What NOT to Do When Your Dog Has Diarrhea

Dogs can develop diarrhea for a number of reasons ranging from something as simple as a change in diet to a more serious illness or infection. While a single bout of diarrhea is typically not cause for concern, diarrhea that persists for more than a day can lead to dehydration and may also indicate an underlying health issue that should be checked out by your veterinarian. To avoid making your dog any sicker, steer clear of these common mistakes people make when trying to treat doggie diarrhea.

Continue Feeding as Normal

Even if your four-legged friend doesn’t have any noticeable loss of appetite, dog food on its own will not alleviate persistent diarrhea. If your dog has multiple bouts of diarrhea throughout the day, discontinue feeding and put your dog on a 24-hour rice-water fast, while calling El Dorado Animal Hospital to get an appointment. Fasting allows your dog’s gastrointestinal tract to rest and recover. Rice water is the creamy liquid that results from boiling good quality white rice in water. If a change in diet is to blame, your vet can recommend the right food and feeding routine for your dog.

Give Your Dog Over-the-Counter Diarrhea Medication

Though some dogs can tolerate over-the-counter diarrhea medications such as Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, and Kao Pectate, your dog may have an allergy to one or more of the active ingredients found inside these common alleviants. Check with your vet before administering any non-prescribed medication to treat diarrhea. Also check with your veterinarian if your dog is currently on any medications, including antibiotics, which could negatively interact with OTC diarrhea medicine.

Think It Will Go Away on Its Own

Your dog has no way of telling you how sick he really is, so don’t assume that diarrhea isn’t serious or that it will go away on its own. The longer you wait to bring your dog to El Dorado Animal Hospital in Fountain Hills, the worse off your four-legged friend may feel and the sicker he can become. It’s especially important to seek vet assistance if your dog is exhibiting a loss of appetite, lethargy, frequent vomiting, and signs of abdominal pain alongside persistent diarrhea. Call the vets at El Dorado Animal Hospital at (480) 837-0800 to discuss your dog’s symptoms and behaviors and determine whether emergency attention is necessary.

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