Dealing with a dog’s upset stomach can be stressful, especially when it involves diarrhea. It’s natural to wonder, “What Should A Dog Eat When They Have Diarrhea?” The good news is that by adjusting their diet, you can help soothe their tummy and get them back on their paws. We’ll explore suitable foods, what to avoid, and when it’s best to consult a vet.
Understanding Why Your Dog Has Diarrhea
Diarrhea in dogs can stem from various causes, including dietary indiscretion, stress, infections, or underlying health conditions. Understanding the potential triggers can help you make informed decisions about how to manage it. For instance, sudden changes in diet can be a significant factor, so it’s best to transition to new food gradually. Similarly, scavenging for leftovers in the trash can lead to digestive upset. Keeping an eye on your dog’s environment and food habits can prevent some of these situations.
The Best Foods for Dogs with Diarrhea: A Bland Diet
When your dog is experiencing diarrhea, the key is to feed them a bland, easily digestible diet that helps to settle their stomach. Here are some food options to consider:
- Plain Boiled Chicken: This is often the first recommendation due to its lean protein and easily digestible nature. Make sure it’s skinless and boneless.
- White Rice: Cooked white rice is gentle on the stomach and provides easily digestible carbohydrates for energy. Brown rice is often considered healthier for normal digestion, but white rice’s simplicity makes it ideal for diarrhea recovery.
- Plain Pumpkin Puree: Not pumpkin pie filling, but 100% pure pumpkin. It’s high in fiber and can help firm up stools.
- Boiled Potatoes: Plain boiled potatoes, mashed without any seasoning, offer easily digestible carbohydrates.
- Bone Broth: This offers hydration and is gentle on the digestive system. Make sure it’s low sodium or homemade and without onions or garlic which can be toxic to dogs.
Expert Quote: “When your dog has diarrhea, simplicity is key,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a veterinary nutritionist. “Lean protein like boiled chicken and easily digestible carbohydrates like white rice help rest the digestive system and promote recovery.”
How to Prepare a Bland Meal
- Boil boneless, skinless chicken until fully cooked.
- Cook white rice according to package instructions, ensuring it is soft and plain.
- Mix the cooked chicken and rice in a ratio of about one part chicken to two parts rice.
- Serve a small portion initially and monitor your dog’s reaction before offering more.
It’s crucial to ensure that whatever you feed your dog is cooked and served plain. Avoid using any seasonings, oils, or butter, as these can further irritate their sensitive digestive system. Consider feeding smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones. For a deeper understanding of what should dogs eat when they have diarrhea, you can explore more resources on this topic.
Foods to Avoid When Your Dog Has Diarrhea
Certain foods can exacerbate diarrhea and should be strictly avoided. These include:
- Rich, Fatty Foods: Avoid greasy foods like bacon, sausages, or fried items, as these are difficult to digest.
- Dairy Products: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy can worsen diarrhea.
- Spicy Foods: Any food containing spices, chili, or hot sauces should be avoided.
- Raw Meat: Raw meat can carry bacteria that could worsen your dog’s condition.
- Table Scraps: These are often unpredictable and can upset the digestive system.
Additionally, avoid giving your dog treats and snacks that are not part of the bland diet. Sometimes, a seemingly harmless snack can lead to a setback in recovery. Just like what should dogs eat if they have diarrhea, careful choices are vital.
Hydration is Key
Dehydration is a significant concern when dogs have diarrhea. Always ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh, clean water. You can also encourage them to drink by adding a bit of low sodium bone broth to their water bowl. Pay close attention to their fluid intake. If your dog isn’t drinking, you might need to try other methods like syringe feeding water, but always under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Signs of Dehydration in Dogs
- Lethargy or weakness
- Dry or sticky gums
- Sunken eyes
- Decreased skin elasticity (when you gently pinch their skin it takes longer than usual to return to its normal position)
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to consult your vet immediately.
Transitioning Back to Normal Food
Once your dog’s diarrhea begins to subside and their stools become firmer, you can start reintroducing their regular food. However, do this gradually over several days. Begin by mixing a small amount of their usual food with the bland diet, and slowly increase the proportion of their regular food while decreasing the bland food. This helps prevent another digestive upset.
A Gradual Approach to Reintroducing Food
- Day 1-2: Mix 75% bland diet with 25% regular food.
- Day 3-4: Mix 50% bland diet with 50% regular food.
- Day 5-6: Mix 25% bland diet with 75% regular food.
- Day 7: If all goes well, your dog can resume their usual food.
Keep an eye on your dog’s stools and behavior during this transition. If you notice any signs of recurrence, go back to the bland diet for another day or two before attempting to reintroduce regular food.
Expert Quote: “A slow and steady approach is vital when transitioning back to your dog’s normal diet after diarrhea,” notes Dr. Ben Harrison, a veterinary gastroenterologist. “Rushing it can cause a relapse, which is counterproductive to their recovery.”
When to See a Veterinarian
While a bland diet can often resolve mild cases of diarrhea, it’s essential to know when to seek veterinary care. See your vet immediately if your dog experiences:
- Bloody or black, tarry stools
- Persistent diarrhea for more than 24-48 hours
- Vomiting
- Lethargy or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Dehydration
These symptoms can indicate a more serious underlying issue that requires professional medical attention. Early intervention can often prevent more severe complications. Additionally, remember that sometimes what should dogs eat when sick can be similar to managing diarrhea, but always consult with a veterinarian to ensure your pet is getting the specific care they need.
Common Questions About Feeding a Dog With Diarrhea
Can I give my dog probiotics during diarrhea?
Yes, probiotics can be beneficial in re-establishing healthy gut bacteria. However, it’s best to consult your vet before introducing new supplements, especially if your dog is already unwell.
How long should my dog be on a bland diet?
Generally, a bland diet is suitable for 2-3 days, or until your dog’s stools start to firm up. If their diarrhea continues beyond this, it’s essential to seek veterinary advice.
Can I feed my dog a low-fat diet regularly?
Low-fat diets can be beneficial for dogs with specific health conditions, but it’s not always necessary for healthy dogs. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s regular diet. You might also consider avoiding certain types of meats. It’s helpful to know what is the one meat dogs should avoid to maintain their digestive health.
What about puppies with diarrhea?
Puppies are more vulnerable to dehydration and serious complications from diarrhea. Consult your vet promptly if your puppy has diarrhea. It’s also crucial to consider the puppy’s age and specific nutritional needs. For example, what should a 5 week old puppy be eating will be different from an adult dog.
Can I use human medication for my dog’s diarrhea?
Never give your dog human medication without consulting your vet. Many human medications are toxic to dogs and could be extremely dangerous.
Should I withhold food if my dog has diarrhea?
It’s generally not advised to withhold food completely. Instead, switch to a bland diet, as discussed. However, always follow your vet’s specific instructions.
What if my dog refuses to eat the bland diet?
If your dog refuses the bland diet, you can try different bland options. It might also be worthwhile to speak with your vet, as it could be a sign of a deeper health issue.
Conclusion
Dealing with your dog’s diarrhea can be concerning, but with the right approach, you can effectively help them recover. Providing a bland diet, ensuring proper hydration, and gradually reintroducing their normal food are crucial steps. By being proactive and monitoring their condition closely, you can help your furry friend get back to their happy, healthy self. Always remember to consult your vet if you have any concerns or if your dog’s condition worsens.