All dogs will have bouts of diarrhea at some point in their lives, and while this is not usually serious, it can become so if left untreated. Much like a person, a dog with diarrhea can become dehydrated if fluids are not provided. Diarrhea can be caused by something as simple as a snack that didn't agree with the dog, or it can be a sign of something much more serious that needs medical attention and medication. The trick is knowing the difference.
Things You'll Need
- Worming medications
- A bland diet
Instructions
Preventing Diarrhea
Feed the dog a consistent diet, and avoid giving it too many treats. Common causes of diarrhea in dogs are a sudden change in diet or eating something that doesn't agree with the dog. If changing the dog's diet, do so gradually by mixing the two types of food together and weaning the animal off the old food.
Keep your dog away from foods that are known to be digestive problems for many dogs. These include eggs, the fat from meats, corn and spices.
Make sure the dog is always up to date on its worm medication. Most veterinary-approved medications will protect against worms such as heartworm, hookworm, roundworm and tapeworm, as well as other types of parasites. Infestations of these pests can cause diarrhea in dogs.
Treatment of Diarrhea
For a case of acute diarrhea, fasting for 24 hours can be an effective cure. This should only be done with adult dogs -- never with puppies. Keep an eye on the dog during the day to see how the condition progresses.
Feed the dog a bland diet if it appears hungry. This can include white rice and boiled hamburger or chicken. Augmenting this with plain yogurt will introduce good bacteria into the dog's system, which can help manage the condition. Plain pumpkin -- not the pie filling -- can act as a binding agent when a spoonful is added to bland food.
Offer fresh water constantly. Dehydration can occur quickly, so make sure the dog always has something to drink. Plain Pedialyte is effective in getting electrolytes back into the dog's system.
Visit the vet. If the diarrhea is caused by worms or parasites, medication will be needed. Diagnosis will usually involve examination of a stool sample. Medication may need to be administered for up to a week to make sure the parasites are completely gone. The dog may also be given a second medication to coat the stomach lining and digestive tract.