Probiotics : A diarrhea attack can deplete a dog ' s stomach of healthy bacteria , which is crucial for digestion . Plain yogurt with little or no sugar can be helpful , but a canine probiotic supplement is a better option . Choose one with a high-potency culture count and administer daily . Look for a probiotic that contains Bifidobacterium , which can be helpful in reducing the duration of diarrhea in dogs . www . sweetdreamsgroomandboard . com
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Home Remedies for Diarrhea in Dogs
Doggy diarrhea . Not a pleasant topic , but poop happens . And all too often , it happens at 2 am or over the weekend , when your veterinarian ' s office is closed . Unless you determine it ' s an emergency - abdominal pain , dehydration , severe bloating , black or bloody stools , dehydration , loss of appetite , lethargy , lasting longer than 48 hours ( a shorter period for puppies , ill , or older dogs ) - there are things you can do to make your pooch more comfortable and help relieve the diarrhea . While it can be caused by something as common as stress , a diet change , or food allergies , it ' s important to follow up with the vet , since diarrhea can signal a more serious issue , such as parasites , a viral or bacterial illness , or other chronic condition . As always , consult with your veterinarian about any changes to your dog ' s diet , but the following home remedies can help you through a mild bout :
Fasting : After a diarrhea attack or two , it ' s important to let your dog ' s gastrointestinal tract rest for a while . Many vets recommend withholding food for 12 - 24 hours to allow the system to heal , and flush out whatever might have caused the diarrhea in the first place . Be sure to give your pup small amounts of water throughout the fasting period , though , so he or she stays well hydrated .
Bland Diet : It ' s best to follow a fast with bland food that is easy for your pet to digest . Plain , boiled chicken is the suggested diet ( skinless , unseasoned , white meat ), along with plain white rice . When you do reintroduce your dog ' s regular food , make it a mix of bland and regular kibble ( 75 %/ 25 %, then 50 %/ 50 %, then 25 %/ 50 %), before putting them back on their usual diet .
Holistic Alternatives : Canned pumpkin ( puree , not pumpkin pie filler ) or overly ripe bananas can be healing and helpful for your dog ' s tummy . Feed a spoonful or two every few hours . Pumpkin will provide healthy fiber , which will help alleviate the diarrhea by bulking up the stool . Plantains and Slippery Elm are also soothing . Plantains have antimicrobial properties . Slippery Elm coats and soothes inflamed mucus membranes . Activated charcoal is a completely natural substance that people and dogs can use to clear the digestive sytem , absorb toxins , and help flush out any bacteria or viruses from the digestive system .
Probiotics : A diarrhea attack can deplete a dog ' s stomach of healthy bacteria , which is crucial for digestion . Plain yogurt with little or no sugar can be helpful , but a canine probiotic supplement is a better option . Choose one with a high-potency culture count and administer daily . Look for a probiotic that contains Bifidobacterium , which can be helpful in reducing the duration of diarrhea in dogs . www . sweetdreamsgroomandboard . com
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Pawsitively Pets -- May 7