Experiencing your dog’s diarrhea can be a distressing and messy situation for any pet owner. It’s a common canine ailment with numerous potential causes, and finding the most effective treatment for your furry friend often involves a bit of trial and error. This comprehensive guide delves into what truly works for an upset canine stomach, from dietary adjustments to supplemental recommendations, and explores the underlying reasons for sensitive stomachs in dogs. We’ll also share expert advice on fostering long-term digestive health through nutrition before resorting to medications that may carry potential side effects. Whether your dog is facing a singular digestive incident or ongoing gastrointestinal troubles, this guide offers a roadmap to dog diarrhea treatment options that will have their tail wagging with wellness again in no time.
Understanding the Causes of Dog Diarrhea
Diarrhea in dogs can stem from a variety of sources, serving as a critical indicator that something is amiss within their digestive system or elsewhere in their body.
Some of the most frequent culprits behind diarrhea in dogs include:
- Sudden Dietary Changes: Abruptly switching your dog’s food can upset the delicate balance of their digestive system.
- Food Allergies or Intolerances: Certain proteins, grains, or additives may trigger sensitivities in some dogs, leading to persistent diarrhea or soft stools.
- Ingestion of Inappropriate Items: Human food scraps, especially fatty, spicy, or dairy-based items, can be hard on a dog’s stomach and result in diarrhea.
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can manifest as diarrhea, often accompanied by vomiting or fatigue.
- Medications or Toxins: Adverse reactions to certain drugs or accidental ingestion of toxins can irritate the intestinal lining and disrupt normal digestion.
- Stress or Anxiety: Significant life changes such as travel, new environments, or loud noises can trigger digestive upset in sensitive dogs.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Chronic diarrhea might signal more serious issues like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, or other gastrointestinal disorders.
Restoring your dog’s digestive balance often begins with a diet specifically formulated to support gut health, such as KOHA Bland Diet Dog Food. Available in both wet and dry formulations, these gentle, limited-ingredient diets provide balanced nutrition, allowing your dog’s digestive system a chance to recover. They are crafted with a single animal protein for easier digestion and incorporate rice and pumpkin to aid in healthy stool consistency. The dry recipe further supports gut health with added prebiotics and probiotics. Keeping these options on hand can be an effective dog diarrhea treatment when digestive issues arise.
For dogs experiencing diarrhea due to chronic food sensitivities or allergies, KOHA Limited Ingredient Dog Food presents another excellent dietary solution. Each recipe features a single animal protein source to minimize the risk of allergic reactions and includes pumpkin to promote regularity. These foods are free from common fillers that can upset a dog’s stomach, making them a dependable choice for sustained digestive support.
How Dog Diarrhea Treatments Function
Effective dog diarrhea treatments aim to address the specific cause of the digestive upset and re-establish equilibrium within the gastrointestinal tract. Instead of merely masking symptoms, successful treatments focus on reducing inflammation, rehydrating the body, and facilitating the healing and normal functioning of the gut.
Regardless of the trigger, a gentle dietary modification is almost always the initial step. Introducing a bland or limited ingredient diet provides your dog’s digestive system with the necessary respite to calm down and recuperate, naturally helping to firm stools and alleviate discomfort.
KOHA Bland Diet Dog Food offers balanced nutrition that is gentle on sensitive stomachs, with both wet and dry recipes available. Each wet food variety features a single animal protein—chicken, beef, or lamb—along with fiber-rich pumpkin and white rice to support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. The soft texture is particularly suitable for senior dogs and can be served as a complete meal or as a nutritious addition to other foods. These highly digestible, limited-ingredient recipes are an excellent choice for dogs with digestive sensitivities or skin issues related to food ingredients.
The KOHA Limited Ingredient Bland Diet Dry Food complements these benefits by offering a complete, balanced, and ready-to-serve kibble. Available in beef, chicken, and salmon flavors, each dry food recipe incorporates fiber-rich brown rice and pumpkin to promote healthy stools, complemented by prebiotics and probiotics for enhanced gut health. The kibble is coated in a savory bone broth, making it highly palatable for even the most discerning eaters. With KOHA, pet owners can be confident they are providing balanced meals specifically designed for sensitive stomachs.
By addressing both the symptoms through a gentle diet and the root cause with targeted interventions, you can help your dog’s digestion return to normal and reduce the likelihood of future diarrhea episodes.
Potential Side Effects of Dog Diarrhea Medications
While medications for diarrhea can offer rapid relief, pet owners might first consider food-based remedies. A bland diet, for instance, provides a safe and natural method for dogs to recover from diarrhea, soothing their stomach without the risks associated with medication.
This type of dietary adjustment is beneficial not only for short-term digestive upset but also for chronic conditions like IBD or food allergies, working to address the underlying cause and promote long-term digestive health rather than just masking symptoms.
KOHA Bland Diet Dog Food can serve as your dog’s initial defense against diarrhea. Each recipe contains a single animal protein, making it ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. This nutritionally complete and easily digestible formula provides the necessary nourishment for your dog’s comfortable recovery and sustained gut health, potentially eliminating the need for medications.
However, certain situations may necessitate medication, especially if diarrhea is severe, persistent, or leading to dehydration. While generally safe when used as directed, diarrhea medications for dogs can present potential side effects such as nausea, vomiting, regurgitation, reduced appetite, fatigue, and drooling. Some dogs might also experience allergic reactions to specific ingredients. It is crucial to monitor your dog closely for any adverse reactions and consult your veterinarian if you observe any concerning symptoms.
Dietary Recommendations for Dogs with Diarrhea
Instead of immediately opting for diarrhea medication, it’s advisable to first assess your dog’s diet. The following foods can help calm their stomach, restore gut balance, and support overall well-being from the inside out.
1. Bland Diets for Dogs
Simplicity is key when feeding dogs with sensitive stomachs. Rich or fatty foods can irritate the stomach, causing inflammation and, consequently, diarrhea.
KOHA’s Bland Diet recipes are convenient, ready-to-serve meals featuring a single animal protein for easy digestion, along with white rice and pumpkin to support healthy stools and regularity. This gentle formula helps alleviate symptoms of chronic upset stomach and digestive flare-ups. These moist meals can be served as a complete dish or as a beneficial addition to other foods.
2. Limited Ingredient Diets
Taking control of your dog’s diet is fundamental to maintaining their overall health and happiness. A well-balanced diet not only provides energy and supports immune function but also promotes optimal gut health.
A dog’s diet can effectively help alleviate diarrhea by offering easily digestible foods that soothe the stomach and firm up stools. For instance, KOHA’s Limited Ingredient Dog Food is meticulously formulated for easy digestion and gentleness on your pet’s stomach.
Each recipe contains only one animal protein, making it an excellent choice for dogs with food allergies or IBD.
With a variety of appealing flavors such as duck, beef, lamb, turkey, salmon, and pork, mealtime can become a pleasant experience for your dog once again. They also offer novel protein options, including kangaroo and venison, which are ideal for dogs with severe food sensitivities.
Browse KOHA Limited Ingredient Dog Food.
3. White Rice
The classic bland diet often includes boiled, unseasoned white rice, which provides essential carbohydrates crucial for a dog’s digestive system. White rice is easily digestible, helps to solidify loose stools, and offers a source of energy without irritating the stomach, making it a gentle option for easing gastrointestinal distress.
As a simple carbohydrate, rice supplies necessary energy without overburdening the digestive system. When combined with lean proteins and fiber-rich vegetables, it forms a soothing, balanced meal that aids in gastrointestinal recovery.
You’ll find this easily digestible ingredient in KOHA Limited Ingredient Wet Bland Diet for Dogs, where white rice plays a key role in supporting digestion and helping dogs recover from diarrhea. Its mild flavor and soft texture are more easily tolerated by sensitive stomachs, making it an important component of KOHA’s soothing, gut-friendly recipes.
Explore KOHA Wet Bland Diet for Dogs.
4. Brown Rice
Unlike richer grains or high-fat foods, brown rice is generally well-tolerated during digestive upset. Its natural fiber content assists in absorbing excess water in the intestines, which can lead to firmer, more regular stools. It can also support healthier gut bacteria as your dog recovers. Furthermore, brown rice is naturally low in fat and mild in flavor, making it less likely to irritate an already sensitive digestive system.
To prepare brown rice as a dog diarrhea treatment, rinse it thoroughly and simmer it plainly in extra water until very soft. Use approximately one part rice to 3–4 parts water and cook for 45–60 minutes until almost mushy. Allow it to cool completely before serving. Avoid adding salt, butter, oil, broth, or seasonings. Offer small portions alongside a few small meals daily until stools firm up.
Alternatively, you can bypass the cooking process and soothe your dog’s stomach with KOHA Limited Ingredient Dry Bland Diet Dog Food. This recipe includes brown rice, pumpkin, and prebiotics and probiotics to promote healthy stools and regularity. It can be used during sudden diarrhea flare-ups or as a regular daily food for dogs that thrive on a simple, stomach-friendly diet.
5. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is beneficial for dogs experiencing diarrhea as it contains soluble fiber, which absorbs excess water in the digestive tract, helping to firm up stools. Additionally, pumpkin is rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, and potassium. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties can also help soothe and calm the digestive system, making it a gentle and effective remedy for dogs with diarrhea.
KOHA Limited Ingredient Wet Bland Diet is an excellent way to incorporate pumpkin into your dog’s diet. Unlike medications that may have side effects, KOHA utilizes this natural ingredient to help manage symptoms while nourishing your dog from the inside out. Its easily digestible and antioxidant-rich properties help calm an irritated digestive system and offer a gentle solution for dogs dealing with both acute and chronic diarrhea.
6. Plain Yogurt With Active Cultures
Introducing plain yogurt to your dog’s diet can help restore healthy gut bacteria, particularly after a bout of diarrhea. Yogurt naturally contains probiotics—beneficial microorganisms that help balance the intestinal microbiome and support smoother digestion. These probiotics work to replenish the “good” bacteria that may have been depleted during digestive upset, aiding your dog’s system in returning to normal more quickly.
When selecting yogurt for your dog, opt for plain, unsweetened varieties that list “live and active cultures” on the packaging. Avoid yogurts that are flavored, sweetened, or artificially enhanced, as these can upset your dog’s stomach or introduce unnecessary sugars. If your dog has dairy sensitivities, begin with a small amount—approximately a teaspoon for small dogs or a tablespoon for larger breeds—and observe their reaction.
For dogs with severe sensitivities or lactose intolerance, a probiotic supplement may be a safer and more reliable alternative. Products such as Nootie Progility Pre & Probiotic Chews combine probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes to support gut balance without the risk of dairy irritation. These chews are easy to administer, palatable, and effective in maintaining healthy digestion over time.
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7. Plain Protein Sources
When your dog’s stomach is upset, simplicity is paramount, especially concerning protein. Lean, plain options like boiled chicken breast, turkey, or scrambled eggs (prepared without oil, butter, or seasoning) are gentle on the stomach and packed with essential nutrients. These proteins are easily digestible and help your dog maintain strength and energy while their digestive system recovers.
If you prefer a simpler alternative to home-prepared bland meals, KOHA Limited Ingredient Wet Bland Diet offers the same gentle benefits in a ready-to-serve format. Each recipe includes one lean animal protein (such as chicken, beef, or salmon), rice, and pumpkin to provide complete, balanced nutrition for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
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Alternative Approaches to Dog Diarrhea Medicine
Brief Fasting
Short-term fasting can be beneficial, allowing your dog’s digestive system a period to rest and reset. This is particularly helpful if your dog has ingested something inappropriate or is experiencing mild gastrointestinal upset. To initiate fasting, withhold food for 12 to 24 hours, enabling the gut to calm down and begin healing.
Throughout this period, it is essential to monitor your dog’s symptoms and ensure constant access to fresh water to prevent dehydration. Once the fasting period concludes, gradually reintroduce food by offering small portions of a bland diet composed of easily digestible ingredients.
It’s important to note that fasting may not be suitable for all dogs. Puppies, senior dogs, or those with pre-existing health conditions may require a different approach, making consultation with your veterinarian essential before starting a fast.
Rest
Rest is as crucial as diet in alleviating your dog’s digestive symptoms. An upset stomach can leave your dog feeling fatigued, uncomfortable, or irritable. To support their recovery, it is best to limit physical activity and avoid exposing them to environmental stressors.
Begin by creating a calm, quiet space where your dog can relax undisturbed, ensuring it is free from anything that typically causes your dog anxiety. This resting area should also be clean, warm, and comfortable, with easy access to fresh water. A calm, low-stimulation environment provides their body with the necessary space to heal properly and regain balance.
It is also important to observe their behavior and energy levels. Physical changes such as increased lethargy, restlessness, or worsening symptoms may indicate the need for a veterinary visit.
Monitoring your dog’s behavior and allowing them adequate rest not only supports physical recovery but also helps reduce stress, which is closely linked to gut health.
Medications and Ingredients Used in Dog Diarrhea Treatment
For those seeking dog diarrhea medication, several common ingredients are frequently encountered. Please remember that this information is for general knowledge, and veterinary consultation is crucial as each dog’s health needs are unique. The goal here is to provide a comprehensive overview to enhance your understanding of available diarrhea medication options. Always consult your veterinarian before administering any medication to your dog.
Kaolin-Pectin
Kaolin-Pectin can be beneficial for dog diarrhea due to its ability to absorb excess water in the intestines and firm up stools.
Kaolin clay, an aluminum silicate, acts as an adsorbent, binding to toxins and bacteria in the digestive tract and aiding in their elimination. Pectin, a soluble fiber derived from fruits, adds bulk to stools and helps regulate bowel movements.
Together, these ingredients can help alleviate diarrhea symptoms and promote digestive health in dogs.
Some dog anti-diarrhea medicines containing Kaolin, Pectin, or both:
- Pro-pectalin Anti-Diarrheal Gel
- PET Pectillin Diarrhea Medication
- Nutri-Vet Anti-diarrhea Liquid
- Well & Good Dog Anti-Diarrhea Liquid
- Nutri-Vet Anti-Diarrhea Liquid Digestive Supplement for Dogs
Loperamide
Loperamide functions by slowing down intestinal movement, thereby allowing for increased absorption of water and electrolytes. This process helps to firm up stools and reduce the frequency of bowel movements.
However, it is crucial to use loperamide under veterinary guidance, as improper administration can lead to complications, and it may not be suitable for all dogs or types of diarrhea.
Some dog anti-diarrhea medicines with Loperamide:
- Imodium
- Diamode
Bismuth Subsalicylate
Bismuth subsalicylate contains the active ingredient salicylate and is used to treat gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, indigestion, and nausea.
It works by coating the stomach and intestines, reducing inflammation and irritation, and absorbing toxins. Bismuth subsalicylate also possesses antimicrobial properties, which can help combat certain bacterial infections that may be causing diarrhea. Given that salicylates can be harmful to some dogs (particularly those who are pregnant, have bleeding disorders, or are on other medications), it should only be used under veterinary supervision, and human formulations should never be given without approval.
Dog anti-diarrhea medicines with Bismuth Subsalicylate:
- Pepto Bismol
- Kaopectate
Antibiotics
Antibiotics may be necessary if bacterial infections are identified as the cause of your dog’s diarrhea, especially if symptoms include fever, lethargy, or bloody stools. These should never be administered without veterinary guidance, as inappropriate use can disrupt the gut microbiome or contribute to antibiotic resistance. Veterinarians often recommend probiotics alongside antibiotics to help restore beneficial gut flora.
Antibiotics for dog diarrhea: (Specific antibiotics are typically prescribed by a veterinarian based on the identified bacteria.)
Probiotics
Probiotics play a significant role in managing dog diarrhea by restoring gut balance, improving stool consistency, and strengthening immune function, particularly following antibiotic use, dietary disturbances, or in chronic conditions like IBD.
When selecting a probiotic supplement, look for strains such as Enterococcus faecium or Lactobacillus acidophilus, which support healthy digestion and a balanced intestinal microbiome.
Probiotics for dog diarrhea:
- Enterococcus faecium
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
Nootie Progility Pre & Probiotic Supplements for Dogs is an excellent source of the probiotics your dog needs. This supplement combines probiotics with prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and supportive ingredients like pumpkin, chicory root, amylase, saccharomyces cerevisiae, and protease. Collectively, these components help support your dog’s digestion, gut health, and intestinal well-being.
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Dewormers
If parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, or giardia are identified as the cause of your dog’s diarrhea, a dewormer will be necessary. Symptoms may include persistent diarrhea, visible worms in the stool, or rapid weight loss. Many over-the-counter dewormers lack the broad-spectrum efficacy required, so obtaining a proper diagnosis and prescription from your veterinarian is always essential.
Dewormers for parasite-induced dog diarrhea:
- Fenbendazole
- Selamectin
- Milbemycin oxime
- Febantel
- Pyrantel pamoate
- Praziquantel
- Ivermectin
Other Diarrhea Medications for Dogs
Other diarrhea medications for dogs may contain active ingredients such as: (This section is often a placeholder as specific formulations and ingredients can vary widely and should be discussed with a vet.)
Preventing Diarrhea in Dogs
Preventing diarrhea in dogs involves fundamental practices: maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring adequate hydration, and providing the appropriate digestive support. Here are the most effective strategies to keep your dog’s stomach free from flare-ups.
1. Provide a Proper Diet
A suitable diet is paramount in managing dog diarrhea, as it addresses the root cause of gastrointestinal distress, unlike medications that often offer only temporary symptom relief. By providing a balanced and easily digestible diet, you can soothe the digestive system, promote healthy gut flora, and tackle underlying dietary triggers, ultimately fostering long-term digestive health.
KOHA offers various diet types to help soothe your dog’s digestive system:
- Bland Diet Dog Food: Gentle dog food recipes featuring a single animal protein and fiber-rich ingredients to support healthy stools.
- Limited Ingredient Diets: Simple entrées formulated for dogs with food allergies or digestive issues.
- Minimal Ingredient Stews: Moisture-rich dog food with easily digestible ingredients to support healthy digestion.
- Pure Shreds Dog Food Entrées: Low-fat dog food recipes containing shredded ingredients and superfoods to promote weight management and increased hydration.
Selecting a diet specifically tailored to your dog’s sensitivities plays a vital role in supporting their digestive health and effectively managing diarrhea symptoms. KOHA’s dog food recipes simplify this process with thoughtfully curated ingredients and novel protein options, such as duck and venison, which help minimize the risk of food sensitivities.
These balanced, easily digestible meals are gentle on the stomach and support lasting gut health, enhancing your dog’s overall well-being and reducing the risk of future flare-ups.
Explore All KOHA Dog Food Recipes.
2. Ensure Hydration
For dogs experiencing acute diarrhea, water is essential to prevent dehydration, especially when accompanied by vomiting, which can exacerbate fluid loss and pose serious health risks.
Ensuring your dog has consistent access to ample water helps replenish lost fluids, maintain hydration levels, and support overall health during episodes of gastrointestinal distress.
3. Consider Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Other Supplements
Supplements can aid in managing your dog’s diarrhea by offering additional support to their digestive system. Probiotics, for example, contain beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance to the gut microbiome.
By repopulating the intestines with healthy bacteria, probiotics assist in supporting digestion during periods of stomach upset.
Prebiotics are beneficial for dogs with diarrhea as they serve as a food source for beneficial bacteria in the gut. By supporting healthy bacteria, prebiotics help re-establish balance in the intestinal microbiota, which can become disrupted during diarrhea episodes. This enhances digestive function, improves stool consistency, and strengthens the immune system, ultimately contributing to the resolution of diarrhea in dogs.
In addition to probiotics, fiber supplements can further enhance digestive support. Fiber adds bulk to the stool, facilitating easier passage of waste by the intestines and reducing the frequency of diarrhea without causing constipation. When used together, probiotics and fiber supplements offer a comprehensive approach to managing digestive issues and promoting long-term gut health.
Nootie Progility Pre & Probiotic Chews are an effective means of supporting your dog’s digestive health. They combine probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes such as lipase and amylase to promote healthy digestion. These soft, palatable chews are easy to administer and are generally well-liked by most dogs.
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4. Limit Access to Unsafe Foods and Ingestible Items
Prevention begins with awareness, particularly concerning what your dog consumes and explores. Dogs possess a natural curiosity and often cannot resist scavenging, whether it’s table scraps or items discovered during a walk. Unfortunately, many of these items can lead to digestive distress, vomiting, or diarrhea.
To help prevent these issues:
- Avoid giving table scraps or rich, fatty foods: These can trigger acute stomach upset or long-term digestive problems.
- Keep garbage cans sealed and out of reach: Spoiled food, bones, or grease can rapidly lead to gastrointestinal issues.
- Monitor chew toys and bones: Even “safe” toys can splinter or break, potentially causing blockages or irritation in the digestive tract if swallowed.
- Supervise outdoor activities: Dogs that pick up sticks, grass, or other debris while walking or playing outside may ingest bacteria or parasites that result in diarrhea.
Vigilance regarding your dog’s diet and their tendency to ingest non-food items significantly minimizes the risk of upset stomachs. A consistent feeding routine, a clean environment, and careful attention to potential non-edible hazards help reduce the likelihood of accidental ingestion and maintain your dog’s gut balance.
5. Seek Regular Veterinary Care
Routine veterinary care is among the most critical steps in preventing dog diarrhea. Even with a healthy diet and good habits, issues such as parasites, bacterial infections, or underlying health conditions can still arise, and regular check-ups are essential for early detection.
Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate deworming schedule, flea and tick prevention, and vaccinations to reduce your dog’s risk of illness-related digestive issues. Stool sample testing can also help identify parasites or other hidden causes of chronic diarrhea before they escalate into more serious problems.
In addition to physical examinations, it is beneficial to discuss your dog’s diet and any recurring digestive symptoms with your vet. They can guide you toward the optimal feeding plan or supplements, such as probiotics or fiber-rich foods, to strengthen your dog’s gut health.
When to Consult a Veterinarian for Your Dog’s Diarrhea
It is imperative to consult a veterinarian if your dog’s diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, or bloody stools.
For young puppies, senior dogs, or those with pre-existing health conditions, prompt veterinary attention is necessary to prevent dehydration and potential complications. Seeking veterinary care ensures an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan specific to your dog’s needs, promoting a swift recovery and mitigating potential health risks.
Dog Diarrhea Treatment Begins with the Right Diet
While the instinct may be to reach for medication when your dog experiences diarrhea, the solution is sometimes as simple as adjusting their diet. A suitable limited ingredient diet supports your dog’s gastrointestinal recovery with easily digestible nutrients that promote healing and overall health.
Whether your dog is contending with a sudden bout of diarrhea or ongoing digestive issues linked to conditions like IBD or food allergies, KOHA Limited Ingredient Bland Diet Dog Food is formulated to soothe the digestive system and restore balance.
The wet bland diet recipes are ideal for sudden digestive upset but can also serve as a long-term feeding option for dogs with particularly sensitive stomachs. Each formula includes easily digestible proteins, fiber-rich pumpkin, and soothing white rice to support gut health and promote firm, regular stools.
To maintain your dog’s digestive health, the dry bland diet recipes are gentle on sensitive stomachs and convenient for daily feeding. Each recipe features a single animal protein—chicken, beef, or salmon—along with gentle ingredients like pumpkin, brown rice, and prebiotics and probiotics, all of which contribute to optimal gut health.
KOHA also provides limited ingredient diet entrée options for dogs with significant food sensitivities or allergies, simplifying the process of finding a recipe that helps prevent future diarrhea flare-ups.
Every dog deserves to feel their best, and KOHA helps achieve this—one delicious meal at a time.
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Dog Diarrhea Treatment FAQs
How long should you wait to see a vet for dog diarrhea?
If your dog’s diarrhea persists for more than 24–48 hours, or if they exhibit severe symptoms such as vomiting, low energy, dehydration, or blood in their stool, it is time to contact your veterinarian. These signs could indicate an infection, parasites, or another underlying health issue. In such cases, your vet may recommend medication and dietary changes to aid your dog’s recovery.
How can I stop my dog’s diarrhea?
The most effective dog diarrhea treatment depends on the underlying cause and your dog’s overall health. For mild cases, over-the-counter remedies like kaolin-pectin or bismuth subsalicylate can help alleviate symptoms such as upset stomach, indigestion, or heartburn.
If diarrhea stems from a bacterial infection, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to help your dog’s immune system combat the infection. They might also suggest dewormers as a short-term treatment for digestive issues caused by parasites. To support recovery and maintain ongoing gut health, probiotics are a valuable addition to your dog’s daily regimen.
For a long-term solution, consider KOHA Bland Diet Dog Food, which offers gentle, filler-free recipes designed to support easy digestion. Each wet food option contains a single animal protein, white rice, and pumpkin to help maintain stool regularity. They are also nutritionally complete, making them suitable as your dog’s everyday meal.
Should I stop feeding my dog if he has diarrhea?
This depends on the severity of your dog’s symptoms and their overall health. For most adult dogs, a brief 12–24-hour food break can allow the digestive system to rest and reset, particularly after consuming something inappropriate. Following this short fast, begin reintroducing food slowly with a bland diet, such as KOHA Limited Ingredient Wet Bland Diet.
However, never fast puppies, seniors, or dogs with underlying health conditions like diabetes, as they cannot safely go extended periods without calories. If your dog’s diarrhea continues beyond a day or includes vomiting, lethargy, or blood, skip the fasting and contact your vet immediately.
Should I let my dog drink water if he has diarrhea?
Yes, you should always allow your dog to drink water when they have diarrhea. Diarrhea causes significant fluid loss, and dehydration can rapidly become a serious risk. Offer your dog small sips of water at a time to prevent further stomach upset.
If your dog refuses to drink or exhibits signs of dehydration such as dry gums, excessive panting, or lethargy, contact your vet immediately.
Do vets recommend Imodium for dogs?
Veterinarians may recommend Imodium (loperamide) for dogs, but strictly under their direct supervision. While not FDA-approved for animals, some vets might prescribe it off-label for mild, non-infectious diarrhea after ruling out more serious causes. It works by slowing intestinal movement, aiding fluid absorption and stool firming.
However, Imodium is not safe for all dogs. Certain breeds, like Collies and Australian Shepherds, carry a gene mutation (MDR1) that increases their sensitivity to the drug, potentially leading to adverse reactions. It can also cause issues if your dog’s diarrhea is due to infection, toxins, or parasites, as it might mask symptoms or impede recovery, ultimately posing a health risk.
In most situations, vets prefer to initiate treatment with safer dog diarrhea options, such as dietary adjustments, hydration, or probiotics, before considering medications like Imodium. Always consult your vet before administering any human medication to your dog.
What is the dog version of Pepto Bismol?
There isn’t an official canine equivalent of Pepto Bismol, but veterinarians sometimes prescribe kaolin-pectin formulations or bismuth subsalicylate (the active ingredient in Pepto Bismol) in carefully adjusted doses.
You should never administer Pepto Bismol or any human medication to your dog as a diarrhea treatment without your vet’s approval. The salicylates present can be detrimental to some dogs, particularly those with bleeding disorders, pregnant dogs, or dogs on other medications.
How do you treat a dog with diarrhea but acting normally?
If your dog has diarrhea but remains active, eats and drinks normally, it’s important to address their symptoms promptly. One effective approach is to transition your dog to a bland diet to ensure they receive essential nutrients that are gentle on their stomach while maintaining proper hydration.
Incorporating a dog-safe probiotic is another strategy to manage diarrhea symptoms and support your dog’s gut health balance. However, if diarrhea persists for more than three days or begins to worsen, it is crucial to schedule a veterinary visit to rule out underlying issues such as infections, parasites, or food intolerances.
Should you walk a dog with diarrhea?
Yes, but keep the walk light and short. Gentle walks allow your dog to relieve themselves and get mild exercise without overexertion. Try to avoid long walks or intense play for now—excessive activity can further upset their stomach and exacerbate diarrhea.
Always carry waste bags and clean up thoroughly, as diarrhea
