If your dog is housetrained and suddenly makes a mess on the floor, it’s not always cause for alarm. A dog’s digestive system can be temporarily upset by many things, and short-term diarrhea is usually not something that requires immediate veterinary assistance.
An occasional bout of loose feces isn’t out of the ordinary for dogs any more than it is for humans. Unless the diarrhea is evident for a long period or the dog otherwise seems in distress, you can probably let nature take its course and your dog will be fine without any assistance from you. I’ve had many dogs that have had diarrhea a time or two and while it’s not the most pleasant thing to deal with, it’s always resolved itself without human interference.
A dog with more than one episode of diarrhea should be monitored a little closer. It’s recommended to limit food intake by half, then replace some of the food with a diet that is more bland than what is found in commercial dog foods containing all sorts of additives. Cooked rice and chicken are good choices, but no red meat with a higher fat content that might further upset your dog’s tummy. Small amounts of yogurt won’t provide any probiotic effects, but it can be soothing to a dog with a tummy ache. Adding a few tablespoons to his food might not curb the diarrhea, but it might make him feel better.
Several months ago my Jack Russell Terrier had a case of diarrhea and a quick phone call to my veterinarian assured me that it was ok to give him a small amount of bismuth salicylate (the pink stuff) if it continued (it didn’t). Before administering your own over the counter medication, check with your veterinarian for the proper dosage of that particular product for your dog’s size. What might be appropriate for a 175-lb human could be dangerous for a 20-lb dog.
If your dog’s diarrhea continues and he seems to be in pain, doesn’t eat for more than a day, or you find blood or foreign objects in the stool, it’s time to head to the vet. Chronic diarrhea accompanied by other symptoms can mean something more serious that requires medical attention and shouldn’t be ignored.
Sources:
wellvet.com
vetinfo.com
