Sep 06, 2022

How to Treat Dog Diarrhea

While not the most glamorous of topics, all dog owners are familiar with diarrhea. Dogs have sensitive stomachs and there are many things that can cause stomach upset and even diarrhea. If your dog is suffering from loose stool there are a few things you can do to provide your dog with relief! It is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian to understand why your dog has diarrhea. Loose stool alone is not typically a condition but a symptom of an underlying health condition. If the diarrhea is caused by a parasite, a medical condition, and/or ingesting something toxic, consulting a veterinarian is recommended for the health, safety, and comfort of your dog.

Black and white dog running happily through a grassy field with small yellow flowers as another dog runs behind him.

WHAT CAUSES DOG DIARRHEA?

There are several different reasons why your dog may experience loose stool or diarrhea. Some of the most common triggers are changes in diet, food intolerance, allergies, parasites, dietary indiscretion, infections, new medications, and, illness.

Labrador puppy in a white chef's hat sitting behind three dog bowls filled with vegetables, kibble, and red meat.

HOME REMEDIES FOR DOG DIARRHEA

We always recommend to first consult your veterinarian to find the cause of your dog's upset stomach. However, there are some home remedies that can help soothe a canine's upset stomach and regulate their bowel movements.

WHITE RICE

Cooked, plain white rice may help to soothe your dog's upset stomach! Just cook regularly and allow it to cool off before feeding to your dog. Plain white rice can be mixed in with your dog's food or given alone.

CANNED PUMPKIN

Adding pumpkin to your pet’s diet provides fiber which will allow your dog to pass stool easily without strain on the intestines. Due to the fiber in pumpkin, it is a sufficient at-home remedy for constipation or loose stool! Avoid buying canned pumpkin pie filling as it contains sugars and other additives that are harmful to dogs.

Typically, 1 tsp of canned or cooked and pureed pumpkin per 10 lbs of your pet’s weight is recommended.

All dogs are unique and may react differently to these home remedies. What works for one dog may not work for another so you might have to try a few different things before finding a solution. If your dog is experiencing ongoing diarrhea or stomach upset, consult a medical professional as soon as possible for an effective treatment method.

A fiber supplement made specifically for dogs can also help to bulk and firm the stool following a bout of diarrhea.

WHEN TO VISIT A VETERINARIAN

Whenever a dog is experiencing persistent gut issues it's recommended to consult a veterinarian. Some dogs may be prone to gut issues while others are not. With that being said, the right time to consult a veterinarian depends on what is normal for your dog. Diarrhea accompanied by other symptoms such as; lethargy, fever, and/or vomiting suggests that it it more than just diarrhea and a veterinarian should be consulted to examine your pet.