Treating Dogs With Diarrhea

By Rena Sherwood

Instructions

Minor Diarrhea

Step 1:
If the dog has defecated less than four times in one day and otherwise seems normal, withhold all food and treats for 24 hours. Still let the dog have access to water. According to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," this can usually clear up cases of mild diarrhea by the next day.

Moderate Diarrhea

Step 1:
This would be when a dog defecates loose stool four to six times in one day. Dosing the dog with Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismal is recommended by the "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook." The dosage is 1/2 tsp. for every 10 lbs. that the dog weighs every 12 hours. When it clears up, do not feed as usual. Instead, feed the dog a bland diet of only boiled chicken and rice. If it does not clear up, please call the vet.

Severe Diarrhea

Step 1:
According to the "Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms," defecating loose, watery stool more than six times in one day is severe diarrhea and needs the attention of a veterinarian. Also, contact your veterinarian if your dog has other symptoms besides diarrhea, including vomiting, tremors, problems with coordination or hives.

Resources

Photo/Video Credit

Sad pug image from Wikimedia Commons.

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