How to Stop Your Dog's Diarrhea
If your dog is housetrained and suddenly makes a mess on the floor, it's not always cause for alarm. A dog's digestive system can be temporarily upset by many things, and short-term diarrhea is usually not something that requires immediate veterinary assistance.
An occasional bout of loose feces isn't out of the ordinary for dogs any more than it is for humans. Unless the diarrhea is evident for a long period or the dog otherwise seems in distress, you can probably let nature take its course and your dog will be fine without any assistance from you. I've had many dogs that have had diarrhea a time or two and while it's not the most pleasant thing to deal with, it's always resolved itself without human interference.
A dog with more than one episode of diarrhea should be monitored a little closer. It's recommended to limit food intake by half, then replace some of the food with a diet that is more bland than what is found in commercial dog foods containing all sorts of additives. Cooked rice and chicken are good choices, but no red meat with a higher fat content that might further upset your dog's tummy. Small amounts of yogurt won't provide any probiotic effects, but it can be soothing to a dog with a tummy ache. Adding a few tablespoons to his food might not curb the diarrhea, but it might make him feel better.
Several months ago my Jack Russell Terrier had a case of diarrhea and a quick phone call to my veterinarian assured me that it was ok to give him a small amount of bismuth salicylate (the pink stuff) if it continued (it didn't). Before administering your own over the counter medication, check with your veterinarian for the proper dosage of that particular product for your dog's size. What might be appropriate for a 175-lb human could be dangerous for a 20-lb dog.
If your dog's diarrhea continues and he seems to be in pain, doesn't eat for more than a day, or you find blood or foreign objects in the stool, it's time to head to the vet. Chronic diarrhea accompanied by other symptoms can mean something more serious that requires medical attention and shouldn't be ignored.
Sources:
wellvet.com
vetinfo.com
An occasional bout of loose feces isn't out of the ordinary for dogs any more than it is for humans. Unless the diarrhea is evident for a long period or the dog otherwise seems in distress, you can probably let nature take its course and your dog will be fine without any assistance from you. I've had many dogs that have had diarrhea a time or two and while it's not the most pleasant thing to deal with, it's always resolved itself without human interference.
A dog with more than one episode of diarrhea should be monitored a little closer. It's recommended to limit food intake by half, then replace some of the food with a diet that is more bland than what is found in commercial dog foods containing all sorts of additives. Cooked rice and chicken are good choices, but no red meat with a higher fat content that might further upset your dog's tummy. Small amounts of yogurt won't provide any probiotic effects, but it can be soothing to a dog with a tummy ache. Adding a few tablespoons to his food might not curb the diarrhea, but it might make him feel better.
Several months ago my Jack Russell Terrier had a case of diarrhea and a quick phone call to my veterinarian assured me that it was ok to give him a small amount of bismuth salicylate (the pink stuff) if it continued (it didn't). Before administering your own over the counter medication, check with your veterinarian for the proper dosage of that particular product for your dog's size. What might be appropriate for a 175-lb human could be dangerous for a 20-lb dog.
If your dog's diarrhea continues and he seems to be in pain, doesn't eat for more than a day, or you find blood or foreign objects in the stool, it's time to head to the vet. Chronic diarrhea accompanied by other symptoms can mean something more serious that requires medical attention and shouldn't be ignored.
Sources:
wellvet.com
vetinfo.com
Published by Marie Anne St. Jean - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
A Top 1000 Content Producer for the last three years, Marie Anne is a retired U.S. Marine MSgt whose weapons of choice are now crochet hook and pen. When not writing for Yahoo! sites such as YCN! Voice... View profile
- How to Fight High Dog Health Care CostsPet owners typically consider their pet to be a part of their family. Naturally when a family member becomes ill we want to seek immediate medical attention and to provide the best care possible.
How to Make a First Aid Kit for Your Dog?Learn what you need to prepare a first aid kit for your dog. You never know when you are going to use it and a vet would usually advise you to do so.
Dog Health: When to Take Dogs to VetWondering if you need to take your dog to the vet? Then read these nine symptoms of poor dog health.- The Best Places to Find Dog Health Information OnlineIf you are searching for dog health information, it is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before acting on any information that you find online.
- Must Know Tips for Dog Dental Care IssuesWe all know how expensive dog dental care can be but did you know that you can save a ton of money on your dogs dental care needs by taking a few preventive measures on a regular basis.
- Dog Health Care
- Natural Remedies for Dog Diarrhea
- The Rules of Dogsitting, Learning How to Live with a Dog
- The Best Product for Diarrhea is Imodium AD
- 3 Must Know Dog Health Care Tips
- How to Switch Your Dog's Food
- Secret Dog Health Care Tips Your Vet Won't Share
3 Comments
Post a Commentpoor puppy
Good ideas...my dog has never had diarrhea, but it's good to know what might help.
Good article.