Dogs frequently have bouts of diarrhea that last for a day or two and clear up as suddenly as they begin. Diarrhea can be caused by a change in diet, intestinal parasites or the ingestion of a toxin, so it is vitally important to observe your dog's behavior and surroundings. Consult your vet immediately if he is also vomiting and lethargic, refusing to eat or if there is a large amount of blood in the stool. If he seems to be okay except for the diarrhea, there are ways to stop the diarrhea at home.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Chicken broth
- Plastic bag
- Rice
- Chicken
- Canned pumpkin or sweet potato
- Vet
Instructions
Take away the dog's food for 24 hours. Make sure he has plenty of fresh, clean water to drink to avoid dehydration. A day without food gives his digestive tract the opportunity to flush itself out, along with whatever irritant is causing the diarrhea. If he shows no interest in water, offer some chicken broth instead.
Observe your dog's surroundings. If he has gotten into something he shouldn't have, like garbage or chemicals, take him to the vet immediately. Diarrhea can be the first sign of a poisoning, and prompt treatment is vital.
Examine the diarrhea. If intestinal parasites are the culprit, they may show up in the stool. Tapeworm segments look similar to grains of rice, and roundworms can look like spaghetti. If parasites are present, collect a sample of the stool in a plastic bag and take it with your dog to the vet. The vet will examine the stool and deworm the dog appropriately.
Feed your dog small amounts of a bland food every two to three hours, beginning 24 hours after you removed his food. Plain rice and chicken are recommended bland foods. Offer two or three tablespoons at a time for a day or two, and monitor his bowel movements.
Give your dog 1 mL of Pepto Bismol for every 10 pounds of body weight. This will soothe his digestive tract and reduce the irritation that is causing diarrhea. Do not give more than twice daily, as too much can turn the diarrhea into constipation.
Take your dog to the vet if the diarrhea is still occurring, despite your treatment efforts. This is a sign that a more serious underlying illness is at work, and the vet will likely run a blood chemistry profile and a complete blood count to arrive at a diagnosis.
Begin re-introducing the dog's regular diet after three days if the stools seem to be firming up. Begin by mixing a very small amount of regular food with the bland diet, and gradually increase the ratio at each feeding. It should take about five days to completely phase out the bland diet.
Mix a tablespoon or so of canned pumpkin or sweet potato to your dog's regular food. This will add fiber, which will help the loose stools firm up and hold their form.
Continue to monitor your dog's behavior and bowel movements for the next few days. If the diarrhea reoccurs, consult your vet.