Cures for Diarrhea in a Dachshund

While Dachshunds are generally a healthy breed, they will, as with any dog, develop a case of diarrhea from time to time. Causes of diarrhea can range from a simple switch in dog food, to more serious causes such as contaminated food, disease, parasites or ingestion of toxic chemicals. Diarrhea is your dog's way of clearing its body of toxins. While most cases can be handled at home, if your dog starts to show signs of dehydration (skin loses elasticity, less frequent urination), it's time to consult your vet.

  1. Bland Food

    • While some dog owners may be against feeding "people food," some bland choices may help settle your dog's stomach and help clear up diarrhea. Try foods such as a baked potato (no skin or flavorings), cottage cheese, boiled egg, cooked white rice, boiled turkey or boiled chicken. Avoid butter and flavorings and limit grease.

    Feed Small Meals

    • Don't feed your dog treats or greasy people food during this time. Feed him frequent, small meals if he will tolerate them. Offer water frequently in small amounts. Vomiting can occur if the dog consumes a large amount of water which can cause the stomach to extend. You can place ice cubes in the dog's water bowl so he is only able to drink what has melted.

    Pepto Bismol

    • Make sure to ask your vet before giving your dog Pepto Bismol, but in general you can give your dog a dose about every 6 hours. Measure the dose according to your dog's weight--so about 1 ml per lb. If your dog is also suffering from vomiting, this treatment helps that as well.

    Drugs Over the Counter

    • You can give your dog Imodium AD (give 1 ml per lb. every 8 hours) or Kaopectate (give 1 ml per lb. every 2 hours) to help calm diarrhea. As always, consult your vet before giving your dog these medications.

    Supportive Care

    • If your dog has diarrhea for more than 24 hours, or if the onset is quite sudden and is accompanied by blood in the stool and vomiting, take your dog to the vet immediately. Severe and prolonged diarrhea can cause dehydration in dogs and she may need IV fluids in addition to other medications to bring symptoms under control.