Type Of Diarrhea

Acute and chronic diarrhea

The good news is that there are natural solutions to stop dog diarrhea.

4 Simple Steps For Stopping Dog Diarrhea

Step 1: Fast Your Dog

Many dogs will fast themselves when they have a tummy problem. If your dog does this, don’t try to get him to eat.

If your dog doesn’t fast themselves, it’s a good idea to stop feeding then for 12 to 24 hours. It’ll let there gut rest and heal. If that seems like too long, you can safely start with 6 to 12 hours of no food or water with most dogs.

Just don’t fast a puppy!

CAUTION: If your dog is very small or prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) … give him tiny licks of honey each hour. If he seems weak and trembly, you can give it more often, as needed.

Once he’s not vomiting and diarrhea has stopped or slowed, offer small sips of water.

• Start with just a few teaspoons in very small dogs every few hours.
• For large dogs, increase the amount, giving ½ to 1 cup.

Be sure to use filtered or spring water … never unfiltered tap water.

After 6 hours of water only, you can start some broth or small amounts of bland food. Bone broth is a nutritious bland option. It provides a hearty mix of nutrients, but it’s easy on your dog’s stomach.

You can then gradually increase his food over the next 4 to 5 days.

Step 2: Feed Bland Food

When you reintroduce food to your dog, start with a bland diet. It’ll be easier on his digestive system. And it can help prevent more diarrhea.

And the same goes for your dog. Once they start eating again, bland is best to help prevent further tummy upset. And soup is a great way to start…

Your conventional vet may recommend feeding white rice and boiled chicken or ground beef. But starting with soup is a gentler way to smooth your dog’s transition back to his regular diet … without the added starch.

Step 3: Rebalance The Gut

Feeding prebiotics and probiotics will help repopulate your dog’s gut with healthy bacteria.

Probiotics

Research shows probiotics boost the immune system to support the whole body. They also help build and restore your dog’s gut lining. Feeding them supports your dog’s mucosal barrier and repairs intestinal cells.

Giving a probiotic supplement will help. Follow the manufacturer’s dosing recommendations.

Note: Probiotics aren’t only for diarrhea! You can give them regularly to boost gut health and immunity. It’s especially important if your dog ever has to be on antibiotics. Just give them at a different time than the antibiotic.

Probiotics can also be helpful during stressful times … such as weaning, boarding, agility trials or travel.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that travel to the colon. Once in the colon they ferment and become short-chain fatty acids (SCFA).

SCFA support your dog’s colon by:

• Inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria
• Providing a source of energy for colon cells
• Preserving electrolyte and fluid balance

SCFAs keep your dog’s intestines moving. When they’re in the bowels, prebiotics promote and support healthy digestive bacterial flora.

Always use prebiotics and probiotics together. Prebiotics feed the probiotics and make them more effective.

If you feed prebiotics alone, they can feed harmful intestinal bacteria. The kind that may cause diarrhea. So again … make sure you feed probiotics too.

Many prebiotic supplements contain FOS (fructo-oligosaccharide) or beet pulp. Be careful with beet pulp as it can cause bloating, nausea and flatulence.

Step 4: Use Natural Remedies To Stop Dog Diarrhea

Steps 1 to 3 above will help you stop dog diarrhea when it starts … but you also need to help the body heal.

Here is a list of our top remedies to help your dog recover from diarrhea.

Choose one or two or three of these remedies to see what works for your dog.

Slippery Elm Powder

Marshmallow Root Powder

Homeopathic Diarrhea Remedy

Dog Diarrhea: When To Consult The Vet

If your dog is healthy and has a strong immune system, these natural solutions will do the trick in a few days.

After a couple of days, if your dog still shows signs of illness and diarrhea … work with your holistic vet to find out why.

If your dog’s diarrhea becomes chronic (meaning he gets diarrhea regularly) … consult your holistic vet.

Your veterinarian may suggest:

• Adjusting your dog’s diet
• Running a fecal exam to rule out parasites
• Checking blood work to rule out concerns with organ functions
• X-rays or abdominal ultrasound to rule out foreign objects, obstructions, and cancer
• Endoscopy to view the stomach and intestinal mucosa

Luckily most cases of diarrhea are self-limiting. With a little help from you, your dog can get back to normal quickly.