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Just like humans, dogs can suffer from upset stomachs. Diarrhea is actually a very common issue among dogs and when you consider that your pup will put almost anything in their mouth without understanding the consequences for their stomach later on, it’s easy to see how quickly their stomachs can turn based on that alone.
However, it’s important to know some of the main causes of why your dog may get the runs, whether from something they ingest or something else more serious, so that you can help get them the right treatment.
What Causes Diarrhea in Dogs?
When diarrhea begins out of the blue for an otherwise healthy dog, the cause is likely from eating something they shouldn’t have, parasites or a virus. It can also be due to a change in diet or even from stress, just like humans.
Having said that, if the diarrhea persists and contains more than just a bit of blood or is accompanied by other concerning health problems such as pain, weight loss, vomiting or loss of appetite, the cause may be more serious in nature and require a trip to the vet.
Keep in mind that if your dog is quite young or very old, or has a serious pre-existing condition, it’s always advisable to call your vet to get their advice.
Treating Your Dog
No pet lover likes to see their dog in discomfort. The good news is, there are some simple home remedies to try and help your pup feel better when they have the runs.
Here are some things you can start implementing at soon as symptoms appear:
- Make sure your dog has access to a large supply of clean, fresh drinking water and encourage them to drink
- Mix pumpkin with their food in order to help ease regular digestion and bowel movements
- Similar to pumpkin, boiling sweet potatoes and adding them to your dog’s kibble can also help their symptoms
- If your dog isn’t interested in their food at all, try mixing a small amount of plain, boiled white chicken in with their kibble as a meal additive until they improve
- Unpasturized Goat’s milk also helps to calm the stomach. A great way for your pup to enjoy goat’s milk is by freezing it in an ice cube tray and feeding them the frozen cubes or just simply pouring it on top of their regular kibble
Please note that some of these tummy-friendly products, are available for purchase through The Dog Market. We always recommend having a can of pumpkin in your pantry for emergencies. It usually works like a charm in just a few days.
Monitoring Your Dog
After trying these simple home remedies, it is important to monitor your dog to make sure that their symptoms are alleviated and especially that they are not worsening. Within a couple of days, your dog’s diarrhea should stop. If it persists longer or other abnormal symptoms begin, take your dog to the vet. If diarrhea persists too long, it can cause severe dehydration and other health concerns.
Remember to comfort your pup, make sure they are drinking lots of water and are not exposed to unnecessary stress while they are recovering. We are confident your furry friend will be feeling good as new in no time!
For more advice and product information, please reach out to us at any time with your questions and concerns, or drop by our store in The Beaches. We’d love to see you!