6 Ways to Stop Diarrhea in Dogs

Diarrhea in canines is very common and may be acute or chronic. It is possible to stop diarrhea but the cause must be established and a suitable treatment should be applied. Diarrhea may occur due to parasites or infections but most commonly, diarrhea is not a serious condition and can be treated at home.

1. Medication

The easiest way to stop diarrhea in dogs is to administer medication. However, in order to administer medication a clear diagnosis must be established. Never give your pet medication without getting a diagnosis first.

Common medication prescribed to stop canine diarrhea include:

  • Metronidazole, which is an antibiotic treatment, suitable if the diarrhea is caused by an infection
  • Kaolin or pectin is a medication that can be administered if the dog has ingested garbage or a toxic ingredient. Kaolin will absorb the toxins and relieve diarrhea but an overdose of kaolin can lead to constipation.
  • Pepto Bismol is a medication that can treat diarrhea caused by food intolerance

2. Hypoallergenic Food

If food intolerance or allergies lead to diarrhea, you may switch to hypoallergenic food which will not cause stomach problems and will stop the diarrhea or vomiting. The hypoallergenic food contains only selected ingredients that are known to be tolerated by the stomach of sensitive pets.

3. Homemade Food

Homemade food may be introduced if the dog has diarrhea. The homemade food is recommended as you can have control over what ingredients your pet eats. Commercial foods contain all sorts of ingredients that may cause further gastrointestinal distress and will not help stop the diarrhea.

Consult your vet to get a list of ingredients that can be safely used in dogs with an upset stomach. Avoid red meat and other fatty foods that can cause stomach irritation or diarrhea. You should also avoid foods your pet is not used to, as he may not be able to digest the food properly and this will lead to complications.

The dog’s portions should be smaller than usual, so as not to give extra workload to the stomach and the intestines and allow the body to heal.

4. Fiber Supplementation

Fiber supplements can regulate the bowel movement and eliminate constipation but may also stop diarrhea. The fibers will absorb the water from the dog’s intestines and in this way the feces will have the normal consistency.

Fibers can be found as tablets for dogs or you may also give your dog natural fibers which may be found in canned pumpkin (make sure it has no artificial sugar added) or in corn.

5. Probiotic Powder

Probiotic powder may be added to the dog’s food to relieve diarrhea. The powder may be diluted in water or simply mixed with the dog’s food.

Alternatively, digestive enzymes can be used.

6. Hydration

Hydration is essential when your dog has diarrhea, as diarrhea causes dehydration and this can lead to complications. Provide fresh water from a clean source.

 

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