Diarrhea in dogs can be unsettling for both you and your pet. It could be caused by a variety of factors, such as dietary changes, stress, infections, or eating something that doesn’t agree with them. While diarrhea in dogs is often mild and resolves on its own, there are several home remedies you can try to help soothe your dog’s digestive system and alleviate symptoms. However, if your dog’s diarrhea persists for more than 24-48 hours or is accompanied by severe symptoms (e.g., vomiting, lethargy, or blood in the stool), it’s important to consult with a veterinarian.
Here are some safe and natural home remedies you can try for mild diarrhea in dogs:
1. Fasting (for 12-24 Hours)
One of the simplest and most effective remedies for mild diarrhea in dogs is fasting. Giving your dog’s digestive system a break can allow it to reset and recover.
- How it works: Fasting helps to prevent further irritation to the intestines and gives your dog’s digestive system time to recover.
- How to do it: For adult dogs, withhold food for 12-24 hours, but always ensure that your dog has access to clean, fresh water to stay hydrated. Puppies and small dogs should not fast for more than 12 hours as they can become hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) quickly.
Note: If your dog is very young, old, or has any health concerns (e.g., diabetes), consult your vet before fasting.
2. Bland Diet (Chicken and Rice)
Once the fasting period is over, you can begin to reintroduce food gradually. A bland diet can help soothe your dog’s digestive tract and firm up their stool.
- How it works: Chicken and rice are easy to digest and gentle on your dog’s stomach.
- How to do it: Boil skinless, boneless chicken breast and white rice without any seasoning or oil. Start by feeding small amounts, around 1/4 of your dog’s usual portion, and gradually increase the amount over 2-3 days. If your dog’s stool becomes firm again, you can slowly transition back to their regular food.
Note: Avoid giving your dog any fatty cuts of meat or adding seasonings, onions, garlic, or other ingredients that can be harmful to dogs.
3. Pumpkin (Pureed, Not Spiced)
Pumpkin is a well-known remedy for digestive issues in dogs and can be particularly effective for diarrhea. It contains fiber that helps regulate bowel movements.
- How it works: The soluble fiber in pumpkin absorbs excess water in the intestines, which can help firm up loose stools. It also promotes healthy digestion.
- How to do it: Offer 1-2 tablespoons of plain, canned pumpkin (not the spiced pie filling) for small dogs and 2-4 tablespoons for larger dogs. You can mix this with the bland diet of chicken and rice to make it more palatable.
Note: Ensure the pumpkin is plain with no added sugars, spices, or sweeteners.
4. Probiotics
Probiotics help restore the balance of good bacteria in your dog’s gut, which can be disrupted by diarrhea. Adding probiotics to your dog’s diet can aid in the recovery process.
- How it works: Probiotics help repopulate your dog’s intestines with beneficial bacteria, which can help firm up stool and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
- How to do it: You can use a probiotic supplement designed for dogs, or you can use a small amount of plain, unsweetened yogurt (without artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs). For small dogs, a teaspoon of yogurt is sufficient, and for larger dogs, 1-2 tablespoons should be fine.
Note: Always choose a probiotic product intended for pets to ensure safety and effectiveness.
5. Bone Broth
Bone broth is not only nourishing but also helps keep your dog hydrated, which is crucial when they have diarrhea. It also provides easily digestible nutrients.
- How it works: Bone broth is rich in electrolytes, which help replace fluids lost due to diarrhea, and the gelatin in the broth supports gut health.
- How to do it: You can make bone broth at home by simmering bones (preferably chicken or beef bones) with water for several hours. Once done, strain out any bones, and let the broth cool. Offer small amounts to your dog throughout the day. Make sure it’s low in sodium and does not contain any added seasonings, especially garlic or onion, which are toxic to dogs.
Note: Commercial bone broths designed for pets are available, but always check the ingredient list to ensure they don’t contain harmful additives.
6. Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is a natural herbal remedy known for its ability to soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation.
- How it works: The mucilage in slippery elm coats and soothes the intestines, helping to reduce irritation caused by diarrhea.
- How to do it: You can mix slippery elm powder with water to create a paste. A typical dose is around 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon for small dogs and up to 1 teaspoon for larger dogs. You can offer this 2-3 times a day until the diarrhea improves.
Note: Always consult with your vet before giving your dog any herbal remedy to ensure it’s appropriate for their condition.
7. Hydration
One of the most important aspects of treating diarrhea in dogs is ensuring they stay hydrated. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it’s crucial to encourage your dog to drink plenty of water.
- How it works: Water helps replace fluids lost due to diarrhea and keeps the digestive system functioning properly.
- How to do it: Offer your dog small amounts of water frequently. You can also provide an electrolyte solution formulated for pets if your dog is dehydrated. Some dogs may be more willing to drink water if it’s flavored with a bit of low-sodium chicken broth.
When to See a Vet
While home remedies can be effective for mild cases of diarrhea, it’s important to monitor your dog closely. If your dog’s diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours, is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, fever, lethargy, or blood in the stool, or if your dog is very young, old, or has other health conditions, seek veterinary care immediately.
Diarrhea could be a sign of a more serious condition such as an infection, parasites, or even poisoning, and your vet can help determine the best course of action for your dog’s health.
Conclusion
Home remedies like fasting, bland diets, pumpkin, probiotics, and bone broth can often help alleviate mild diarrhea in dogs. However, it’s important to approach these remedies with caution and always monitor your dog’s health. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve, consulting your veterinarian is the safest way to ensure your dog receives the appropriate care and treatment.
