Help my Dog has Diarrhea? Here are a few tips to help you out.

Diarrhea is one of the most common health problems that dogs suffer from especially while they are still young. There are many causes for diarrhea to occur like change in diet, parasites and even deadlier viruses like the parvovirus. When loose bowel movement occurs it should be treated immediately. Call your veterinarian if blood is present in your dog’s stool.

As a dog owner, it is important that you know how to treat doggy diarrhea right from the start. Here are a few tips that can help you out.

• Withhold Food – If your dog is suffering from diarrhea it is best to avoid feeding it for 12-24 hours to settle its stomach and bowels. Since there is nothing going inside your dog then there is nothing that will come out of it. However, don’t prolong withholding food from your dog.
• Hydrate – Dogs that have diarrhea are also at risk of suffering from dehydration which is also another problem that you should be concerned with. Always have your dog’s water bowl on hand so your pet can drink from time to time. If your dog isn’t drinking enough give it some ice cubes to lick or Pedialyt to hydrate it.
• Feed Bland Diet – It usually takes days before your pup’s stomach settle down after a bout with diarrhea. The best way to keep your dog satisfied, feed it a bland diet. Give your dog noodles or plain white rice cooked in plain chicken broth without any salt. You can add some yogurt to add flavour while avoiding triggering diarrhea.
• Go to the Vet – If the symptoms of diarrhea are already too severe for you to handle or that it has been going on for some time now, you should bring your pup or dog to the vet for a thorough check-up.

As a pet owner it is your responsibility to care for your dogs. Diarrhea can be easily avoided if you know how to watch over your dog. Keep it away from trash cans and garbage bins and don’t let it pick up anything from the ground while you are out walking. It is highly recommended that you have all your dog or puppy vaccinations up to date and regularly worm them to keep them healthier and stronger.