How to Treat Diarrhea in Dogs

Dogs may be man's best friend, but sometimes man has to deal with some not-so-friendly aspects when it comes to his dog. Diarrhea in dogs is quite common, and while extreme diarrhea should be handled by a vet, most cases can be treated outside the vet's office with home remedies. Better yet, most home remedies can clear up diarrhea in dogs within 24 hours.
Follow one or more of these home remedies and your pup should be feeling better in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Bland food (rice, baked potato, boiled poultry, egg)
• Pepto Bismol
• Kaopectate

Instructions

How to Treat Diarrhea in Dogs

1. It is first important to note that the following home remedies should only be attempted if your dog has had diarrhea symptoms for less than two days. A vet should be consulted if the diarrhea persists for more than two days or if the dog experiences any of the following symptoms along with the diarrhea: a rectal temperature over 103.5 degrees Fahrenheit, abdominal pain, lethargy, bloody stool, vomiting and dehydration.

2. 

   Feed your dog small, bland portions of food three to four times a day. Rice, baked potatoes, boiled poultry and eggs are all appropriate foods you can give your dog. Make sure not to add oil, butter or any artificial flavorings to the food. Skin should be removed from any meat given to the dog.
   Slowly increase the amount of food given to your dog over the course of a day or two. The dog should be weaned back onto his regular diet within this time period if the diarrhea lessens.
   Dog treats, bones and any oily food should not be fed to your dog until the diarrhea symptoms have completely subsided.

3. Every six hours, your dog can be given a liquid dose of the over-the-counter medication Pepto Bismol. Your dog can have 1 ml of Pepto Bismol per pound of body weight.

4. Your dog can be given a dose of 1 ml per pound of body weight of the over the counter medication Kaopectate every two hours. Do not use Kaopectate in conjunction with Pepto Bismol as it may upset your dog's intestinal tract further.

5. Make sure to keep your dog hydrated throughout the entire process. Keep his water bowl full and, if he isn't consuming any liquids, contact a vet.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use liquid forms of the over-the-counter medications listed above instead of pill forms. The liquid forms of the medicine are easier for the dog to swallow and can be used as a gravy on the bland food you give him.

• Double-check dosages before medicating your dog, especially if you're using pill forms of the medicine instead of liquid. Consult a vet if your dog's diarrhea worsens or if he experiences any of the symptoms listed above (vomiting, lethargy, fever) in conjunction with the diarrhea.

Resources

• Acceptable Household Medications For Pets