Diarrhea Dogs Treatment Tips | Know Dog Diarrhea Symptoms and Causes

It's messy, it can be painful, and it's also an indication that something's not quite right with your pet. Diarrhea is common in dogs, especially in those who raid the garbage or snack on something tasty off the street when their owners aren't looking. With proper care, this condition usually clears up in a day or two.

Treatment

If your dog has eaten something he shouldn't, or if you have changed his diet recently, he could wind up with a bout of diarrhea; this could also be the result of eating dairy products or a food he's allergic to. You can help clear up your dog's simple diarrhea by putting him on a full 24-hour fast. If he seems better after a day, put him on a bland diet of two parts cooked rice and one part boiled skinless white-meat chicken. Start him off with small amounts every four hours. If he still has diarrhea after two days, call your vet. If he's doing well, feed him about 1/4 of his regular food along with the bland diet; gradually up the percentage over several days until he's back on his normal diet.

While your dog is recuperating, make sure he's getting enough water. Diarrhea can rapidly lead to dehydration, so your veterinarian may recommend a drink enriched with electrolytes. Pedialyte, a formula for babies that's available in drug stores and supermarkets, is often given to dogs to help replenish important minerals depleted by diarrhea. Limit your pet's level of exercise to short walks while he's recovering.

Symptoms of a more serious health concern

• Explosive or bloody diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Lost appetite
• Straining to go to the bathroom

These could all be signs of a more serious disease, such as colitis or inflammation of the pancreas. Diarrhea can also result from intestinal worms, food allergy, intestinal obstruction from swallowing a foreign object, or a viral infection like hepatitis, parvovirus or distemper. Call your veterinarian if the diarrhea has not resolved within 2 days, worsens, or if you are worried about your pet's attitude or activity level.  If you wait too long to seek medical help, your pet's condition may become serious and require aggressive treatment.