How to Introduce Food to a Canine After Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis in dogs causes vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration if not acknowledged and treated immediately. The best thing you can do is to withhold food and water to allow the GI system to rest. If you think your dog is dehydrated as a result of gastroenteritis, look for signs such as depression and listlessness and make sure to give him electrolytes. When you think the gastroenteritis has taken its course, you can begin to slowly reintroduce food into his diet again.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog Food
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Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Put your dog on a fast for one to four days.

    • 2

      Reintroduce a small amount of bland dog food. It is a good idea to reintroduce the food with a new protein that the dog is not accustomed to.

    • 3

      Monitor the dog for vomiting or diarrhea. If the dog does not vomit or have diarrhea, you can give him another small serving of the bland dog food several hours later.

    • 4

      Continue to feed your dog small servings every several hours and monitor his condition. Once vomiting and diarrhea has ceased for at least 48 hours, you may resume your dog's regular diet and feedings.