5 Tips for Treating Diarrhea in Dogs at Home

Understanding Dog Diarrhea

Diarrhea in dogs is never pleasant. It can be alarming to see so much stool exit your furry friend, but rest assured that it's a common issue usually caused by mild intestinal distress. This can happen if your dog eats something that doesn’t agree with them or if their diet changes too suddenly.

While most cases of diarrhea are mild and treatable at home, it's crucial to monitor your dog for severe symptoms, especially if diarrhea persists or is accompanied by other signs of illness.

When to Call the Vet

Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog:

• May have ingested poison or a foreign object.

• Is lethargic, weak, vomiting, or has no appetite.

• Has bloody or black, tarry stool.

• Has diarrhea lasting over 12 hours despite home treatment.

• Has a bloated belly, excessive panting, drooling, or pale gums.

• Passes worms in stool or vomit.

Each of these symptoms could indicate a serious underlying issue requiring medical attention.

How to Treat Dog Diarrhea at Home

If your dog is otherwise acting normal—eating, drinking, and playing—you can try these home remedies to help them recover.

1. Provide Rest in a Safe Location

Encourage your dog to rest in a quiet, comfortable area with easy access to the outdoors to prevent accidents indoors. You can also use pet training pads or diapers to manage messes.

2. Fasting to Allow Gastrointestinal Rest

A 12-hour fast (no food, treats, or snacks) can help empty the bowels and reduce inflammation. However, always provide fresh water to prevent dehydration. If your dog has diabetes or another medical condition, consult your vet before fasting.

3. Hydration to Prevent Dehydration

Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so make sure your dog drinks plenty of water. You can also offer rice water (boil white rice, strain the liquid, and let it cool) to help settle their stomach. Adding a teaspoon of chicken broth or dog-safe bone broth can make it more appealing.

4. Bland Diet to Soothe Digestion

After fasting, feed your dog a bland diet for 24-48 hours. Boiled chicken (no seasoning) and white rice are easy on the stomach and help firm up stool. Offer small portions (2 tbsp for small dogs, 1/4 cup for medium to large dogs) every few hours.

If diarrhea continues beyond 48 hours, consult your vet.

5. Supplements for Digestive Support

Adding probiotics and digestive enzymes can help restore gut balance. Consider:

• Probiotics (Omega Alpha Probiotic 8 Plus, Under the Weather Probiotic Soft Chews)

• Digestive enzymes (NaturVet Advanced Probiotics & Enzymes Soft Chews)

• Fiber supplements (Kin + Kind Organic Healthy Poops Supplement)

Avoid giving your dog human medications like Pepto Bismol or Imodium without consulting your vet.

Common Causes of Dog Diarrhea

Understanding what triggered your dog's diarrhea can help prevent future episodes. Common causes include:

• Sudden diet changes

• Food allergies or intolerances

• Eating something toxic or inappropriate

• Parasites (hookworms, Giardia, etc.)

• Stress or anxiety

• Overexertion or heat exhaustion

• Underlying health conditions (pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease)

When Is Dog Diarrhea an Emergency?

Most cases resolve within 1-2 days, but prolonged or severe symptoms warrant a vet visit. Call your vet if your dog experiences:

• Persistent diarrhea lasting more than two days.

• Blood in stool or black, tarry stool.

• Vomiting, dehydration, or loss of appetite.

• Lethargy, weakness, or unusual behavior.

Monitoring Your Dog’s Stool

Healthy stool should be medium to dark brown, firm, and well-formed. Watch for changes in:

• Frequency (1-5 times per day is normal, depending on diet)

• Color (yellow, green, red, or black stool may indicate health issues)

• Consistency (watery, mucus-covered, or pudding-like stool can signal digestive problems)

Preventing Future Digestive Issues

Support your dog's gut health by:

• Feeding a balanced diet.

• Introducing dietary changes gradually.

• Providing fresh water at all times.

• Offering probiotics and digestive support.

• Keeping your dog active and maintaining a healthy weight.

• Scheduling regular vet check-ups.

By taking proactive steps, you can help keep your dog's digestion on track and reduce the chances of future tummy troubles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Diarrhea

What causes diarrhea in dogs? Diet changes, infections, parasites, stress, and medical conditions are common causes. Monitoring your dog's eating and bathroom habits can help identify the issue early.

Can I treat my dog's diarrhea at home? Mild cases can often be treated with fasting, hydration, a bland diet, and probiotics. Persistent or severe diarrhea requires veterinary care.

Should I worry if my dog has one episode of diarrhea? A single mild episode isn’t usually concerning, but monitor your dog and contact a vet if it continues or worsens.

How long does diarrhea last after changing food? It typically lasts 1-5 days. Transitioning food gradually over 7-10 days can help prevent this issue.

Can diarrhea cause dehydration? Yes, diarrhea depletes fluids, so ensure your dog has access to clean water at all times.

Can I feed my dog regular food during diarrhea? Stick to a bland diet for the first 24 hours. If symptoms improve, gradually reintroduce regular food. If diarrhea persists, consult a vet.

Most dogs will experience diarrhea at some point, but with the right care, they can recover quickly. Keeping their digestive health in check with proper diet, hydration, and supplements can help prevent future episodes. If in doubt, always consult your vet to ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy.