Seeing your dog have diarrhea is downright stressful. I remember when my Labrador Max got it last summer - he kept having accidents in the house and looked so miserable with those sad eyes. After three vet visits and lots of trial and error, I learned what really helps and what doesn't when figuring out what to give dogs with diarrhea.
Why Diarrhea Happens and When to Panic
Dogs get diarrhea for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes it's just from eating garbage (my neighbor's retriever does this weekly), other times it's stress or parasites. But here's what stresses me out - how do you know when it's serious?
Watch for these red flags needing immediate vet attention:
- Blood in stool (bright red or black tar-like)
- Vomiting more than twice in 24 hours
- Lethargy where they won't lift their head
- Diarrhea lasting over 48 hours
- Pale gums (press gently on gums - should turn pink within 2 seconds)
If your pup is acting relatively normal? You can try these home solutions for what to give dogs with diarrhea.
Last month, my friend's beagle ate half a birthday cake off the counter. The vet said if the diarrhea didn't improve in 12 hours with bland diet, she needed fluids. Made me realize how quickly dehydration happens.
Initial Steps Before Giving Anything
Don't just start shoving food at them. Here's what actually works:
The Essential First 12 Hours
- Fasting period: Skip 2 meals max (puppies under 6 months shouldn't fast)
- Hydration station: Offer ice cubes or small licks of water every 30 minutes
- Electrolyte boost: Unflavored Pedialyte diluted 50/50 with water (1 tsp per pound body weight)
Seriously, forcing food too soon makes it worse. I learned that the hard way with Max.
Safe Foods for Dogs With Diarrhea
After the fasting period, here's what to give dogs with digestive upset. Portion sizes matter more than people realize.
| Food Option | Preparation Tips | Serving Size | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiled Chicken Breast (no skin, no bones) | Shred into tiny pieces, save broth | 1 tbsp per 10lbs body weight | Every 3-4 hours |
| White Rice | Cook until mushy (extra water) | 2 tbsp per 10lbs body weight | With each chicken serving |
| Pumpkin Puree (not pie filling) | Canned or fresh cooked | 1 tsp per 20lbs | Mixed into rice 2x daily |
| Bone Broth (low-sodium) | Homemade best (simmer bones 12+ hours) | ¼ cup per 15lbs | Between meals |
| Boiled Sweet Potato | Peeled and mashed smooth | 1 tbsp per 15lbs | Alternate with pumpkin |
Important: The rice-to-meat ratio should be 75% rice to 25% protein. Too much protein can aggravate diarrhea. I messed this up with my first dog - gave mostly chicken and it backfired.
Commercial Options That Work
When homemade isn't possible, these vet-recommended brands helped Max:
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric
- Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat
But honestly? The canned versions cost me $5 per meal. Making boiled chicken and rice was way cheaper.
What NOT to Give Dogs With Diarrhea
Some "remedies" do more harm than good. Here's what vets told me to avoid:
- Dairy products - worsens diarrhea in lactose-intolerant dogs
- High-fat foods - including peanut butter and oils
- Fiber supplements - like Metamucil (wrong type of fiber)
- Human anti-diarrhea meds - especially Imodium which can be toxic
The Pepto-Bismol Controversy
Some sites recommend Pepto for dogs. My vet said absolutely not for these reasons:
- Contains salicylates (aspirin-like compound) toxic to dogs
- Can cause ulcers in dogs
- Masquerades symptoms of serious conditions
Safer alternative? Slippery elm bark powder (¼ tsp per 10lbs in broth). Worked better for Max anyway.
Supplements That Actually Help
After the bland diet, these boosted Max's recovery:
| Supplement | Benefits | Dosage | Best Brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Probiotics | Restores gut bacteria balance | Follow product label | Purina FortiFlora, Nutramax Proviable |
| Kaolin Clay | Absorbs toxins, firms stool | 1 tsp per 20lbs twice daily | PetNC Natural Care |
| L-Glutamine | Heals intestinal lining | 500mg per 50lbs daily | NOW Foods powder |
I was skeptical about probiotics until I tried them during Max's third bout of diarrhea. His recovery time cut in half. Now I keep them in my dog first-aid kit.
Transitioning Back to Regular Food
Switching too fast causes relapse. Here's what worked for us:
- Day 1-2: 75% bland diet + 25% regular food
- Day 3-4: 50% bland diet + 50% regular food
- Day 5-6: 25% bland diet + 75% regular food
- Day 7+: Full regular diet
When Diarrhea Returns
If symptoms reappear during transition:
- Go back to previous stage for 2 more days
- Add 1 tbsp canned pumpkin to each meal
- Ensure you're using same protein source as bland diet
Essential Prevention Strategies
After dealing with this repeatedly, I implemented these changes:
- Slow feeder bowl - reduces air swallowing during meals
- Probiotic maintenance - 3x weekly in food
- No human food - except vet-approved treats
- Stress management - pheromone diffusers during storms/fireworks
Your Top Questions Answered
Can I give my dog yogurt for diarrhea?
Usually not helpful. Most dogs can't digest lactose well. If you try it, use plain Greek yogurt (lower lactose) and only 1 tsp per 20lbs. But honestly? Pumpkin works better without the dairy risk.
How long does dog diarrhea typically last?
Simple cases resolve in 2-3 days with proper bland diet. If it lasts over 48 hours, see your vet. My rule? If there's no improvement after three bland meals, we go to the clinic.
Is rice essential for treating dog diarrhea?
White rice helps but isn't mandatory. Alternatives include boiled potatoes (peeled), pasta, or oatmeal. The key is easily digestible carbs. Personally though? Rice has always worked best for my dogs.
Can I give my dog scrambled eggs for diarrhea?
Only after 48 hours of improvement with rice/chicken. Use plain scrambled eggs (no butter/oil) sparingly - too much protein can backfire. Start with 1 tsp per 15lbs body weight.
Why does pumpkin help dog diarrhea?
The soluble fiber absorbs excess water in the intestines. But it must be plain canned pumpkin (not pie mix). Fresh cooked pumpkin works too - I bake and freeze portions for emergencies.
When Home Treatment Isn't Enough
Despite knowing what to give dogs with diarrhea, sometimes you need professional help. These cases always require vet care:
- Diarrhea in puppies under 6 months
- Underlying health conditions (kidney disease, diabetes)
- Recent medication changes
- Accompanying weight loss or appetite changes
The bottom line? Knowing what to give dogs with diarrhea helps in simple cases. But when in doubt, skip Dr. Google and visit your actual vet. Trust me, that $85 exam fee costs less than multiple emergency visits later.
What worked for your dog's upset stomach? I'm always looking for new solutions - share your experiences below!
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