At some point in their lives, most dogs develop diarrhea. If a dog only has loose stools a couple of times and has no other symptoms, then it can be successfully treated at home. But if the dog excretes watery stool more than six times in a 24-hour period or develops other symptoms like vomiting, trembling or loss of coordination, contact a vet immediately.
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Minor Diarrhea
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According to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," the usual cure for minor cases of diarrhea is to not feed the dog for about 24 hours. This will give the digestive system a chance to settle down. The dog can still drink water in order to prevent dehydration. If the day is exceptionally hot or the dog has remained active, add Pedialyte or K9 Thirst Quencher to the water. Try adding a low-sodium chicken bullion cube if the dog turns his nose up at the water. The next meal the dog eats should be bland boiled or baked chicken breast and plain brown rice. Other bland foods that are okay are white rice, cooked plain oatmeal, cooked plain pasta and soft boiled eggs. Feed three or four small meals rather than one or two big meals.
Home Remedy
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Dogs can take the human over-the-counter medications like Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate or generic brands containing bismuth subsalicylate. Weigh your dog, because dosage is based on weight. Give 0.5 to 1 mg per lb. that the dog weighs. If unsure about the dosage, please call the vet. Some dogs will readily take chewable tablets, but liquid is the best way to administer. Use a dropper or old, clean turkey baster to administer rather than a spoon because there is less spilling that way. According to "The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats," make sure the dog has at least a 15-minute walk twice a day to help stimulate and strengthen the dog's digestive system. This is only for dogs that have diarrhea and no other symptoms.
Warning
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Contact the vet immediately if the diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, is bloody, is black and tar-like or if the dog begins a fever, is listless, suddenly has trouble walking, begins to tremble spasmodically or begins vomiting. When the dog has started a new medication and develops diarrhea, contact the vet because this could be a sign that the dog's body cannot tolerate the medication.
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