What to Give Your Dog If It Has Diarrhea
Normal dog feces should be well-formed and easily collected. In contrast, diarrhea is loose, contains excess liquid, and is difficult to pick up without smearing. It is messy, unpleasant, and suggests a potential illness in your dog. So, what can you do to help your pet?
Many home remedies and human medications are not safe for dogs. It is crucial to understand what can and cannot be administered to your pet to firm up its stool. Your veterinarian will recommend and prescribe treatments known to be safe, but you might require interim solutions before visiting the vet. Fortunately, there are safe options available.
At-Home Treatments for Diarrhea in Dogs
If your dog has experienced diarrhea once or twice but is otherwise acting normal, you might try an at-home treatment before consulting a veterinarian. However, if your pet shows signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or additional symptoms, it is essential to seek veterinary care. Below are some safe at-home treatment options for canine diarrhea.
Over the Counter Medications
There are several over-the-counter medications that are usually safe for dogs, but it is advised to consult your veterinarian before administering them to your pet. Some are specifically marketed for dogs, while others are common medications found in human pharmacies.
Kaolin-pectin is also commonly known as Kaopectalin® and is considered a safe medication to give dogs that have diarrhea. It is used to improve the consistency of the feces by adding bulk so it only addresses symptoms, not the underlying cause of the diarrhea. It is administered by mouth and your vet may recommend a dosage of 1–2 mL/kg up to four times a day. It is important to note that Kaopectalin® and Kaopectate® contain different drugs and they are not the same thing. This medication can reduce the effectiveness of other oral medications so it should not be given to any dogs that are concurrently taking other medications. It can also cause constipation.
Bismuth subsalicylate is commonly known as Kaopectate®, Pepto-Bismol®, or Maalox Total Relief®. When given to dogs, it can help stop diarrhea and may have some antibacterial properties. It is important to know that it can turn your dog's feces black and have rare side effects including ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract. Your vet should recommend a dosage as there is a wide range of dosages that may be appropriate for your pet.
Loperamide is commonly known as Imodium A-D® and is used in humans to slow the stool passing through the intestinal tract and therefore stop diarrhea. It can cause serious side effects in some dogs and should especially be avoided in Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Old English Sheepdogs due to a genetic mutation in these breeds that puts them at high risk for serious side effects. You should always ask your vet before administering loperamide, regardless of your dog's breed.
Foods
A bland diet of easily digestible foods, like white rice and plain steamed chicken, is often recommended temporarily for dogs with diarrhea. However, this is not a balanced diet and should not be extended beyond a few days without veterinary guidance.
Ensuring dogs with diarrhea remain well-hydrated is crucial. Offer water frequently, and if they are reluctant to drink, consider diluted low-sodium chicken broth to promote hydration.
Plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix, can provide additional fiber to bulk up the stool. It may be recommended for chronically soft stools after ruling out other illnesses. However, it is not suitable for dogs with sudden diarrhea, especially if they haven't been evaluated by a veterinarian.
Supplements
Bacterial and yeast-based probiotics can be beneficial for dogs with diarrhea, aiding in the reestablishment of healthy gut bacteria. Their effects are enhanced when combined with prebiotics, which act as fertilizer for good bacteria growth. Some products, such as Pro-Pectalin® and Proviable KP®, also contain kaolin and pectin to soothe GI tract inflammation causing diarrhea.
Vet-Prescribed Treatments for Diarrhea in Dogs
If your dog's diarrhea requires veterinary attention, prescription medications and specialized diets may be recommended. The necessary treatments will depend on the underlying cause of the diarrhea.
Prescription Medications
Metronidazole is also known as Flagyl® and is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for diarrhea. It is an antibiotic and is often used to treat infections and inflammation that result in diarrhea. It should not be given to dogs that have seizures, liver, or kidney problems without adjusting the dose appropriately.
Tylosin is known as Tylan® and is another type of antibiotic that is occasionally used to treat diarrhea in dogs. It usually comes in a powdered form and is used for specific conditions that your veterinarian can diagnose.
Prednisone is a steroid that may be used to decrease the inflammation in the gut that is contributing to diarrhea. This medication is used for chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and is never used when infection is present. Steroids need to be administered and monitored carefully as they have many side effects and cannot be stopped abruptly without causing additional side effects.
Dewormers treat specific types of intestinal parasites and may be prescribed for your dog. While some dewormers can be purchased over the counter, others are only available with a prescription from your vet. It is best to have your vet prescribe the appropriate dewormer based on a fecal analysis and diagnosis of a specific parasite.
Therapeutic Diets
Therapeutic diets, or prescription foods, require a veterinary prescription. These diets are designed specifically to aid in treating or managing various diseases and may be recommended for dogs with chronic diarrhea.
