When it comes to your furry friend, the term “the runs” might not mean a fun walk in the park but instead a messy situation that requires a mop and bucket. Just like us, dogs can catch various viruses, bacteria, or consume something that doesn’t sit well with their stomach. While diarrhea is a common doggy dilemma, it is certainly not pleasant to deal with. Understanding how to manage diarrhea in dogs and its underlying causes can help you tackle the mess more effectively.
Sometimes, dealing with your dog’s diarrhea may necessitate a quick visit to the veterinarian—better safe than sorry! However, in many cases, simple home remedies can alleviate the issue and help your pup feel better quickly. Keep reading for essential tips on how to address this common condition.
What Causes Diarrhea in Dogs?
Several factors can lead to digestive disturbances in dogs. Here are some prevalent causes:
- Food intolerances or allergies
- Sudden changes in diet
- Eating inappropriate items
- Leaky gut or poor digestive health
- Parasites (such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Coccidia, or Giardia)
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Stress and anxiety
- Overexertion
- Heat stress
- Exposure to toxic substances or plants
- Medications, including antibiotics
- Spoiled food
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Pancreatitis
- Intestinal cancer
Also, be aware of other symptoms that can accompany diarrhea, such as fatigue, vomiting, excessive drooling, decreased appetite, sunken eyes, dry nose, and dry gums.
Foods to Avoid
While it might be tempting to share your snacks with your dog, some human foods can cause diarrhea. To maintain your pup’s digestive health, steer clear of giving them:
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions
- Macadamia nuts
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Avocados
- Tomatoes (especially stems and leaves)
- Foods containing xylitol, common in some peanut butter
Note: If your dog experiences diarrhea alongside symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or blood in their stool, seek veterinary care immediately. If your dog remains active and healthy otherwise, you may be able to treat their condition at home.
However, if diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours, dehydration becomes a concern. To check for dehydration, pinch the skin at the back of their neck; it should spring back promptly. If it doesn’t, your dog may be dehydrated and should see a vet.
Home Remedies for Dog Diarrhea
Fortunately, there are effective home remedies for managing diarrhea in dogs without needing to rush to the vet or store:
- Encourage Hydration: Ensure your dog drinks plenty of water to prevent dehydration. You can make it more enticing by adding beef or chicken broth.
- Consider a Fast: For healthy adult dogs, withholding food for 12 to 24 hours (while still providing water) can help their digestive system recover. Avoid this method for puppies and senior dogs.
- Offer Pure Pumpkin: Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is an excellent source of fiber that can help regulate stool consistency.
- Serve a Bland Diet: After fasting, provide bland foods like boiled chicken and rice for a few days to help settle their stomach.
- Reintroduce Good Bacteria: Offering plain yogurt (without added sugar) or canine-friendly probiotics can help restore gut health.
With these easy home remedies, your furry companion should be back to their happy, healthy self in no time. However, don’t hesitate to reach out to a veterinarian if their symptoms worsen or fail to improve.
For further insights and tips, check out one of our other blog posts here and visit Make a Mom for authoritative information on fertility topics. Also, for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, take a look at this article.
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In summary, understanding the causes and remedies for dog diarrhea can significantly ease the burden on both you and your pet. While home treatments can often be effective, keeping a watchful eye on your dog’s overall health is essential.
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