs with diarrhea. However, it is important to talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog Pedialyte, especially if your dog has any underlying health conditions.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a fermented dairy product that is made from milk. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics.
Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial to the digestive system. They help to keep the gut flora balanced, which can help to prevent diarrhea and other digestive problems.
Yogurt can be a helpful addition to the diet of dogs with diarrhea. The probiotics in yogurt can help to firm up the stool and reduce diarrhea.
To give yogurt to your dog, simply offer them a small amount, such as a tablespoon or two, once or twice a day. You can also add yogurt to your dog's food.
It is important to choose a yogurt that is plain and unsweetened. Avoid yogurts that contain artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful to dogs.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a whole grain that is a good source of fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health because it helps to bulk up the stool and make it easier to pass.
Oatmeal can be a helpful addition to the diet of dogs with diarrhea. The fiber in oatmeal can help to firm up the stool and reduce diarrhea.
To give oatmeal to your dog, simply cook it according to the package directions. Once it is cooked, let it cool slightly and then offer it to your dog.
You can also add oatmeal to your dog's food. Just be sure to start with a small amount and gradually increase the amount you are giving them over time.
It is important to choose oatmeal that is plain and unsweetened. Avoid oatmeal that contains artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful to dogs.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about what to give dogs for diarrhea:
Question 1: What is the best thing to feed a dog with diarrhea?
Answer: The best thing to feed a dog with diarrhea is a bland diet. A bland diet is easy to digest and low in fat and fiber. Some good options for a bland diet include boiled chicken and rice, boiled hamburger and rice, or a commercial bland diet food.
Question 2: How long should I feed my dog a bland diet?
Answer: You should feed your dog a bland diet for a few days, or until their diarrhea has resolved. Once their diarrhea has resolved, you can gradually transition them back to their regular diet.
Question 3: Can I give my dog Pedialyte for diarrhea?
Answer: Yes, you can give your dog Pedialyte for diarrhea. Pedialyte is an electrolyte solution that can help to prevent dehydration. However, it is important to talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog Pedialyte, especially if your dog has any underlying health conditions.
Question 4: Can I give my dog yogurt for diarrhea?
Answer: Yes, you can give your dog yogurt for diarrhea. Yogurt is a good source of probiotics, which are live bacteria that are beneficial to the digestive system. Probiotics can help to firm up the stool and reduce diarrhea.
Question 5: Can I give my dog oatmeal for diarrhea?
Answer: Yes, you can give your dog oatmeal for diarrhea. Oatmeal is a good source of fiber, which can help to bulk up the stool and make it easier to pass. However, it is important to choose oatmeal that is plain and unsweetened.
Question 6: When should I take my dog to the veterinarian for diarrhea?
Answer: You should take your dog to the veterinarian if their diarrhea is severe, lasts for more than a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, lethargy, or a fever.
Question 7: What are some tips for preventing diarrhea in dogs?
Answer: Some tips for preventing diarrhea in dogs include feeding your dog a healthy diet, keeping your dog up-to-date on their vaccinations, and avoiding giving your dog table scraps or other foods that are not part of their regular diet.
Question 8: What are some natural remedies for diarrhea in dogs?
Answer: Some natural remedies for diarrhea in dogs include giving your dog a bland diet, offering them Pedialyte or yogurt, and using probiotics.
Question 9: What are some over-the-counter medications that I can give my dog for diarrhea?
Answer: Some over-the-counter medications that you can give your dog for diarrhea include loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). However, it is important to talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any over-the-counter medications.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about what to give dogs for diarrhea. If you have any other questions, please talk to your veterinarian.
In addition to the information in this FAQ, here are a few tips for helping your dog recover from diarrhea:
Tips
Here are a few tips for helping your dog recover from diarrhea:
Tip 1: Keep your dog well-hydrated.
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it is important to make sure that your dog drinks plenty of fluids. Offer your dog fresh water at all times, and consider adding Pedialyte or another oral rehydration solution to their water bowl.
Tip 2: Feed your dog small, frequent meals.
It is better to feed your dog a few small meals throughout the day, rather than one or two large meals. This will help to prevent your dog from vomiting or getting diarrhea.
Tip 3: Avoid giving your dog table scraps or other foods that are not part of their regular diet.
Table scraps and other human foods can upset your dog's digestive system and make their diarrhea worse.
Tip 4: Clean up your dog's accidents immediately.
If your dog has an accident inside, clean it up immediately with a pet-safe cleaner. This will help to prevent your dog from associating the area with going to the bathroom and from going there again.
Tip 5: Take your dog to the veterinarian if their diarrhea does not improve after a few days.
If your dog's diarrhea does not improve after a few days, or if your dog is also vomiting, lethargic, or has a fever, you should take them to the veterinarian right away.
These are just a few tips for helping your dog recover from diarrhea. If you have any other questions, please talk to your veterinarian.
With proper care and treatment, most dogs with diarrhea will recover within a few days. However, it is important to seek veterinary care if your dog's diarrhea is severe, does not improve after a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, lethargy, or a fever.
Conclusion
Diarrhea is a common problem in dogs, but it can usually be treated at home with a few simple steps.
The most important thing to do is to keep your dog hydrated. Offer your dog fresh water at all times, and consider adding an oral rehydration solution to their water bowl.
You should also feed your dog a bland diet for a few days. Bland diets are easy to digest and low in fat and fiber. Some good options for a bland diet include boiled chicken and rice, boiled hamburger and rice, or a commercial bland diet food.
It is also important to avoid giving your dog table scraps or other foods that are not part of their regular diet. Table scraps and other human foods can upset your dog's digestive system and make their diarrhea worse.
If your dog's diarrhea does not improve after a few days, or if your dog is also vomiting, lethargic, or has a fever, you should take them to the veterinarian right away.
With proper care and treatment, most dogs with diarrhea will recover within a few days.
If you are concerned about your dog's diarrhea, please talk to your veterinarian. They can help you determine the cause of your dog's diarrhea and recommend the best course of treatment.