Diarrhea is common in dogs in fact almost all dogs suffer from bouts of diarrhea in their life time. Dogs usually suffer from frequent passing of soft stools that can last either for a few days or for longer periods of time. Contrary to the general belief, diarrhea is not an illness but a symptom of an underlying medical concern that is often associated with the dog’s gastrointestinal system.

Loose bowel movement of dogs is often associated with the inability of the gastrointestinal system to function normally but this condition can also indicate infection, food allergies and intestinal parasites. We know how dogs eat – Fido has the inclination to eat indiscriminately. Diarrhea would result if the dog has eaten something that disagrees with its system. Dogs inclination to gnaw and swallow foreign object can be the cause of diarrhea.

To treat the pet’s loose bowel movement, a pet parent has to have an idea what causes the condition. Over the counter medications can be used but the most effective way of dealing with the pet’s diarrhea is through dietary change. The diet of the dog must be changed but what food can be safely given to a pet with diarrhea?

Normally, if the pet does not appear systematically ill, diarrhea would last for one or two days and the pet owner would not need to take the dog to a vet as the condition will be resolved after the balance of the dog’s system is restored. Pet owners have to watch out for dehydration as this situation is oftentimes the outcome of frequent passing of runny stools. Providing the dog with drinking water at all times is very necessary. Electrolyte imbalance is a common outcome of canine diarrhea and this can be dealt with mixing the dog’s drinking water with Gatorade or administering oral rehydration therapy. To allow the dog’s digestive system to rest, the dog must not be given food at least for 24 hours for mature dogs and 12 hours for puppies. the dog can be allowed to eat easy to digest food like boiled chicken or rice after the fasting period.

Fasting is supposed to stop diarrhea as the stomach is already empty but if frequent passing of runny stool continues, the dog must be taken to a veterinary facility at once. It is highly probable that the pet’s chronic diarrhea was not caused by dietary indiscretion. Diarrhea that has been going on for weeks or even months can no longer be blamed on the dog’s indiscriminating habits as this condition often results form an underlying medical concern such as bacterial and viral infection, distemper or parasitic infections that causes an imbalance in the dog’s system.

Learn more about what can you give a dog for diarrhea and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.