Taking care of a dog with diarrhea can be a frustrating process. It's messy, gross, and can leave your furry friend feeling sick. Avoiding the situation is out of the question, as diarrhea can be a symptom of digestive upset that needs to be addressed.
Diarrhea may result from a number of causes, ranging from a violation in dietary practice to some underlying illness. In the majority of instances, it is transient and subsides after two days. Yet, chronic or ongoing diarrhea could call for intervention.
For a dog with diarrhea, diet control is essential. It's crucial to balance giving them the nutrients they need with allowing the gastrointestinal system to heal. This article has everything you want to know about feeding a dog with diarrhea and what works best to soothe their digestive system.
Understanding Diarrhea in Dogs
Diarrhea is the evacuation of loose, watery stools and is of variable severity. Mild diarrhea appears as slightly soft stools, whereas full-blown diarrhea has liquid consistency. Well-formed, firm stool is what a normal dog's stool should be, and so diarrhea ought to be straightforward to identify.
The cause of the underlying reason for diarrhea often relates to an upset stomach. Causes include:
Dietary indiscretion (eating spoiled or inappropriate food)
Food sensitivities or allergies
Parasites or infections
Underlying medical conditions
Although it is scary, diarrhea is usually a temporary situation that can be resolved by adjusting the diet and other proper treatment.
What to Do If Your Dog is Diarrheic
1. Monitor Their Condition
Monitor the behavior of your dog as well as stool quality carefully. Mark down the frequency of diarrhea attacks and other symptoms. Monitoring things like stool color and consistency can give some idea of whether or not a visit to the veterinarian is needed.
2. Give Sufficient Hydration
Diarrhea leads to fluid loss, hence dehydration. Always provide fresh water and make your dog drink regularly. Dehydration leads to serious health conditions, so hydration is essential.
3. Hold Food for a Little While
If possible, do not give your dog food for 12 to 24 hours. Fasting for this duration provides time for the digestive tract to rest and repair itself. This is not something to do in the case of puppies, aged dogs, or sick dogs because they require constant nutrition.
4. Know When to Visit the Vet
Although mild diarrhea can be treated at home, some signs require vet attention. Consult a professional in case your dog suffers from:
Bloody stool
Vomiting accompanied by diarrhea
Dehydration
Loss of appetite
Bloating or stomach pain
Excessive lethargy or collapse
Fever or evident distress
Also, if diarrhea persists over two days or occurs in puppies, aging dogs, or dogs with underlying diseases, a vet visit is advisable.
Best Foods for Dogs With Diarrhea
After the fasting period, reintroduce food gradually using easily digestible and plain food to avoid further irritation. The below mentioned eight foods are suggested to soothe your dog's digestive system:
1. Lean Proteins
Protein is a recovery requirement, but lean and easy to digest. Boiled chicken breast skinless, turkey, or low-fat ground beef are ideal. Plain meat, no spices, and cooled before serving.
2. Plain White Rice
White rice is a diarrhea dog standby. White rice is a water absorber, provides fiber, and is gentle on the digestive system. Cook thoroughly and serve in small portions.
3. Boiled Potatoes
Sweet potatoes and white potatoes are both good options. They provide fiber to make stool bulk up and are well tolerated. Boil until mushy, mash, and serve plain.
4. Cooked Carrots
Carrots are rich in fiber, which makes them maintain control over digestion. Boiling also makes them soft, which means they will be easier to digest. Mash them or cut them into tiny pieces for serving.
5. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a natural source of probiotics and dietary fiber that helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Use plain canned pumpkin, and do not use products with spices or sugar added.
6. Oatmeal
Plain oatmeal is a stool binder that keeps digestion stable. It is rich in fiber and nutrients that are beneficial for healing. Prepare it well before feeding it to your dog.
7. Specialty Dog Foods
Some commercial dog foods target digestive health with limited-ingredient diets for delicate stomachs. Two highly recommended ones are:
Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Formula: Grain-free, limited-ingredient recipe with highly digestible protein (eggs) and probiotics to support healthy digestion.
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Recipe: Contains beet pulp, a highly digestible fiber and prebiotic, that supports digestion and the development of firm stools.
8. Prescription Dog Food
In severe or chronic cases, prescription diets can also be prescribed by veterinarians that are tailored to treat digestive issues. These foods usually contain hypoallergenic components and novel protein sources that reduce irritation while promoting gut health.
Final Thoughts
Diarrhea can be rather distressing for both dogs and their owners. The right diet, however plays an important role in recovery. Following a few days of withholding food, return to bland, high-fiber foods gradually. In this regard, home-cooked versus canine commercial products, a gentle and nutritious diet in the feeding formulation will soothe the digestive system and normalize bowel movements.
By doing the proper things and monitoring your dog's state, you can facilitate an easy and fast recovery. If symptoms do not reduce or worsen, seek a vet for further guidance. With proper attention, your dog will be healthy again in no time.
