A Pooper Scooper's worst nightmare...the Runs, the Hershey Squirts, the Splatties, whatever you want to call it, oh no! Full disclaimer, we are so sorry for the smears in your yard if your dog is experiencing any of the above. But seriously though, if your dog is having the runs, don't panic! We've got some at-home remedies at our fingertips (thanks to ALL of our dogs having sensitive stomachs) to help your dog before rushing them to the vet.
As a dog mom of three, diarrhea is nothing new to my household. It's going to happen to one of them at some point, and it's not going to be pretty. Well it might be pretty... GROSS! The first thing to remember is do not panic at the first sight of your dog having the runs. Diarrhea is not always life-threatening and may simply be caused by diet change, eating something they shouldn’t have, environmental factors, and much more. So, it is important to keep a close eye on your dog and try your best to determine what may be the underlying cause. Here are some of my go-to tips for curing the doggy fast poops.
Fast Your Dog for 12-24 Hours
It is always best to hold off on feeding your dog once you notice they’re experiencing diarrhea. Typically, fasting your pet for 12-24 hours is best to let their digestive tract reboot and recover. This allows your dog’s system to heal from whatever is causing the upset. I know it seems harsh to withhold food from your dog who is not feeling well, but it is necessary for their system feel better. Please note that puppies should not be fasted unless directed by your veterinarian. Water should still be available to your dog. Once you notice your dog is starting to feel better within this time frame, go ahead and allow them to start eating again. Begin with a small amount of food at a time and always start your dog with a bland diet before reintroducing their normal diet.
Bland Diet
A bland diet typically consists of boiled white rice and boiled chicken. That’s it. Always choose white rice that you boil yourself, instant rice isn’t sufficient for your dog. The chicken should be unseasoned and boiled to remove any extra fat while still leaving it full of flavor and protein for your pup.
This diet is low in fiber and fat, making it easily digestible and helps calm whatever is going on in there. Additionally, a bland diet slows stool production, helping to ease diarrhea. You should always start by feeding your dog small amounts of this bland food several times a day. Whenever my own dogs have a stomach upset, I typically mix the rice and chicken together and give them a few tablespoons every couple of hours. I repeat this about 3-4 times a day until their stool is back to a nice consistency.
Canned Pumpkin
Another life-saving remedy is canned pumpkin. I know it sounds strange, but it has really worked for my dogs! Be sure to purchase plain pumpkin, not pre-prepared pie filling with all the added ingredients. Plain canned pumpkin helps with diarrhea AND constipation, so this one is a favorite of mine! Pumpkin is a fiber-rich food packed with other essential nutrients that help your pet’s digestive system and much more. Since pumpkin is high in fiber it adds bulk to your dog’s stool and aids in water consumption. I typically add 1-3 tablespoons of pumpkin to my dogs’ food or offer this nutrient-packed food as a treat separate from meal time. It is sure to be a hit!
Bone Broth and Rice Water
Bone Broth is a live saver for me when my pups aren’t feeling their best. Sometimes, my dogs can be picky eaters and need a little something extra with their bland diet. Bone broth is the perfect solution because it is extremely tasty but will not upset the dog’s tummy. Adding bone broth is a great way to add flavor while also adding more fluid consumption that may have otherwise been lost from having diarrhea.
Rice water is another easy solution that can add essential nutrients and liquid consumption necessary to help your dog feel better. This one is so simple because you already have it after making the rice! When cooking the rice, simply add a little more water than you normally would to boil. At the end, simply drain the grains and use the left-over rice water to top your dog’s food! Another simple, yet effective method to make your dog’s digestive tract heal faster and increase hydration.
When to See Your Veterinarian
If you have tried all of the above to help your dog get over their bout of diarrhea and still aren’t having luck, call your Veterinarian immediately.
If your dog’s diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours even after fasting and trying a bland diet, there may be another underlying issue that needs medical attention. It is always important to seek your veterinarian’s
approval before giving any over the counter medications to your dog to help ease diarrhea. If you are ever in doubt, please give your veterinarian a quick call. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your furry friend. We hope you don't have to put this article to use too often, but we hope this helps next time your dog has the runs. We will see you and your pup next time, we've gotta run!
Kelsey T. YD Berks