What home remedy can I give my dog for diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea in dogs is a common problem that many pet owners encounter at some point in their dogs life. It can be a messy and unpleasant experience for both you and your dog. While diarrhoea can be caused by various factors, it's essential to understand when you can address it at home and when it's time to seek veterinary help. In this article, we will discuss the definition of diarrhoea, its key causes and triggers, when to visit the vet, when it is appropriate to treat at home, and some home remedies you can try.

Definition of Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is defined as the passage of loose, watery, or unformed stools more frequently than usual. It can vary in severity, from mild and occasional to severe and persistent. Diarrhoea can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (lasting for an extended period), and it may be accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite.

Common causes of Diarrhoea:

Understanding the causes and triggers of diarrhoea in dogs is crucial for effective management. Some common causes include:

1. Dietary indiscretion: Dogs are notorious for getting into things they shouldn't. Things such as raiding the bin, eating spoiled/rotten food, scavenging dead animals found on walks or even simply being fed richer human food straight from the dinner table.

2. Food allergies or intolerances: Some dogs may be sensitive to specific ingredients in their food, leading to diarrhoea as a reaction. Just like people this ingredient sensitivity will vary between dogs and whilst one dog might be intolerant to chicken another might be intolerant to grains or dairy.

3. Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause diarrhoea. Common examples include giardia, campylobacter and salmonella. Some of these infections can be passed onto human owners, so good hygiene is essential.

4. Changes in diet: Abrupt changes in your dog's diet or the introduction of new foods can upset their stomach and result in diarrhoea.

5. Stress or anxiety: Dogs can develop diarrhoea due to stress, anxiety, or changes in their routine.

6. Inflammatory conditions: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can lead to chronic diarrhoea in dogs.

When to Visit the Vet?

Whilst there are many occasions when it is appropriate to try simple treatment at home, it is also essential to know when to make an appointment at your local veterinary clinic for more personalised help and advice. Most clinics can provide initial advice via phone/email and will let you know if they feel an appointment to examine your dog is the best plan. Below are some guidelines on when to visit your vet:

1. Diarrhoea with blood: If you notice blood in your dog's stool, then call your vet

2. Severe diarrhoea: Persistent (>24 hours), severe (passing faeces every 2 hours or less) diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which may require veterinary intervention.

3. Diarrhoea in puppies: Young puppies are more vulnerable to dehydration, so diarrhoea in puppies should be addressed promptly.

4. Concurrent symptoms: If your dog is vomiting, lethargic, has a fever, or shows other concerning symptoms, consult your vet.

5. Chronic diarrhoea: If your dog has been experiencing diarrhoea for an extended period, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue that requires professional diagnosis and treatment.

When to Treat at Home

In some cases, diarrhoea in dogs can be managed effectively at home, especially if it is mild and not accompanied by any other symptoms. Here are some situations where home treatment may be appropriate:

1. Occasional, mild diarrhoea: If your dog has a one-time episode of mild diarrhoea without other symptoms, you can try home remedies first.

2. Dietary changes: If you suspect that a dietary change or new treat is causing the diarrhoea, revert to the previous diet and monitor your dog's condition. Once resolved for a few weeks you can try the diet change again but ensure to do so slowly over the course of 7-10 days.

3. Stress-related diarrhoea: If you believe stress or anxiety is the culprit, try to alleviate the stressor and provide a calm environment.

Should I starve my dog for 24 hours?

This is an old fashioned approach and is no longer recommended for diarrhoea. Evidence has shown that the inner cells of the gastrointestinal tract (enterocytes) derive their nutrition directly from the gut lumen (rather than the blood stream and stored energy). So in order for these cells to heal, they need feeding (Mohr et al., 2003). Smaller more frequent meals is the best thing for your dog.

Bland Diet Options

One of the most common (and appropriate) home remedies for dog diarrhoea is implementing a bland diet. A bland diet helps soothe the digestive tract and can be beneficial in resolving mild cases of diarrhoea. To home make this kind of diet choose a protein source and a carbohydrate source as detailed below:

• White carbohydrate - choose from white rice, potato or pasta

• White/lean meat - choose from skinless chicken, turkey mince, white fish fillets

Instructions:

Cook your chosen protein and carbohydrate separately. Boiling is the best method of cooking as it involves no added oils or fats which could further exacerbate an upset stomach. Feed 4 or 5 smaller meals throughout the day of a 50:50 combination of protein and carbohydrate. Continue this regime for around 3 days until your dog's diarrhoea resolves. If after 3 days it has not resolved then you should make an appointment with your vet.

The above diet of protein + carbohydrate is a suitable diet for a few days/weeks but is not a suitable diet long term as it is not well balanced and does not contain all of the various nutrients a dog needs to be in good health. If you prefer not to cook, want a complete and balanced diet, or need to use a bland diet for a longer period of time then there are a few different dog foods we would recommend:

1. Royal canin Gastrointestinal

2. Hills ID or ZD

3. Virbac digestive support

You can buy these diets online or from your local veterinarian who are likely to keep a few bags in stock and can sell them to you without the need for an appointment.

Probiotic/Fibre Paste

Probiotics and fibre supplements can be beneficial in managing diarrhoea in dogs. Probiotics contain beneficial bacteria that help restore a healthy balance in the gut, while fibre supplements can add bulk to stools and aid in digestion. I haven’t found any of the pastes/pills/supplements on the market game changing with regards to diarrhoea resolution but appreciate there is some evidence to support their use and I feel they do no harm. A double blind placebo controlled study was published in 2019 provided evidence suggesting their use shortened the length of diarrhoea symptoms and reduced the likelihood of needing antibiotics prescribed. Though it is worth noting this particular study was funded by and run by employees of Protexin, the company that manufacturers Pro-Kolin (Nixon, Rose and Muller, 2019).

• Protexin Pro Kolin Paste

• Protexin Pro Kolin Paste and Pro Fibre Pellets

• Vet Plus Fibor supplement

You can get the above products without a prescription either online (links above to amazon) or you will be able to get similar products from your local vets without needing an appointment.

Are there any over the counter human medications I can use?

No. If the diarrhoea is bad enough that you are considering this then speak with your vet for further advice. This might be a free phone call or a paid for appointment if needed.

Whilst there are some human medications that can be used in dogs this advice can only ever be given by your vet for your dog. You need to consider the different quantities of drugs in human medications that might mean they are an overdose for your dog, sometimes sweeteners are added that are toxic for dogs, sometimes they might interact with medications your dog is already on. There also may be a licensed dog version that (legally) should be used first. For these reasons speak with your vet first.

Conclusion

Diarrhoea in dogs is a common issue that can be caused by various factors. While some cases may require immediate veterinary attention, many can be managed effectively at home. Always prioritise your dog's well-being and consult with your veterinarian for personalised guidance on managing your dog's diarrhoea. With the right approach, you can help your furry companion get back to their healthy, happy self in no time.