The medications you can give your dog for diarrhea often depend on the cause of the problem. Diarrhea can be caused by a parasitic infestation, a change in diet or treats, or a diet that is too high in fat or protein. In the worst-case scenario, it is a sign of infection or disease. It is best to consult a veterinarian if your dog has frequent or persistent bouts of diarrhea.
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Over-the-Counter Medications
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Over-the-counter medications that have loperamide as an active ingredient are the most common medications that dog owners reach for in the event of diarrhea. Sold under brand names such as Imodium and Kaopectate, the preparations are also available in many store brands. Another anti-diarrhea formula is Pepto-Bismol, which has Bismuth subsalicylate as the active ingredient. All three formulas should be dosed by your dog's weight. They are all available in liquid, pill, and capsule form; Pepto-Bismol is also available in chewable tablet form.
Loperamide has not been FDA approved for use in dogs, so it is best to contact your veterinarian before you use it. The side effects of loperamide on dogs have not been studied, but many of these over-the-counter drugs cause little or no harm when properly dosed. For safety's safe, try your best to determine the cause of the diarrhea before you give your dog any over-the-counter medication. Pepto-Bismol contains aspirin and should not be given to dogs that have bleeding disorders or that are sensitive to aspirin.
Precription Medications
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While some broad-spectrum veterinary anti-diarrhea medications exist, many cases of diarrhea will be treated by medicating for the specific cause of the problem. The broad-spectrum medication most often prescribed by veterinarians to treat diarrhea is metronidazole, commonly prescribed under the name Flagyl. Flagyl is a synthetic antipro-tozoal and antibacterial agent often used when a bacterial infection is thought to be a contributing cause of diarrhea.
Natural Remedies
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If you prefer to use a natural remedy for your dog's diarrhea, look no further than your local grocery store for a can of pumpkin. Purchase the kind without spices, which is often sold as pumpkin pie filling. Mix a small amount of pumpkin into your dog's food to provide the fiber that often clears out the intestinal tract and ends the diarrhea. Pumpkin acts like a sponge, absorbing excess intestinal tract fluid and thereby slowing the symptoms of diarrhea. Pumpkin will not cure diarrhea caused by disease or illness, however.
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