What Can I Give My Dog for Diarrhea?

Diarrhea may be a messy topic, but it’s an unfortunate part of life for humans and dogs alike. Thankfully there are some simple steps you can take at home to alleviate upset stomachs and get your dog’s digestive system back on track.

First, make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration. From there, simple at-home remedies, such as plain white rice, boiled chicken, or pureed pumpkin, can soothe digestive upset and firm up loose stools. For healthy adult dogs, a short fast may help before slowly introducing plain foods like those mentioned above. Some dogs may also benefit from a dog-safe probiotic.

Common Causes of Canine Diarrhea

Dogs develop diarrhea for any number of reasons. If your dog has diarrhea, it helps to think about anything that may have changed recently, such as their food, routine, environment, or exposure to something unusual.

Common causes of canine diarrhea include:

• “Dietary indiscretion” (eating what dogs shouldn’t eat!) This can include things like garbage, table scraps, spoiled food, or non-food items
• A sudden change in diet
• Stress or anxiety, including travel, boarding, or changes at home
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Internal parasites including worms as well as protozoal parasites such as giardia or coccidia
• Viral infections
• Bacterial infections
• Medication side effects
• Poisoning
• Underlying health conditions or illnesses such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or other chronic gastrointestinal problems

When To See a Vet

Many cases of dog diarrhea are mild and will subside with at-home treatment after a day or two. However, diarrhea can signal more serious underlying issues, and in these cases, you should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. If your dog’s diarrhea isn’t improving with dietary changes, or if he’s showing other signs like lethargy, vomiting, fever, or weakness, and/or has no appetite, it’s likely something else is wrong. The sooner you see a vet, the likelier they’ll be to catch any potential problems which may be causing the diarrhea.

When is Dog Diarrhea an Emergency?

As discussed above, you should contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog’s diarrhea is accompanied by:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Fever
• Loss of appetite and/or refusal to drink
• Signs of dehydration, such as dry gums, sunken eyes, or acting weak
• Belly pain, bloating, or signs of discomfort

Diarrhea is also considered an emergency if it shows up after your dog has eaten something toxic, spoiled, or a non-food item or if they are a puppy, senior dog, or have a chronic health condition.

What To Do If Your Dog Has Diarrhea

Many experts recommend withholding food from dogs who are experiencing diarrhea for 12 to 24 hours. A day-long fast often gives dogs’ digestive systems a chance to settle and reset. Fasting should only be attempted with healthy adult dogs, however, as it can be taxing on seniors, and cause low blood sugar in puppies. Small amounts of water should be given throughout the fast as diarrhea can cause dehydration.

What Home Remedy Can I Give My Dog for Diarrhea?

If fasting isn’t an option, there are several simple foods you can give your dog to help ease diarrhea symptoms. Bland and fiber-rich foods are especially effective at helping to ease digestive stress and firm up dogs’ stools. Some common at-home options include:

• Pureed pumpkin or pumpkin powder
• Plain white rice
• Boiled chicken
• Yogurt with probiotics
• Potatoes, peeled, boiled, mashed, and cooled

Final Takeaway: What Can I Give My Dog for Diarrhea?

If your dog has diarrhea, it is important to avoid giving them fatty foods, dairy, or seasoned scraps. Also, don’t give your dog human medications unless your veterinarian tells you otherwise. If your dog’s diarrhea does not improve quickly, or if your dog seems unwell in any other way, contact your vet right away. Acting quickly can help your dog recover faster and prevent a more serious issue from getting worse.