Home Remedies You Can Give Your Dog For Diarrhea
What is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is one of the most common digestive issues that can affect your dog. It’s characterized by frequent, loose and watery stools that can contain mucus, blood and other residue. Diarrhea can be caused by dietary indiscretions, parasites, infections, foreign bodies, allergies, or other health conditions. Though most cases of diarrhea can be managed at home, it’s important to look for signs of dehydration and contact your veterinarian if your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve.
What Home Remedies Can I Give My Dog for Diarrhea?
There are a variety of home remedies you can give your dog to treat diarrhea. If your pet’s case of diarrhea is mild, these remedies can help to quickly alleviate the problem in a safe, natural way. Before using any home remedy, it’s important to speak to your veterinarian to determine if the treatment is safe for your pet.
1. Fast Your Dog
One of the first home remedies you can use is to fast your dog for 12-24 hours. This will give your pet’s digestive system a chance to rest and recover. Fasting your pet also helps to reduce the amount of irritating substances passing through the intestines. During the fast, make sure to provide your pet with plenty of fresh, clean water.
2. Feed a Bland Diet
Once your dog has been fasting for 12-24 hours, you can start to introduce a bland diet. Start with boiled white rice and cooked, lean meat such as chicken or turkey. These foods have a bland flavor, are easy to digest, and contain the nutrients your pet needs to recover. Avoid feeding your pet fatty foods, dairy products, or table scraps.
3. Avoid Dairy Products
It’s important to avoid feeding your pet dairy products when they have diarrhea. Dairy products can be difficult to digest, and can worsen your pet’s condition. If your pet is lactose intolerant, dairy can cause additional problems such as abdominal discomfort and vomiting.
4. Provide Probiotics
Probiotics can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in the intestines, which can help to reduce the symptoms of diarrhea. You can provide probiotics to your pet in the form of a supplement, or by feeding them probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut.
5. Offer Small Meals Throughout the Day
Instead of feeding your pet one large meal each day, offer them several small meals throughout the day. This gives their digestive system a chance to slowly process the food, and helps to reduce the risk of diarrhea. It’s important to stick to the bland diet for at least 1-2 days before gradually introducing other foods.
6. Give Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal can help to absorb toxins in the intestines, which can help to reduce the symptoms of diarrhea. You can give your pet activated charcoal in the form of a supplement, or by adding a small amount to their food. Make sure to follow the dosing instructions on the package, and speak to your veterinarian before giving your pet activated charcoal.
7. Add Pumpkin to Their Diet
Pumpkin is a great home remedy for dogs with diarrhea. Not only is pumpkin rich in dietary fiber, but it also helps to absorb excess water in the intestines. You can give your pet canned pumpkin or cook fresh pumpkin and add it to their food. Just make sure to avoid adding sugar or other seasonings.
8. Ensure Your Pet is Getting Enough Exercise
It’s important to make sure your pet is getting enough exercise. Regular exercise helps to keep their digestive system healthy, which can help to reduce the symptoms of diarrhea. Take your pet for a walk or play with them for at least 30 minutes each day.
9. Contact Your Veterinarian
If your pet’s condition does not improve or worsens, it’s important to contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pet’s diarrhea and provide the appropriate treatment.