Natural Ways to Treat Diarrhea in Dogs: Gentle Solutions for Your Pup
Diarrhea is a common health issue that many dog owners face at some point in their pet's life. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including dietary changes, stress, infections, or underlying medical conditions. While diarrhea can often be a sign of a minor upset stomach, it can also indicate a more serious issue that requires veterinary attention, especially if it persists for more than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or fever.
While immediate veterinary care is essential if your dog’s diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days or is accompanied by severe symptoms, there are natural remedies you can try at home to help treat mild cases of diarrhea and provide relief for your pup. These natural approaches are gentle, effective, and can help soothe your dog’s digestive system.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the best natural treatments for dog diarrhea, how to support your dog’s digestive health, and when you should seek professional veterinary care.
1. Fasting for 12-24 Hours
One of the most effective natural remedies for mild dog diarrhea is giving your dog a short period of fasting. Fasting gives your dog’s digestive system a chance to rest and heal. It allows the gut to recover from irritation caused by inflammation or infection.
For puppies and young dogs, limit fasting to 12 hours, as they have faster metabolisms and may require more frequent feeding.
For adult dogs, fasting for 12-24 hours can help clear up diarrhea, as it gives the digestive system time to process and get rid of any irritants.
Note: Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water during this fasting period to prevent dehydration, as diarrhea can cause significant fluid loss.
2. Bland Diet: Chicken and Oatmeal
Once your dog’s fast is over, introducing a bland diet can help soothe their stomach and make it easier for them to digest food. The classic combination of boiled chicken and oatmeal is easy on the stomach and provides essential nutrients without irritating the gut.
Boil boneless, skinless chicken breast without any seasoning or oils, and cook plain oatmeal until it is soft and easy to digest. White rice is another option but rice can cause more inflammation to happen so oatmeal can be a better option.
Gradually introduce small portions of this mixture, and observe your dog’s reaction. Start with a 3:1 ratio of oatmeal to chicken and adjust if needed.
Continue feeding your dog this bland diet for 2-3 days until the diarrhea resolves and your dog’s digestive system returns to normal.
Once your dog’s stool begins to firm up, you can gradually reintroduce their regular food.
3. Pumpkin: A Natural Digestive Aid
Pumpkin is a powerful natural remedy for dog diarrhea. It is rich in fiber, which can help bulk up stool and regulate bowel movements. Pumpkin also contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, potassium, and iron, which support your dog’s overall health.
Plain canned pumpkin (not the spiced pie filling) is the best option for your dog. You can also cook fresh pumpkin at home, but make sure to remove the skin and seeds.
Offer 1 to 2 tablespoons of pumpkin per meal, depending on your dog's size.
Fiber in pumpkin helps absorb excess water in the intestines, which can lead to firmer stool.
Pumpkin can be an excellent natural remedy for both diarrhea and constipation in dogs, and it’s gentle enough to be used regularly as part of your dog's diet.
4. Probiotics for Dogs
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. They can be a great way to treat and prevent diarrhea by restoring the balance of good bacteria in your dog’s digestive system.
Probiotic supplements: You can find probiotic supplements specifically formulated for dogs, or you can use plain, unsweetened human-grade yogurt (as long as your dog is not lactose intolerant).
Probiotics help boost the immune system, aid digestion, and promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, all of which are crucial when dealing with diarrhea.
Introduce probiotics slowly and observe how your dog responds.
5. Slippery Elm: A Soothing Herb
Slippery elm is a gentle, natural herb that can help soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation caused by diarrhea. It contains mucilage, which is a gel-like substance that coats the intestines, providing relief from irritation.
You can give your dog slippery elm powder (available in health food stores) or capsules. Mix the powder into water or your dog’s food.
Dosage: For dogs under 25 pounds, give about 1/4 teaspoon of slippery elm powder. For larger dogs, increase the dose to 1/2 teaspoon.
Slippery elm can be used as a short-term remedy to help reduce the discomfort associated with diarrhea and calm an upset stomach.
6. Bone Broth for Hydration and Healing
Dehydration is a serious concern when your dog has diarrhea, as they lose a lot of fluids through loose stool. Bone broth is a great natural remedy to provide both hydration and nutrients to support recovery.
Homemade bone broth is the best option, as it contains healing minerals like collagen, glucosamine, and amino acids. You can make it by simmering bones (preferably organic, grass-fed) for several hours in water with a small amount of apple cider vinegar to extract nutrients.
Bone broth is rich in electrolytes, which help replace the lost minerals and fluids from diarrhea.
Serve the broth in small portions and make sure it is cooled before giving it to your dog.
Discard the bones after simmering; cooked bones can are dangerous for dogs to eat.
This nutrient-dense liquid is easy on your dog’s stomach and can help restore hydration and balance during the healing process.
7. Herbal Teas: Peppermint and Chamomile
Certain herbal teas, like peppermint and chamomile, can help soothe your dog’s digestive system and reduce inflammation caused by diarrhea.
Chamomile tea has mild sedative properties and can help calm an upset stomach, reduce inflammation, and ease any pain associated with diarrhea.
Peppermint tea is known to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, gas, and bloating.
Brew a weak tea (using just a small amount of the herb) and offer it to your dog once it cools down. 1-2 teaspoons for smaller dogs, and 1-2 tablespoons for larger dogs, is generally enough.
Both of these herbs should be given in moderation.
8. Hydration is Crucial
One of the most important aspects of treating diarrhea in dogs is ensuring that they stay hydrated. Diarrhea causes fluid loss, and without adequate hydration, your dog could quickly become dehydrated, which can lead to serious complications.
Offer water frequently and encourage your dog to drink small sips at a time.
You can also offer electrolyte water or oral rehydration solutions formulated for pets to replenish lost fluids and minerals.
If your dog refuses to drink water or shows signs of dehydration (e.g., dry gums, lethargy, sunken eyes), contact your vet immediately.
9. When to Seek Veterinary Help
While these natural remedies can be helpful for treating mild cases of diarrhea, it’s important to monitor your dog closely. If any of the following occurs, you should contact your vet immediately:
Diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours.
Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools.
Vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
Fever or signs of severe dehydration.
Chronic diarrhea or diarrhea accompanied by other serious symptoms could be a sign of an underlying health issue such as parasites, infections, food allergies, or more serious gastrointestinal conditions.
Conclusion: Gentle, Effective Care for Your Dog’s Digestion
Natural remedies can be a helpful and gentle way to manage mild cases of diarrhea in dogs, offering soothing support to your dog’s digestive system while also preventing dehydration. Remember that prevention through proper diet, hydration, and a healthy lifestyle is key to keeping your dog’s digestive system in balance. If the diarrhea persists or worsens, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian for further guidance.
By using these natural treatments, you can help your dog recover quickly and get back to feeling their best!