My dog has watery poop, what should I do? Sometimes, it happens when they try new food, and it usually gets better on its own. But if your dog is also throwing up, feeling down, or refusing to eat, it’s time to take them to the vet. Serious or lasting diarrhea can make them dehydrated, and they might need fluids. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and parasite prevention. Tell your vet if there were any missed doses. When your dog is getting better from a stomach issue, simple food often helps.
What should you give a dog with diarrhea? Next, we will discuss the foods you can give, but if you are in Toronto, you can use our emergency services to get a better result.
What Makes Dogs Get Diarrhea?
Diarrhea in dogs is when they have watery or loose poop, usually in larger amounts or more often. The main reasons for this are:
• Parasites like tapeworms, hookworms, and Coccidia.
• Viruses, like parvovirus (also called parvo).
• Bacterial infections, such as salmonella.
• A sudden change in your dog’s diet without giving their stomach time to adjust.
• Stress or anxiety.
• Giving your dog highly processed and unhealthy food.
What do you do if your dog has diarrhea? It can be tough to figure out if it’s just from a diet change or something more serious like a virus. The key is how long it lasts.
Is Your Dog’s Diarrhea an Emergency?
Before we even think about what to feed a dog with diarrhea, we have to check if there’s a serious health issue that needs urgent attention from the vet. Diarrhea in dogs can sometimes be no big deal, but other times, it can be really bad and even life-threatening. Here are signs that your dog should see a vet:
• Throwing up and having diarrhea
• Diarrhea with a lot of blood or poop that looks like coffee grounds
• Diarrhea that goes on for more than two days
• Signs of dehydration, like dry gums and skin that stays wrinkled when you pull it
• Not wanting to eat
• Having a fever
• Showing signs of belly pain, like bloating, groaning, panting a lot, not wanting to be touched, or doing the “prayer position” (rear up in the air, front legs and head on the floor)
• Being overly tired or weak For some dogs, diarrhea is always an emergency. If your dog is a puppy, a senior, already sick or weak from another condition (like diabetes or heart disease), or on new medication that might be causing the diarrhea, call your vet right away for advice.
What to Do When Your Dog Has Diarrhea?
When your dog has diarrhea you have to do the following tips:
Make Sure Your Dog Drinks Water
If your dog has diarrhea, don’t panic right away. But if it keeps happening, it’s important to see a vet soon, as it might be a serious issue. After your dog has diarrhea, a crucial step is to make sure it drinks water. Diarrhea makes dogs lose a lot of water, so it’s vital to replace it.
Feeding a Dog with Diarrhea
Along with keeping them hydrated, you might want to avoid giving your dog food for about 12 to 24 hours. This break gives their stomach a chance to recover and helps speed up the overall healing process.
What to Feed Your Dog When They Have Diarrhea?
When your dog has diarrhea, you should not give him any food. Rather, it is better to follow the following diet plan:
Plain Rice:
Plain rice is a top choice for dogs with diarrhea because it’s easy for them to digest. It has lots of fiber that soaks up water, helping to make your dog’s stools more solid. Use plain white rice, not the instant kind with extra stuff that can upset their stomach. Let it cool before serving to avoid any irritation.
Lean Protein (Like Plain Chicken):
Low-fat proteins, such as plain chicken or turkey (without the skin), are gentle on your dog’s stomach. Boil the chicken and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. Make sure it cools to room temperature before feeding. You can serve it alone or with the plain rice you prepared earlier.
Potatoes (Plain/White or Sweet):
Potatoes, whether plain/white or sweet, have easily digestible starches and dietary fiber, making them a good choice for dogs with diarrhea. Avoid feeding raw potatoes, as they contain a chemical called solanine, which is harmful to dogs. Rinse, peel, boil, mash, and let cool before giving them to your dog.
Pumpkin:
Canned plain pumpkin is rich in fiber and contains prebiotics that support healthy gut bacteria. This helps regulate your dog’s digestion and prevents future bouts of diarrhea. Choose plain canned pumpkin without additives or flavorings for the best results.
Porridge Oats:
Fully cooked porridge oats, high in dietary fiber, act as a binding agent, similar to rice. They absorb fluids, slow down digestion, and help firm up stools. Cook the oats with water and avoid adding sugar or other flavorings.
Carrots:
Boiled and mashed carrots are a great choice when reintroducing food after diarrhea. They’re high in dietary fiber, which bulks up stools and absorbs excess water. Carrots also provide vitamin A, support dental health, and contain beta-carotene, which improves eyesight.
Sum Up
Having diarrhea is no fun, and it’s even worse for your dog. Doing the steps mentioned earlier—making sure they drink water, giving them a break from food, and slowly reintroducing one of the foods listed—is the best way to help your dog’s upset stomach or diarrhea. If you’re worried, it’s a good idea to talk to our vets in Toronto.
Frequently Asked Questions
1- What can I feed my dog to stop diarrhea?
If your dog has diarrhea, you can try feeding them plain and easy-to-digest foods like plain white rice, boiled chicken (without skin), boiled and mashed potatoes, plain canned pumpkin, cooked oats, and boiled and mashed carrots. These foods can help settle your dog’s stomach.
2- What 12 foods stop diarrhea?
Some foods that can help stop diarrhea in dogs include plain rice, plain boiled chicken, boiled and mashed potatoes, plain canned pumpkin, cooked oats, boiled and mashed carrots, and other bland and easily digestible options. Remember to introduce these foods gradually.
3- How can I make my dog’s diarrhea go away faster?
To help your dog’s diarrhea go away faster, ensure they stay hydrated by providing plenty of water. You can also give them a short break from food (fasting for about 12-24 hours) and then slowly reintroduce bland and easily digestible foods like plain rice, boiled chicken, and the other foods mentioned earlier.
4- What is the best dog food that won’t cause diarrhea?
The best dog food that won’t likely cause diarrhea is a high-quality, easily digestible, and well-balanced dog food. Look for options with limited ingredients and without artificial additives. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you might want to try different protein sources or specialized dog foods designed for sensitive digestion. Always consult with your vet for personalized recommendations based on your dog’s specific needs.