Canine diarrhea may be caused by a lot of factors ranging from parasites to toxicity. However, most of the times, diarrhea is not a major issue, being caused by food intolerance. Find a dog diarrhea treatment for your pet to stop the diarrhea.
Infections Causing Diarrhea
If the diarrhea is caused by a bacterial or protozoal infection, the vet will recommend the administration of metronidazole. Metronidazole is an antibiotic and should be administered orally.
If the infection is caused by fungi or other viruses, the vet may recommend a different type of medication: fungicides or antibiotics.
Toxicity
If the dog has ingested a toxic food or garbage and has diarrhea, you may give him kaolin, also known as pectin. This is a medication that is only recommended to treat mild cases of diarrhea, by absorbing the toxins and the bacteria that may be causing the diarrhea. If the diarrhea persists for more than 2 days after the administration of kaolin, you should visit the vet. The vet may recommend the administration or Pepto Bismol, which is a stronger medication, efficient in treating diarrhea.
Kaolin is available as an over the counter medication and should be administered in the indicated doses (between 0.5 and 1 ml per pound of weight 3 to 4 times per day); an overdose of kaolin will cause constipation.
Food Allergies
If the dog has diarrhea due to food allergies, the condition may be treated by changing the dog’s diet. Hypoallergenic food is available and should contain ingredients your dog is not allergic to. Detecting the culprit allergen can take a lot of time and can be done through food testing. Meanwhile, the dog must get hypoallergenic dog food or home made food.
Fiber Supplements
If the dog has isolated episodes of diarrhea and the diarrhea is not caused by any medical condition, you may add a few fiber supplements to his diet. Fibers can work both in relieving diarrhea and constipation. You may opt for sugar free canned pumpkin, which is a natural fiber source.
In addition, while the dog has diarrhea, you should also feed him less food, about half of his regular share. When the diarrhea subsides, you can get back to the dog’s normal food portion.
Probiotic powder can also relieve diarrhea, so add some powder to the food.
Digestive enzymes can also relieve and prevent diarrhea.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Diarrhea causes dehydration, so it is important that your dog drinks enough water. Check the water bowl and change it 2 or 3 times per day to make sure that the water is fresh.
Diarrhea can be accompanied by different symptoms. If your dog has oily, tarry or bloody stool you should consult a vet. Watch out for other symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain or lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms, the diarrhea shouldn’t be treated at home. The underlying condition must be identified and treated.