What Home Remedy Can I Give My Dog For
Diarrhea? 🐶💩
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding Diarrhea in
Dogs
- Common Causes and
Contributing Factors
- Knowing When to Visit the
Veterinarian
- Soothing Home Remedies and
Natural Treatments
- Diet Modifications
- Probiotic Supplements
- Canned Pumpkin
- Cooked White Rice
- Bone Broth
- Slippery Elm
- Chamomile Tea
- Ginger
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Helpful Tips for Caring for
a Dog With Diarrhea
- Preventing Future
Episodes
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
Diarrhea is an unfortunately
common problem that most dog owners will deal with at some point with their
furry friend. 💩 Seeing your beloved canine experiencing
loose, watery, or mucus-filled stools can be worrying, but try not to fret. In
many cases, diarrhea will resolve on its own in a day or two with some simple
at-home treatments and a little extra TLC.
This comprehensive guide covers
everything you need to know about caring for a dog with diarrhea. You'll learn
about potential causes, when to visit the vet, helpful home remedies to try,
tips for making your pup more comfortable, and how to avoid future episodes.
Armed with the information in this article, you'll be prepared to take the best
care of your dog and get their digestive system back in balance quickly. 😊
Understanding Diarrhea in Dogs
To understand how to treat
diarrhea, it helps to first understand what is happening in your dog's body to
cause this loose, urgent stool.
Diarrhea is characterized by
loose, watery, or liquid stools passed with increased frequency and urgency. It
occurs when the intestines are not properly absorbing fluid from the contents
passing through. The colon also increases motility and propels the stool
contents forward at a faster than normal rate.
This faster transit time means
the colon does not have time to absorb as much water from the stool before it
has to be expelled. The result is those soft, mushy, shapeless stools
associated with diarrhea.
Diarrhea can be acute, lasting
for 24-48 hours, or chronic, persisting on and off for weeks or months. It can
range in severity from mild to severe. Mild cases may involve softer, looser
stools that are still somewhat formed. More severe diarrhea results in complete
liquid stool, sometimes with traces of mucus or blood present.
Understanding what prompts this
change in bowel motility and fluid absorption will help you pinpoint any
underlying triggers. Next, we'll go over some of the most common causes of
diarrhea so you have an idea of what may have brought on your dog's episode.
Common Causes and Contributing
Factors
Diarrhea has many potential
causes in dogs, including:
Diet and Food Intolerance
One of the most frequent triggers of diarrhea
is a recent change in diet or eating something their stomach is not accustomed
to digesting properly. This abrupt change disrupts their normal intestinal
environment and motility.
Things like a new dog food
formula, high-fat table scraps, too many dog treats, or "people food"
they've never eaten before can overload the digestive system and cause an
inflammatory reaction in the gut. The result is loose stool from poor
digestion.
Certain ingredients like dairy,
fats, or specific proteins may also provoke a mild food intolerance in some
dogs, resulting in chronic loose stools. An elimination diet trial is needed to
confirm food intolerances.
Parasites
Intestinal parasites like giardia, coccidia,
hookworms, roundworms, whipworms or cryptosporidia can infect the
gastrointestinal tract and cause diarrhea.
Puppies are especially prone to
parasitic infections before their immune system has fully developed. A fecal
exam by your vet can check for the presence of parasites.
Protozoal infections like tritrichomonas or
Entamoeba histolytica may be to blame for diarrhea, especially in puppies
housed in crowded conditions like shelters or breeding facilities.
Bacteria and Viruses
Bacterial infections such as salmonella,
campylobacter, or Clostridium perfringens bacteria can wreak havoc on your
dog's GI tract, prompting inflammation and diarrhea.
A bout of bloody, watery diarrhea
with vomiting may point to a bacterial source. Usually antibiotics are needed
to clear the infection.
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and
potentially life-threatening virus that often causes severe bloody diarrhea,
vomiting, lethargy, and dehydration in dogs.
Thankfully, the parvovirus
vaccine protects most dogs from contracting this virus. Unvaccinated puppies
and dogs are at risk.
Other viral infections like coronavirus,
rotavirus, distemper virus, or canine adenovirus type 1 may also lead to
intestinal inflammation, impaired absorption, and diarrhea in affected dogs.
Medications and Toxins
Drug side effects - Antibiotics,
anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), anticancer drugs, anti-seizure medications,
thyroid replacements, and some heart medications may cause diarrhea as an
adverse side effect.
Toxins or foods - Ingestion of toxins like
mouse bait, chemicals, garbage, or toxic plants can severely irritate the
digestive system. This often causes diarrhea within hours of exposure.
Allergic reactions - Some dogs may have a
hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to ingredients found in oral medications,
vaccines, topical flea and tick preventives, triggering bouts of diarrhea soon
after administration.
Underlying Diseases
Medical conditions affecting the pancreas,
liver, kidneys, or endocrine system can interfere with digestion and prompt
diarrhea. These include:
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
(EPI)
Liver or kidney disease
Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's
disease)
Hypothyroidism
Diabetes mellitus
Addison’s disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) - Chronic
inflammation of the GI tract lining can disrupt absorption and motility.
Biopsies are needed for diagnosis.
Digestive tract cancer - Tumors affecting the
small intestines, colon, rectum, or anus may narrow the passageways and cause
obstructions that result in diarrhea.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - Abnormal
contractions and sensitivity of the large intestines may manifest with repeated
diarrhea episodes in some dogs. Underlying anxiety is a common contributor.
Other Factors
Stress or anxiety - Stress hormones directly
affect gut motility and secretion. The resulting "nervous stomach"
can trigger bouts of watery diarrhea in sensitive dogs.
Intestinal blockages - Foreign material
blockages, intussusceptions, polyps, or ingesta (food material) building up and
obstructing the intestines can also cause diarrhea.
Inflammation - Inflammation in the stomach or
intestines from infections, allergies, or other insults increases secretions
into the gut and speeds up motility, resulting in loose stool.
Older age - Dogs 12 years and older may
develop fecal incontinence or lose bowel control, resulting in runny stool or
difficulty holding feces.
As you can see, there are many
potential reasons your dog may develop diarrhea temporarily. Mild cases often
resolve on their own in a day or two once the trigger has passed. However, it’s
important you seek veterinary care if the diarrhea persists, comes on suddenly
with blood in the stool, or your dog seems very ill. Your vet can run tests to
determine if there is an underlying condition requiring treatment.
Knowing When to Visit the
Veterinarian
In straightforward cases of
diarrhea, you can usually try some home remedies for a day or two while
monitoring your dog's condition. However, there are some situations where you
need to take your dog to the veterinarian right away for evaluation and
treatment. These red flag signs include:
Diarrhea lasting over 48 hours - If diarrhea
persists for more than 2 days without improvement, there may be an underlying
illness that requires medical treatment. Your vet can run diagnostics to
determine the cause.
Bloody, black, or tarry stools - Blood in the
stool (hematochezia) or black, tarry stool (melena) indicates bleeding in the
GI tract. This requires prompt veterinary assessment to check for ulcers,
perforations, parvo, cancer etc.
Severe vomiting - Frequent, forceful vomiting can
lead to dehydration very quickly in dogs. It also prevents successful treatment
with oral medication at home.
Loss of appetite, lethargy - A sick dog who
refuses food, seems depressed, or lacks energy may have a systemic infection or
condition causing their diarrhea. This warrants medical attention rather than
just symptomatic treatment at home.
Signs of dehydration - Pale or tacky gums,
weakness, excessive thirst, dry eyes, loss of skin elasticity indicate
dehydration. If your dog shows these signs, take them to receive IV fluid
therapy immediately.
High fever - A high body temperature over
103°F could point to a serious bacterial infection or secondary issue that
requires antibiotics or intense medical care.
Recent exposure to infectious dogs - Dogs
exposed to kennels, shelters, boarding facilities, dog parks or infectious
playmates are at risk of contracting contagious viral or bacterial infections
that can quickly cause diarrhea. Seek prompt treatment.
Underlying medical conditions - Dogs with
chronic illnesses like kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, cancer, IBD, or
EPI have a weakened immune system. Diarrhea can advance quickly into a
life-threatening emergency. Don't wait to seek vet care.
Puppies under 12 weeks old - Young puppies can
easily succumb to dehydration from diarrhea and sepsis from opportunistic
bacteria taking hold. Have a puppy with diarrhea examined right away for
parasites and proper treatment.
When in doubt, it's always better
to have your vet take a look and run some tests. They can check for dangerous
dehydration, provide injectable anti-nausea medication, run bloodwork, collect
fecal samples, and start appropriate treatment right away based on the
suspected underlying cause.
Soothing Home Remedies and Natural
Treatments
For mild to moderate cases of
diarrhea without other symptoms of illness, there are several helpful home
remedies you can try while monitoring things at home:
Diet Modifications
One of the most effective initial
treatments for diarrhea is modifying your dog's diet to give their GI tract a
chance to reset.
Withhold all food for 12-24 hours - This short
fast allows resting of the intestines. After the fast, stick to a bland,
low-fat, low-fiber prescription diet or the BRAT diet - bananas, rice,
applesauce, toast.
Bland foods - Boiled skinless chicken breast
and cooked white rice are a great choice. Prepare a 50/50 chicken and rice
mixture and offer small portions 3-6 times per day until stool firms up.
Avoid fatty foods - Fatty foods are harder to
digest. Withhold high-fat foods during diarrhea episodes to avoid overwhelming
your dog’s GI tract.
Avoid dairy - Dairy products may provoke
adverse reactions in lactose-intolerant dogs, worsening diarrhea symptoms. Omit
dairy while getting diarrhea under control.
No new foods or treats - Don’t introduce any
new proteins, foods, flavors, or treats while your dog recovers from diarrhea.
Stick to their regular bland diet.
Water only for drinking - Provide plenty of
fresh, clean water, but avoid milk and fruit juices which may exacerbate
diarrhea. Broths, herbal teas, or electrolyte drinks are better choices.
Following a bland, low-fat diet
appropriate for your dog’s condition gives their digestive system the best
chance to heal and resolve the diarrhea quickly.
Probiotic Supplements
Probiotics contain beneficial
live bacteria that can help repopulate the normal intestinal microflora after
it’s been disrupted by illness, stress, medications like antibiotics, or
dietary changes.
Some ways probiotics may help
resolve diarrhea include:
Restoring microbial balance - Replenishes
healthy gut flora diminished by diarrhea triggers
Suppressing pathogens - Lactic acid probiotics
help inhibit growth of pathogenic bacteria
Strengthening immunity - Probiotics enhance
immunity and help fight infections causing diarrhea
Improving digestion - Better digestion of food
reduces osmotic diarrhea
Reducing inflammation - Probiotics have
anti-inflammatory effects in the intestines
Look for a high-quality,
broad-spectrum probiotic formulated specifically for dogs and containing a mix
of strains like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus. Give the
dosage recommended on the product label for your dog’s size and weight.
You should see improvement in
stool consistency within 1-2 weeks. Give probiotics consistently, even after
the diarrhea resolves, to help prevent future recurrences. Probiotics are very
safe and beneficial for dogs.
Canned Pumpkin
Plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin
pie filling) is a great home remedy for diarrhea thanks to its fiber content
and low calories. Some ways pumpkin can help firm up loose stools include:
High fiber content - The fiber in pumpkin
absorbs excess moisture in the colon, forming more solid stool.
Promotes regularity - Pumpkin helps regulate
intestinal motility and may help relieve both diarrhea and constipation.
Provides nutrients - Pumpkin is a good source
of vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium to replenish what’s lost through
diarrhea.
Soothes intestines - Pumpkin has
anti-inflammatory benefits that help calm inflamed intestines and reduce
diarrhea.
Low calories/fat - Pumpkin is low in fat and
calories, making it gentle on upset stomachs.
Add 1-4 tablespoons of canned
pumpkin to your dog's normal food one or two times a day. The high fiber will
absorb some of that excess moisture in the colon, firming up your dog’s stool.
You should see improvement in stool consistency within 12-24 hours.
Cooked White Rice
The BRAT diet (bananas, rice,
applesauce, toast) is highly recommended for humans with diarrhea. The same
goes for dogs! Plain, cooked white rice can help absorb excess moisture in your
dog’s intestines.
Some benefits of rice for
diarrhea include:
High absorbency - The rice soaks up extra
fluid in the GI tract, resulting in firmer stools.
Easily digestible carbs - Rice is gentle on
the stomach and provides an energy source that is easy to metabolize when your
dog is feeling ill.
Promotes colon health - The fiber content in
rice gives the right amount of bulk to stools and promotes healthy peristaltic
motion.
Helps firm stool - The starch in rice has a
binding effect that adds form and bulk to watery stools.
For the first bland meal, mix
boiled, shredded chicken breast with an equal amount of cooked white rice. Feed
several small portions per day until stools improve, gradually transitioning
back to their regular food. Rice water from cooking is also great for
hydration.
Bone Broth
Bone broth made by simmering
bones and connective animal tissues is highly nourishing for dogs suffering
from diarrhea and dehydration. Benefits of bone broth include:
Rich in gelatin - Gelatin forms a protective
coating over inflamed intestines to facilitate healing.
Packed with minerals - Electrolytes like
sodium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus replenish what’s lost through
frequent diarrhea.
Provides protein - Bone broth delivers
proteins like collagen, proline, glycine and glutamine needed for tissue
repair.
Hydrating - The liquid helps prevent or treat
dehydration from fluid loss.
Soothes gut lining - Natural collagen has
anti-inflammatory effects that help heal irritated intestines.
Give your dog a few ounces of
homemade or store-bought bone broth several times a day during a bout of
diarrhea. You can also mix their medications into a bone broth “slurry” for
easier administration.
Slippery Elm
The slippery elm tree’s inner bark
contains mucilage, a substance that turns into a slick gel when mixed with
water. This mucilage coats and protects irritated tissues along the GI tract.
Slippery elm can help soothe diarrhea by:
Coating the intestines - The gel forms a
barrier between the intestinal walls and stool contents, protecting against
inflammation and irritation.
Soothes inflammation - The mucilage has
soothing, anti-inflammatory properties that promote healing.
Slows transit time - Slippery elm helps reduce
hypermotility associated with diarrhea.
Absorbs toxins - Toxic substances are bound up
by the gel mixture and safely eliminated from the body.
Stir 1/4 to 1 tsp slippery elm
powder into water, broth, or pumpkin purée and give orally 2-3 times daily.
It’s safe for short-term use in both puppies and adult dogs.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is known for its
anti-anxiety benefits, but it can also help soothe intestinal upset thanks to
natural compounds called apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin contained in the
flowers.
Chamomile tea may help ease
diarrhea by:
Relaxing intestinal muscles - The
antispasmodic effect relieves cramping and speeds transit of stool through the
colon.
Reducing inflammation - Chamomile has
anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm irritation in the GI tract.
Inhibiting diarrhea triggers - Compounds in
chamomile may inhibit bacteria like _E. coli_ and reduce diarrheagenic agents.
Providing antioxidants - The flavonoids in
chamomile act as antioxidants to protect intestinal cells from free radical
damage.
Alleviating anxiety - Chamomile's soothing
nature relieves stress and anxiety that can trigger diarrhea episodes.
Brew a mild tea using 1 chamomile
tea bag or 1 teaspoon dried flowers per 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 15
minutes, allow to cool, and give your dog a few ounces every 2-3 hours as
needed when diarrhea flares up.
Ginger
Ginger root contains
anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols that can help relax GI muscles,
alleviate cramping, and reduce diarrhea triggered by irritants.
Possible benefits of ginger for
diarrhea include:
Reduces intestinal cramping - Ginger acts as
an intestinal spasmolytic, relaxing smooth muscles to speed up motility.
Lowers inflammation - Gingerols inhibit
production of inflammatory mediators prostaglandins and leukotrienes in the
intestines.
Increases mucus production - Ginger stimulates
protective mucus secretion to form a barrier against irritants.
Alleviates nausea and vomiting - The
anti-emetic properties also help settle the stomach.
Stimulates digestion - Ginger encourages the
production of bile, saliva, and gastric juices needed for proper digestion and
absorption.
Give your dog a 1⁄4 to 1⁄2
teaspoon of finely minced, fresh ginger root 2-3 times a day during bouts of
diarrhea. Introduce it gradually mixed into their food. Bottled ginger spice
generally does not contain enough active compounds.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains
acetic acid formed through the natural fermentation process. This acetic acid
has antimicrobial effects against gut pathogens that cause diarrhea.
Apple cider vinegar may help
resolve diarrhea by:
Suppressing bacteria - Acetic acid is
effective against _E. coli_, _Salmonella_, and other bacteria that irritate the
intestines.
Speeding transit time - ACV stimulates
motility to help expel infectious agents faster.
Closing off leaky gut - Antimicrobial and
anti-inflammatory action helps repair intestinal permeability.
Enhancing digestion - ACV stimulates
hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach needed to break down proteins.
Relieving gas - The pectin in ACV can help
reduce flatulence and gas pains.
Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider
vinegar to your dog's drinking water or wet food 1-2 times per day. Also try
mixing with 100% pure pumpkin purée. Use organic, unfiltered ACV with the
“mother” for maximum benefits.
Helpful Tips for Caring for a Dog with
Diarrhea
In addition to the home remedies
already discussed, here are some extra tips for caring for your dog while they
recover from diarrhea:
Let your dog out frequently to encourage
prompt accident clean-up rather than “holding it” too long indoors. Try taking
them out every 1-2 hours when actively ill.
Feed smaller, more frequent meals rather than
one or two large meals a day. Multiple smalls meals are gentler on the stomach.
Monitor your dog for any worsening of symptoms
or additional signs of illness beyond diarrhea, like lethargy, loss of
appetite, vomiting, or blood in stool. Notify your vet if these occur.
Make sure your dog has constant access to
fresh, clean drinking water to avoid dangerous dehydration from fluid loss. Add
water to their wet food as well to increase fluid intake.
Clean up all diarrhea accidents inside the
home thoroughly using an enzymatic cleaner to prevent residue odors that might
attract your dog to re-soil the area.
Confine your dog to one room lined with
easy-to-clean floors while ill to make clean-up and monitoring easier. Limit
access to furniture and carpet.
Give probiotic supplements consistently, even
after diarrhea resolves, to replenish healthy gut flora and discourage future
GI episodes.
Stick to the bland diet for several days after
formed stools return to give your dog's intestines time to fully recover. Then
gradually transition back to their normal diet.
With diligent nursing care and
TLC at home, your dog's bout of diarrhea should pass within a day or two.
Always follow up with your vet if it persists longer than 48 hours or your dog
seems very ill.
Preventing Future Episodes
Once your dog recovers from a
bout of diarrhea, you can take steps to try and prevent repeat episodes in the
future:
Have your vet run fecal tests to check for
underlying intestinal parasites, protozoa, or bacterial infections that may
need treatment.
Discuss your dog’s diet with your vet and
switch to a highly digestible food formulated for dogs prone to diarrhea or
sensitive stomachs.
Slowly transition between foods over a 7-10
period, mixing a little more new food in each day.
Stick to scheduled feeding times rather than
free-choice feeding and pick up the bowl after 15-20 minutes if your dog walks
away.
Limit treats to healthy options given
sparingly. Eliminate table scraps and “people food” which can irritate the
intestines.
Identify any food intolerances your dog may
have and eliminate problem ingredients like dairy, wheat, chicken, corn, etc.
Reduce stress and anxiety that can disrupt
normal digestion through exercise, enrichment, training, and calming
supplements as needed.
Keep your dog well-hydrated, especially during
hot weather or exercise. Dehydration can quickly lead to constipation.
Ensure your adult dog receives their fecal
exam and annual wellness visit to monitor organ health impacting digestion.
Give probiotic and fiber supplements regularly
to promote healthy intestinal motility and balance.
Sanitize food and water bowls daily to prevent
exposure to bacteria, parasites, and viruses that can enter the gut.
While diarrhea is rarely
life-threatening on its own, chronic or recurring cases should be evaluated by
your vet. They can help uncover any underlying medical conditions or dietary
triggers contributing to frequent diarrhea episodes in your dog.
Conclusion
Diarrhea is an unpleasant and
messy problem for dogs to deal with. However, many mild cases can be safely
managed at home with a few simple interventions and TLC. Adjusting the diet,
staying hydrated, administering supplements like probiotics or pumpkin, and
trying soothing natural remedies can help settle stomach upset and promote
healing.
Make sure to monitor your dog
closely for dehydration, appetite issues, blood in stool, or other concerning
symptoms. Diarrhea lasting longer than 48 hours or accompanied by severe
vomiting warrants a prompt vet visit for medical treatment. They can provide
anti-diarrheal or anti-nausea injections, run tests, and prescribe medications
to clear up infectious causes of diarrhea.
With attentive care and the right
home remedies, this too shall pass, and your dog’s digestive tract will be back
to normal function in no time. Just be patient, keep them comfortable, and
shower them with extra love until their poop schedule stabilizes. 💩🐶🥰
FAQs
FAQ 1: How long can I wait before
taking my dog to the vet for diarrhea?
You can usually monitor mild
diarrhea at home with dietary rest, probiotics, and natural remedies for 24-48
hours, provided your dog is still active and drinking water normally. Seek
immediate vet care if symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, bloody stools, dehydration,
or loss of appetite develop.
FAQ 2: Should I withhold all food
and water when my dog has diarrhea?
Do not withhold water, as
dehydration can occur rapidly in ill dogs. You may withhold food for 12-24
hours to give their GI tract a rest, but dogs should not be fasted longer
during bouts of diarrhea. Small, bland meals will provide needed calories.
FAQ 3: What is the best
over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication to give dogs?
Do not give any human
anti-diarrheal medication to dogs without veterinary approval. Many OTC
anti-diarrheals contain ingredients like loperamide that can be unsafe at
improper doses in dogs. Consult your vet on proper use of these medications.
FAQ 4: When should I make my dog
with diarrhea go to the emergency vet?
Take your dog to emergency vet
services immediately if you notice symptoms like severe bloody diarrhea,
repeated vomiting, high fever, protracted lethargy, loss of appetite longer
than 24 hours, rapid dehydration, or collapsing episodes. These require urgent
medical treatment.
FAQ 5: Can dogs take Imodium for
diarrhea?
The anti-diarrheal drug Imodium
contains loperamide and should only be given to dogs under strict veterinary
guidance regarding proper dosage. Too much loperamide can cause severe
constipation, neurological issues, or even death in dogs if used incorrectly.
FAQ 6: Do probiotic supplements
actually help treat diarrhea in dogs?
Yes, veterinary studies have
proven probiotic strains like Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus coagulans
significantly shorten the duration of acute diarrhea in dogs by balancing gut
flora, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting pathogens. Choose probiotics
formulated specifically for canines.
FAQ 7: What is the best dog food to
feed a dog with diarrhea?
Some good options are Hill’s
Prescription i/d or Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula,
as they are highly digestible and gentle on sensitive stomachs. Alternatively,
stick to a bland diet of boiled chicken, white rice, and canned pumpkin until
stools firm up.
FAQ 8: Is it okay to let my dog with
diarrhea eat grass to throw up?
No, you should not purposefully
let your dog eat grass to induce vomiting when ill with diarrhea. The grass may
further irritate their GI tract, and vomiting leads to fluid/electrolyte loss.
Only induce vomiting at the advice of poison control or your veterinarian.
FAQ 9: Can I give my dog
Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea?
Pepto-Bismol contains bismuth
subsalicylate, which can be safe for dogs only when given in proper
veterinary-prescribed dosages. Do not give Pepto to your dog without first
consulting your vet on the correct amount based on your dog’s weight.
Overdosing can be toxic.
FAQ 10: Why does my dog always get
diarrhea at night?
Increased intestinal activity and
motility during rest periods is the reason many dogs tend to get diarrhea at
night. Make sure to remove food 2-3 hours before bedtime and take your dog
outside right before bed for a last bathroom break to minimize midnight
diarrhea accidents inside.