What Can I Give My Dog to Stop Diarrhea Fast? To stop your dog’s diarrhea fast, you can give them a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice or plain pumpkin, which helps firm up stools and soothe the digestive system.
These simple home remedies can provide quick relief and help restore your dog’s health.
Understanding Diarrhea in Dogs
Diarrhea in dogs can result from a variety of factors, such as sudden changes in diet, food intolerance, ingestion of harmful substances, stress, or infections caused by viruses or bacteria.
Identifying the cause is essential for providing appropriate treatment and preventing any worsening of your dog’s condition.
Dietary causes are common, particularly when new foods are introduced too quickly or when a dog overeats. Dogs that rummage through the trash or consume human food are also at higher risk of digestive problems.
Infections, including bacterial and viral ones like parvovirus, can lead to severe diarrhea, often accompanied by vomiting and lethargy.
Additionally, stress and anxiety can trigger diarrhea in dogs, especially during major life changes such as moving to a new home or the introduction of a new pet into the household.
Learn more about Parvovirus on Wikipedia.
For more insights into common dog health issues, check out our complete guide to dog health.
Quick Home Remedies for Dog Diarrhea
When your dog has diarrhea, the priority is helping them feel better fast. Here are some tried-and-true remedies you can use at home.
- Bland Diet Boiled Chicken and Rice: A bland diet of boiled chicken and rice is a great way to ease a dog’s diarrhea. Simply boil skinless, boneless chicken and plain white rice, then serve a small portion. Once the diarrhea improves, slowly reintroduce their regular food.
- Plain Pumpkin (Canned or Fresh): Pumpkin is a natural remedy that helps regulate a dog’s digestive system. The fiber in pumpkin absorbs excess water in the intestines, leading to firmer stools. Give your dog one to two tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin (not the spiced pie filling). For smaller dogs, stick to a smaller serving. It can be mixed with their food or given on its own.
- Probiotics: Probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your dog’s gut, especially after a bout of diarrhea. Look for probiotics specifically designed for dogs, as human probiotics may not be effective for pets. You can buy probiotic supplements for dogs or offer plain, unsweetened yogurt with live cultures as an alternative. Introduce small amounts to avoid causing further upset.
- Fasting (For 12-24 Hours): Sometimes giving your dog’s digestive system a rest can stop diarrhea. Fasting for 12-24 hours allows the intestines to recover and reduces the severity of diarrhea. During this period, provide your dog with plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Fasting is usually recommended for healthy adult dogs. Puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with underlying health issues should not fast without veterinary guidance.
- Electrolyte Solutions: Dogs can become dehydrated quickly when they have diarrhea. Offering an electrolyte solution, such as Pedialyte, can help replenish lost fluids and minerals. You can dilute the electrolyte solution with water and give it to your dog in small amounts. If your dog is refusing water or shows signs of severe dehydration, contact a vet immediately.
Preventing Diarrhea in Dogs
Prevention is always better than cure. To minimize the risk of diarrhea, follow these guidelines:
- Introduce New Foods Gradually: Sudden changes in diet are one of the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs. When introducing new foods, gradually mix them with your dog’s current food over the course of 7-10 days to prevent digestive upset.
- Avoid Table Scraps and Harmful Foods: Human foods, especially fatty or spicy dishes, can cause diarrhea in dogs. Ensure your dog only eats appropriate food, and avoid giving them table scraps that could upset their stomach.
For a list of foods to avoid, check our guide on toxic foods for dogs.
- Routine Deworming: Parasitic infections like worms can also cause diarrhea. Regular deworming and fecal checks are crucial to keeping your dog parasite-free and healthy.
- Keep Your Dog Hydrated: Always ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water. Dehydration can exacerbate digestive issues, so keeping your dog hydrated is important, especially during hot weather or after exercise.
For more advice on maintaining your dog’s overall health, see our comprehensive dog care guide.
Expert Tips for Managing Dog Diarrhea and When to Seek Veterinary Care
According to PetMD, managing diarrhea in dogs requires prompt attention, and home remedies like boiled chicken, rice, and pumpkin can offer quick relief.
However, if symptoms persist for more than 48 hours or if there are additional signs like vomiting or blood in the stool, veterinary attention is essential.
WebMD Pets also highlights the importance of keeping your dog hydrated during bouts of diarrhea.
WebMD emphasizes the significance of addressing dog diarrhea promptly, as untreated diarrhea can lead to dehydration and more severe health issues.
They recommend using simple remedies like plain boiled chicken and rice, and advise seeking veterinary care if diarrhea does not resolve within 24 to 48 hours.
Proven Herbal Remedies for Digestive Upset
There are several herbal remedies that can help soothe a dog’s digestive upset and speed up recovery from diarrhea, which is often caused by inflammation of the intestinal lining.
Slippery elm, known for its ability to calm mucous membranes, can be given with food at a dose of ¼ tsp per 10 lbs of body weight.
L-Glutamine, an amino acid, supports the healing of irritated intestinal cells, with a recommended dose of 500 mg for every 25 lbs of body weight daily.
Marshmallow root is another effective herb for reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, with a dosage of ½ to 1.5 ml per 20 lbs of body weight, taken twice daily.
For added strength, a mixture of slippery elm powder, FOS powder, and L-Glutamine powder can be given at 1 tsp twice a day for every 25 lbs of body weight.
When to See a Vet
While most cases of dog diarrhea can be treated at home, there are situations where veterinary care is essential.
If the diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours, contains blood, or is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or refusal to eat or drink, it’s important to consult a vet.
Dehydration, signaled by dry gums or sunken eyes, also warrants attention.
Additionally, emergency symptoms such as ongoing vomiting, severe lethargy, or difficulty breathing should be addressed immediately to prevent further complications and ensure your dog’s health and safety.
Dr. Jessica Sanchez, a veterinarian, advises, “While home remedies like pumpkin and boiled chicken can help with mild cases of diarrhea, it’s crucial to monitor your dog for any signs of dehydration or worsening symptoms. Always consult with your vet if diarrhea persists.”
For more detailed guidance, read our article on what causes diarrhea in dogs.
Conclusion
When your dog experiences diarrhea, knowing what to give them to stop it fast is essential for their health and comfort.
Simple remedies like boiled chicken and rice, pumpkin, and probiotics can help manage symptoms and restore their digestive health.
However, always be mindful of more severe symptoms, and seek veterinary care if the diarrhea persists or worsens.
By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure your furry friend gets the care they need when digestive issues arise.
FAQs
1. How long should diarrhea last in dogs?
Diarrhea in dogs typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. If it persists for more than two days, consult a veterinarian.
2. What is the best home remedy for dog diarrhea?
Boiled chicken and white rice, plain pumpkin, and probiotics are common home remedies that can help stop diarrhea fast in dogs.
3. Can I give my dog over-the-counter medication for diarrhea?
Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any over-the-counter medications, as some may be harmful to pets.
4. Should I feed my dog during diarrhea?
It’s often recommended to fast your dog for 12-24 hours before reintroducing a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice to give their digestive system time to recover.
5. What if my dog has diarrhea but is acting normal?
If your dog is behaving normally and the diarrhea is mild, home remedies like boiled chicken, rice, and pumpkin may help. However, monitor their symptoms closely, and if it persists, seek veterinary care.