- PET HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS- 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.
6 Pawsitively Pets-- October