Owning a pet is a fantastic journey, but it can also come with its share of responsibilities and challenges. Among the many health issues your pet dog might encounter, diarrhea is a common one. Pet owners should know how to handle it and when to seek professional help. Here’s a guide on how to prevent and manage diarrhea in dogs.
Understand the Causes
The first step is understanding the potential causes. Diarrhea in dogs is primarily due to dietary indiscretion. Your dog might consume something it shouldn’t, like garbage or spoiled food. Also, sudden changes in the diet, allergies, underlying health conditions, parasites, and stress could trigger diarrhea. So, how do I stop my dog having diarrhea?
Implement a Bland Diet
Temporary bouts of diarrhea can often be managed at home. One common approach is a temporary diet adjustment – changing your pet’s diet to bland, easily digestible food. Foods like boiled rice and chicken (devoid of fat and skin) are excellent choices. This bland diet gives your dog’s digestive tract some rest and helps restore stool consistency. Under The Weather Pet’s bland diet for dogs is a great way to bring your pet’s symptoms under control. But, it shouldn’t be used indefinitely! If the diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours, you should consult your veterinarian.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration due to excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes. Therefore, always ensure that your dog has access to clean, fresh water, and monitor their drinking habits. If they’re not drinking enough, consult a vet immediately.
Dog-Proof Your Environment
Prevent your dog from eating indigestible or harmful substances by dog-proofing your environment. Ensure your garbage bins aren’t accessible and clear any potential toxins from the yard, like certain plants, and rotting fruit fallen from trees.
Gradual Dietary Changes
Sudden changes in your dog’s diet can cause diarrhea. If you need to change your dog’s diet, do it gradually over several days or even weeks. Begin by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old, and gradually increase the proportion of the new food over time.
Probiotics and Pumpkin
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that can restore balance in your dog’s digestive system. They are particularly useful after episodes of diarrhea, to help your dog regain lost beneficial bacteria from the gut.
Pumpkin is another food supplement known to aid dogs with diarrhea. It’s a great source of soluble fiber that absorbs water and provides bulk to the stool, thereby alleviating diarrhea symptoms.
Regular Vet Checks
Last but not least, regular vet checks are essential. Parasites can cause chronic diarrhea, through regular vet check-ups, these can be caught early and treated. Moreover, if the bouts of diarrhea are frequent or accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, weight loss, or blood in the stool, immediately consult a vet.
In Conclusion
Applying the strategies discussed can help manage and prevent diarrhea incidents in dogs. Often, a few simple changes to diet and environment might be all that’s needed. However, severe or persistent diarrhea requires professional intervention. It’s pivotal to be responsive to your dog’s wellbeing and never hesitate to reach out to a vet when needed.
Caring for a dog requires time, patience, and a degree of knowledge about their health needs. Diarrhea, while an unpleasant condition, is typically manageable with the right approach, so take time to educate yourself about your dog’s digestive health requirements.
