It’s distressing to see your furry friend struggling with diarrhea. When your dog has diarrhea, it’s natural to worry and want to do everything you can to help. One of the most common questions pet owners ask is, “What should I feed her?” This guide will walk you through the best dietary choices to help your dog recover quickly and comfortably. We’ll explore suitable foods, foods to avoid, and when it’s time to seek professional veterinary advice.
Understanding Why Your Dog Has Diarrhea
Diarrhea in dogs can stem from a variety of causes. It could be something as simple as a dietary indiscretion – perhaps she got into the trash or ate something new. Other reasons may include stress, a sudden change in diet, infections, parasites, or even more serious underlying health issues. Before making significant dietary changes, it’s crucial to understand if it’s a passing bout or a persistent problem.
Common Causes of Canine Diarrhea:
- Dietary Indiscretion: Eating spoiled food, garbage, or table scraps.
- Sudden Dietary Change: Switching food brands abruptly can upset a dog’s digestive system.
- Stress: Anxiety or changes in routine can trigger digestive issues.
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.
- Food Allergies or Intolerances: Reactions to specific ingredients.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Issues such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The Importance of a Bland Diet
When your dog has diarrhea, the primary goal is to give her digestive system a break. This is where a bland diet comes in. A bland diet is composed of easily digestible foods that are gentle on the stomach and intestines, allowing them to heal. It minimizes irritation and helps your dog’s system return to normal more quickly.
What Makes a Bland Diet Effective?
- Easy to Digest: Foods are low in fiber and fat, requiring less work for the digestive system.
- Non-Irritating: Bland foods reduce inflammation and discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Binding Effect: Certain foods help to solidify loose stools, aiding in diarrhea relief.
Recommended Foods for Dogs with Diarrhea
Now, let’s dive into what you can actually feed your dog when she has diarrhea. The goal here is to choose simple, easily digestible options. It’s crucial to avoid any heavily seasoned, fatty, or rich foods that could further irritate her system.
Top Bland Diet Choices:
- Plain Cooked White Rice: White rice is easy to digest and provides a source of carbohydrates for energy. It’s also gentle on the stomach. Make sure it’s thoroughly cooked and unseasoned.
- Boiled Chicken or Turkey: Lean protein sources like boiled chicken or turkey (skinless and boneless) are well-tolerated by most dogs. Ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and without any added oils or seasonings.
- Plain Canned Pumpkin (Not Pie Filling): Canned pumpkin is a good source of fiber which can help to bulk up stools. Use plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling which contains spices and sugar.
- Boiled Potatoes (Skinless): Boiled and skinless potatoes are another good source of easy-to-digest carbohydrates, much like white rice.
- Plain Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: If tolerated, a small amount of plain, low-fat cottage cheese can provide some protein and is typically gentle on the stomach.
“When dealing with diarrhea, simplicity is key,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a veterinary nutritionist. “Stick to very basic foods that are easy for the digestive system to handle, such as boiled chicken and white rice. These options provide the essential nutrients without causing further irritation.”
How to Prepare the Bland Diet:
- Boil the meat: Cook chicken or turkey thoroughly. Ensure it’s boneless and skinless. Drain off any fats.
- Cook the rice or potatoes: Boil the white rice or skinless potatoes until they are very soft and well-cooked.
- Mix the foods: Combine the cooked meat and rice (or potato) in a ratio of 1:2 (one part meat to two parts rice/potato).
- Serve plain: Do not add any spices, oils, or other seasonings.
- Start Small: Begin with small, frequent meals rather than large ones.
Foods to Avoid When Your Dog Has Diarrhea
While it’s important to know what to feed, it’s equally crucial to know what not to feed your dog when she has diarrhea. These foods can exacerbate her symptoms and prolong her recovery.
Foods to Absolutely Steer Clear Of:
- Fatty Foods: Avoid anything high in fat, like fried foods, greasy meats, or rich table scraps.
- Dairy Products (Except Low-Fat Cottage Cheese): Dairy, like milk and cheese, can be difficult for many dogs to digest and can worsen diarrhea.
- Spicy Foods: Just like in humans, spicy foods are a no-go when dealing with digestive issues. They can further irritate the digestive tract. You also want to avoid foods with garlic or onion, which are toxic to dogs and can also cause upset stomachs.
- Processed Foods: These are usually full of preservatives and additives that can upset a dog’s digestive system. Stick to whole, simple foods.
- Human Treats and Junk Food: Avoid giving your dog human treats, especially those that are high in sugar or artificial ingredients.
- Raw meat: While it can be nutritious, it is best to avoid what raw meat is good for puppies during a bout of diarrhea.
“When your dog has diarrhea, certain foods can make things significantly worse,” emphasizes Dr. James Peterson, a canine health specialist. “Steer clear of high-fat or processed foods, which can irritate the digestive system. Simple, plain choices are the best way to promote healing.”
Gradual Reintroduction of Regular Food
Once your dog’s diarrhea starts to improve, you can slowly reintroduce her regular food. It’s crucial to do this gradually to prevent a relapse.
Steps to Reintroduce Regular Food:
- Monitor Stool Consistency: Continue the bland diet until your dog’s stool has been normal (firm and formed) for at least 24-48 hours.
- Mix Gradually: Start by mixing a small amount of her regular food with the bland diet. For example, you could start with a mixture of 75% bland diet and 25% regular food.
- Slowly Increase the Ratio: Over the next few days, gradually increase the proportion of regular food while decreasing the amount of the bland diet.
- Observe for Relapses: Watch carefully for any recurrence of diarrhea. If it returns, revert back to the bland diet for a bit longer before trying again.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
While a bland diet is often effective for mild cases of diarrhea, it’s important to know when to seek professional veterinary care. If your dog’s diarrhea is severe or doesn’t improve with the bland diet, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian.
Situations That Warrant a Vet Visit:
- Prolonged Diarrhea: Diarrhea that lasts more than 24-48 hours.
- Severe Diarrhea: Frequent or watery diarrhea.
- Blood in the Stool: Any visible blood in the diarrhea.
- Lethargy or Weakness: If your dog seems unusually tired or weak.
- Vomiting: If the diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting.
- Fever: If your dog develops a fever.
- Dehydration: Signs of dehydration include excessive panting, dry gums, or sunken eyes.
- Puppies or Senior Dogs: These age groups are more susceptible to dehydration and complications.
“Don’t hesitate to contact your vet if your dog’s diarrhea isn’t resolving with a simple bland diet,” advises Dr. Anya Sharma, a veterinary gastroenterologist. “Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting or lethargy, can be signs of an underlying health problem that needs immediate medical attention.”
Hydration is Key
While managing your dog’s diet is essential, ensuring she stays hydrated is just as crucial. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous.
Ensuring Proper Hydration:
- Fresh Water: Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water.
- Electrolyte Solutions: If your dog is reluctant to drink water, you can offer unflavored pediatric electrolyte solutions (like Pedialyte). Consult with your vet before doing so to confirm the correct dosage.
- Ice Cubes: Some dogs prefer to lick ice cubes, which can be a good way to encourage them to take in fluids.
- Bone Broth (Unseasoned): A little low-sodium bone broth can be enticing and help to provide both hydration and some nutrients.
Prevention Tips for Future Diarrhea
Once your dog has recovered, it’s always best to try and prevent further incidents of diarrhea. There are several things you can do to minimize future occurrences.
Preventing Diarrhea:
- Gradual Dietary Changes: When changing dog foods, do it slowly over a period of several days to avoid upsetting her stomach.
- Avoid Table Scraps: Do not feed your dog table scraps or human food, especially fatty or spicy foods. Consider that what human food can dogs not have.
- Secure the Trash: Make sure she can’t get into the garbage and eat things she shouldn’t.
- Parasite Control: Keep up-to-date with regular deworming and flea prevention treatments.
- Minimize Stress: Reduce stressors by providing a calm and predictable environment.
- Know Food Sensitivities: Understand what foods your dog may be sensitive to and avoid those in the future.
By taking preventative measures, you can help minimize the chances of your dog experiencing diarrhea in the future. Remember that what not to give a puppy is especially important during formative years.
Conclusion
Dealing with a dog that has diarrhea can be stressful, but knowing what to feed her can make a big difference in her recovery. A bland diet consisting of plain cooked white rice, boiled chicken or turkey, and pumpkin can help soothe her digestive system. It is crucial to avoid fatty, spicy, and processed foods. Always monitor her closely and don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian if her condition doesn’t improve or worsens. By following the guidelines outlined here and taking preventative measures, you can help ensure your dog’s long-term health and well-being. Remember to consult with your vet for any specific concerns about your dogs health. For more resources on dog diet check out what can i feed my dog at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long should my dog be on a bland diet?
A: Typically, a dog should be on a bland diet until their stool has returned to normal consistency for at least 24-48 hours. After that, you can gradually reintroduce her regular food.
Q: Can I give my dog human medication for diarrhea?
A: No, it is never safe to give a dog medication that is formulated for humans unless explicitly advised to do so by your veterinarian. Always consult with a veterinarian before administering any medication.
Q: What if my dog refuses to eat the bland diet?
A: Some dogs may be finicky. Try making the food slightly more appealing by warming it up a bit or mixing in a little low-sodium chicken broth. If she still refuses to eat, contact your vet for advice. Be careful when dealing with what to do when a puppy wont eat.
Q: Is it okay to give my dog Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea?
A: Pepto-Bismol contains ingredients that can be toxic to dogs. It is best to avoid this and always seek advice from your veterinarian.
Q: How much canned pumpkin should I give my dog?
A: A general guideline is to start with 1-4 tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin, depending on your dog’s size. Always consult with your veterinarian for specific advice.
Q: Can diarrhea in dogs be a sign of something serious?
A: Yes, diarrhea can be a sign of a more serious underlying health issue. If the diarrhea is prolonged, bloody, or accompanied by other symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.
Q: Can I add anything to the bland diet to make it more effective?
A: You can add probiotics recommended by your vet to help balance the gut flora. It is always best to get professional veterinary advice before introducing anything new.