How to stop diarrhoea

It’s not a pleasant topic and certainly not something you should discuss at the dinner table, but diarrhoea is extremely common for dogs and it’s normal to be concerned when your dog has an upset stomach.

Mild intestinal upset can occur when dogs eat something that doesn't agree with them. This often includes table scraps, an overindulgence of treats, or if there are sudden changes to their diet.

If your dog is acting normally and seems relatively comfortable (ie. Normal energy and appetite levels), treating your dog’s diarrhoea at home can be quite simple.

1.    Allow them to rest: Give your dog space and quiet time to rest.

2.     Fasting: If you can refrain from giving your dog any food items for a minimum of 12 hours to allow their stomach to reset and recover

3.    Maintain hydration: Hydration is critical for a quick recovery. Rice water is a really great way to help improve digestion, relieve gas and bloating as well as provide minerals and carbohydrates to boost energy levels. Rice water can be made by simply boiling 1 cup of white rice with 4 cups of water until the water turns a creamy white colour (anywhere from 10-20 minutes).

Once the diarrhoea has eased, you can slowly transition your dog back to real food.

1.     Start with soup or bone broth (ensure it’s low in sodium and does not contain onion or garlic)

2.     Wait 4 – 6 hours and monitor for diarrhoea or vomiting before giving them more

3.    If they can tolerate soup, you can start to feed them bland food such as plain boiled chicken and rice

4.    Start with a few tablespoons every hour and monitor before giving more

5.     Slightly increase the amount of food over 2-3 days and keep them on the bland diet for 1-2weeks

6.    Gradually introduce them back to their regular diet to avoid further stomach upset

Diarrhoea can also be a sign of more serious gut issues. If in doubt, or if your dog’s condition extends beyond 2-3 days, you should seek advice from your vet.