Diarrhoea in Dogs

At the vet hospital, diarrhoea is a topic of concern for families. It can be simple diarrhoea, or accompanied by vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain and lethargy. If the diarrhoea is frequent, very watery, bloody, dark and tarry seek veterinarian assistance as soon as possible.

The causes of diarrhoea are extensive for example; dietary allergies, intolerance to some foods, stress, various parasitic or bacterial infections. More serious causes can be pancreatic disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, some cancers and chronic diseases.

Tips for dogs with diarrhoea

• Make sure your pet has access to plenty of clean water
• Encourage them to drink and consider adding chicken broth to the water
• Follow a diet of steamed chicken breast and white rice x 4 times a day
• If diarrhoea continues for more than 24 hours or conditions worsen seek veterinary advise

Tips for dogs with diarrhoea, who are still bright BUT who have vomited once or twice

• Remove all food for 12 hours
• Avoid dehydration by offering small amounts of water frequently
• If needed, you can also offer some dilute chicken broth. If they are still not drinking they should be checked by a vet
• When the dog has not vomited for at least 6 hours, offer a small amount of boiled chicken breast with no bones or skin and white rice
• Wait for 2 hours, if there is no more vomit then offer another small meal of cooked chicken breast and white rice
• Continue this treatment, gradually increase the amount of food at each meal and lengthening the time between meals until the stool consistency returns to normal
• Gradually transition to normal diet over a few days
• Enjoy the return to calm and normality

If the diarrhoea continues for more than 24 hours or your pets condition gets worse during that time-frame seek veterinary advise