How to Cure Diarrhea in Dogs: 10 Proven Remedies & Tips

How to cure diarrhea in dogs is a common question that many dog owners ask when their furry friends suffer from this unpleasant condition.

Diarrhea can be caused by various factors, such as dietary changes, infections, allergies, stress, or parasites. It can also be a sign of a more serious underlying problem, such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or cancer.

Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, weight loss, and malnutrition in dogs. Therefore, it is important to treat it as soon as possible and prevent any complications.

In this article, we will share with you a vet-approved guide on how to cure diarrhea in dogs, including the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this common canine ailment.

By taking the right steps, you can directly address the attacks of diarrhea that is not accompanied by other complications without needing help from a vet. Only, sometimes diarrhea experienced is serious, so that your dog needs the care of a veterinarian.

Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs

Diarrhea in dogs can stem from various sources, ranging from common to less typical causes, affecting their digestive health differently:Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs

1. Food Intolerance: Some dogs may have sensitivities to certain ingredients, such as gluten or histamine, leading to diarrhea. Symptoms often include loose stools and gastrointestinal discomfort.
2. Bacterial Infections: Pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli can cause gastrointestinal distress in dogs. Bacterial infections can disrupt the gut microbiota, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
3. Viral Infections: Viruses like parvovirus or canine coronavirus can affect dogs, causing diarrhea . These infections often result in severe diarrhea, dehydration, and can be life-threatening, especially in puppies.
4. Parasites: Worms such as roundworms, hookworms, or Giardia, as well as protozoa like Coccidia, can infest a dog’s gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea. Parasitic infections can cause chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and nutrient deficiencies.
5. Toxins: Ingestion of toxic substances like certain plants, chemicals, or spoiled food can irritate the digestive system, causing diarrhea. Symptoms vary depending on the toxin ingested but may include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
6. Medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to diarrhea as a side effect.

Symptoms of Diarrhea in Dogs

When a dog has diarrhea, there are several noticeable symptoms to look out for:

1. Loose, Watery, or Bloody Stools: Diarrhea is characterized by loose, runny stools, which may also contain blood or mucus.
2. Increased Frequency or Urgency of Defecation: Dogs with diarrhea may need to go outside more frequently or may have accidents indoors due to urgency.
3. Abdominal Pain: Dogs may exhibit signs of discomfort or pain in the abdominal area, often manifested through restlessness or unusual postures.
4. Vomiting: Diarrhea can sometimes be accompanied by vomiting, further exacerbating dehydration and nutrient loss.
5. Loss of Appetite: Dogs experiencing diarrhea may refuse food or show decreased interest in eating due to gastrointestinal discomfort.
6. Lethargy: Diarrhea can drain a dog’s energy, leading to lethargy or decreased activity levels.

Complications of diarrhea in dogs can include:

• Dehydration: Excessive fluid loss through diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, which is a serious concern requiring immediate veterinary attention.
• Electrolyte Imbalance: Diarrhea can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body, leading to further complications such as weakness, tremors, or cardiac abnormalities.
• Anemia: Chronic or severe diarrhea can cause anemia due to loss of red blood cells and impaired absorption of nutrients.
• Sepsis: In severe cases, bacterial infections resulting from diarrhea can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition characterized by systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction .

It’s essential to monitor dogs closely for these symptoms and seek veterinary care if diarrhea persists or worsens.

How To Cure Diarrhea In Dogs

If your dog has diarrhea, you may wonder how to cure it at home and when to seek professional help. The treatment of diarrhea in dogs depends on the cause and severity of the condition, as well as the overall health and age of the dog. Here are some general guidelines on how to treat diarrhea in dogs at home and when to consult a veterinarian.

Home Remedies for Diarrhea in Dogs

In most cases, diarrhea in dogs is mild and self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own within 24 to 48 hours. However, you can help your dog recover faster and prevent dehydration by following these simple steps:

Withhold food for 12 to 24 hours.

This will allow the dog’s digestive system to rest and heal. Do not starve your dog for longer than 24 hours, as this can cause more harm than good. If your dog is very young, very old, or has a medical condition, consult your veterinarian before withholding food.

Offer small amounts of water or electrolyte solution.

This will help your dog stay hydrated and replenish the lost fluids and minerals. You can use plain water, chicken broth, or a commercial electrolyte solution designed for dogs. Avoid giving your dog milk, juice, or soda, as these can worsen the diarrhea. You can also add a pinch of salt and sugar to the water to make a homemade electrolyte solution.

Feed bland and easily digestible food.

After the fasting period, you can gradually reintroduce food to your dog. Start with small and frequent meals of bland food, such as boiled chicken, rice, pumpkin, or yogurt. These foods are gentle on the stomach and can help firm up the stools.

Avoid giving your dog any food that is spicy, fatty, greasy, or high in fiber, as these can aggravate the diarrhea. You can also add some cooked oatmeal, sweet potato, or banana to the bland diet, as these are rich in soluble fiber and can help bind the stools.

Add probiotics or fiber supplements.

hese can help restore the balance of the good bacteria in the dog’s gut and improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

You can use a commercial probiotic or fiber supplement designed for dogs, or you can use natural sources, such as yogurt, kefir, or canned pumpkin. Make sure to follow the dosage and instructions on the label or consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplements.

Medications for Diarrhea in Dogs

Sometimes, home remedies are not enough to cure diarrhea in dogs, and you may need to give your dog some medications to help with the condition.

However, you should always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication, as some human medications can be toxic or harmful to dogs and cause serious side effects. Here are some common medications that can help with diarrhea in dogs:

Anti-diarrheal agents

These are drugs that can reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhea by slowing down the movement of the intestines, increasing the absorption of water, or coating the intestinal lining.

Some examples of anti-diarrheal agents for dogs are loperamide, bismuth subsalicylate, or kaolin-pectin. However, these drugs should be used with caution and only under veterinary supervision, as they can mask the symptoms of a more serious condition, interact with other medications, or cause adverse reactions in some dogs.

Antibiotics

These are drugs that can kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria that may cause or worsen the diarrhea. Some examples of antibiotics for dogs are metronidazole, amoxicillin, or cephalexin.

However, these drugs should be used only when prescribed by a veterinarian, as they can also kill the good bacteria in the dog’s gut, cause resistance, or trigger allergic reactions in some dogs.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

These are drugs that can reduce the inflammation and irritation in the dog’s digestive tract that may contribute to the diarrhea. Some examples of anti-inflammatory drugs for dogs are prednisone, dexamethasone, or carprofen.

However, these drugs should be used sparingly and only under veterinary supervision, as they can also suppress the immune system, cause ulcers, or damage the liver or kidneys in some dogs.

Try the diet prescribed by the vet.

If you know that your dog does not respond well to the bland home-made food, just ask at your vet to know the prescription dog food that can cure the stomach, such as  Hills ID and Purina EN proved to be capable of accelerating the healing process of diarrhea in dogs.

Veterinary Care for Diarrhea in Dogs

While most cases of diarrhea in dogs can be treated at home, some cases may require veterinary care, especially if the diarrhea is severe, persistent, or recurrent. You should take your dog to the vet for diarrhea if any of the following signs or symptoms are present:

• The diarrhea lasts for more than 24 hours
• The diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting, fever, blood, mucus, or worms in the stool
• The dog shows signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, or skin tenting
• The dog shows signs of pain, distress, or weakness
• The dog has a history of medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease
• The dog is very young, very old, or has a compromised immune system

These signs or symptoms may indicate a more serious or life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary care.

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination, take a history, collect a stool sample, run blood tests, imaging tests, or other diagnostic tests to determine the cause and severity of the diarrhea, and prescribe the appropriate treatment for your dog.

The treatment may include fluids, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other medications, depending on the case. Your veterinarian will also advise you on how to care for your dog at home and prevent the recurrence of the diarrhea.

Prevention of Diarrhea in Dogs

Preventing diarrhea in dogs involves several key practices to maintain their digestive health:

1. Maintain a Consistent and Balanced Diet: Feed your dog a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age, size, and breed. Avoid sudden changes in food, as this can upset their stomach and lead to diarrhea.
2. Avoid Human Food or Table Scraps: Human food, especially fatty or spicy foods, can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Stick to a diet formulated specifically for them to avoid triggering diarrhea.
3. Keep the Dog Away from Garbage or Spoiled Food: Dogs may be tempted to scavenge through garbage or eat spoiled food, which can lead to digestive issues and diarrhea. Ensure garbage cans are securely closed and keep spoiled food out of reach.
4. Vaccinate and Deworm Regularly: Maintain your dog’s vaccination schedule to protect against infectious diseases that can cause diarrhea. Deworming at appropriate intervals helps prevent parasitic infections.
5. Encourage Regular Check-ups and Wellness Exams: Regular veterinary visits allow for early detection of any health issues, including those related to the digestive system. Wellness exams help ensure your dog’s overall health and well-being.

By following these preventive measures, you can help keep your dog’s digestive system healthy and reduce the risk of diarrhea and associated complications.

Ensuring your dog is up-to-date with vaccinations is crucial for preventing various illnesses that could lead to digestive issues: Dog Vaccinations: Types, Age, and How To Give It.

When Should You Contact a Vet?

• If diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours.
• If there is blood in the stool (red or black).
• If the dog shows signs of dehydration, such as dry gums or lethargy.
• If the dog has a fever, vomiting, or other concerning symptoms.

FAQ

While this article focuses on dogs, understanding parasitic infections in pets, such as tapeworms in cats, highlights the importance of regular deworming to maintain overall health: Tape Worms in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, and How To Treat Them.