For the dog with simple diarrhea that is still eating and drinking and feeling fine, home management may be the only treatment needed. For 24-48 hours, feed boiled, skinless, boneless, chicken breast with cooked white rice. If possible, feed small meals every 2-4 hours. Bland food fed in frequent, small amounts gives the intestines time to calm down and readjust. Once diarrhea has resolved, gradually begin re-introducing the normal food. If the diarrhea does not resolve or comes back after reintroducing normal food, it is time to see the veterinarian for more treatment options.

There are several options for treatment of diarrhea.

The first method is by antibiotics. Metronidazole is the most frequently used. This antibiotic helps remove any abnormal bacteria.

Oftentimes, medications such as Kaolin and Pectin are given in conjunction with Metronidazole. Together, these medications work quickly to both stop diarrhea as well as firm the stool.

Probiotics are sometimes used also. These are beneficial bacteria that help restore the balance of normal bacteria in the intestines. Some probiotics are used to treat diarrhea and others can be used to prevent diarrhea.

Another option is bland food. Giving your dog white rice and boiled chicken allows the intestines to calm down and readjust to a normal balance.

It is very important to remember that while our dogs are members of our family, they should not be given over the counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol, Immodium or Kaopectate without the express consent of a veterinarian. In most cases, mild diarrhea will clear within a few days. If however it does not, a re-visit to your veterinarian is needed for further testing as well as exploring other alternative methods of treatment. Available below is a detailed video which discusses the treatments for simple, mild diarrhea.

Furthermore, if your dog displays bloody or tar like stools, other symptoms, or is just not feeling well it is very important that you seek the assistance of a veterinarian immediately. Dogs that may have other systemic illness will begin to get worse more rapidly without professional care.

Preventing Diarrhea

Listed below are several ways you can prevent your dog from having diarrhea:

Keep trash, human food, and medications locked up and out of reach of your dog.

Do not allow your dog to partake in human food or table scraps.

Never leave your dog alone outside. Supervising your dog outdoors will ensure they do not eat anything they shouldn’t.

In order to implement a change to your dogs regular diet, you must mix small amounts of the new food with the old, gradually working your way up to only serving the new food. This gradual introduction allows the intestines time to adjust. In most cases a period of about seven days is all that is needed, however some dogs may need longer.

If you take your dog to board or stay with someone else, take your own dog food.

Deworm your dog once every month. Most available heartworm medications will automatically do this.

This article is meant to provide general information. It is in no way meant to replace a visit to a trained veterinarian.

An experience veterinarian with great passion for writing, Heather Fox loves to share her knowledge about Dog Illness Diagnosis with fellow pet lovers. You can find more of her lessons including Dog Atopic Dermatitis Causes on Clivir.com.

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