What to feed a dog when it has diarrhea? - briefly
When your dog has diarrhea, it is crucial to switch to a bland diet temporarily. Feed your dog boiled chicken or white fish along with plain cooked rice in small, frequent meals to help settle their stomach and avoid further irritation.
What to feed a dog when it has diarrhea? - in detail
When your dog is suffering from diarrhea, it's crucial to adjust their diet to support their recovery and prevent further complications. Here are some essential guidelines on what to feed a dog with diarrhea:
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Hydration: Diarrhea can lead to rapid dehydration, so ensuring your dog stays hydrated is paramount. Offer small amounts of water frequently throughout the day. You can also mix a little bit of unflavored Pedialyte or an electrolyte solution into their water to replenish lost nutrients.
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Bland Diet: Switching to a bland diet helps soothe the digestive system and allows it to recover. A common recommendation is a mixture of boiled chicken (without skin or bones) and rice. This combination is easily digestible and provides essential proteins and carbohydrates without irritating the stomach.
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Gradual Reintroduction: After 12-24 hours on the bland diet, gradually reintroduce your dog's regular food. Mix a small amount of their usual kibble with the chicken and rice, increasing the ratio over the next few days. This helps transition them back to their normal diet without shocking their system.
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Avoid Certain Foods: While your dog has diarrhea, avoid giving them any dairy products (like milk or cheese), table scraps, or fatty foods. These can exacerbate the condition and prolong recovery time. Also, refrain from offering treats that could upset their stomach further.
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Probiotics: Consider adding probiotics to your dog's diet, either through specific probiotic supplements or yogurt containing live cultures. Probiotics help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can be disrupted by diarrhea.
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Monitor and Consult: Keep a close eye on your dog's condition. If diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or blood in the stool, consult your veterinarian immediately. These could indicate a more serious underlying issue that requires professional attention.
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Fiber: In some cases, adding a small amount of fiber to your dog's diet can help firm up their stools. This can be done by mixing a tablespoon of plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) into their food. Pumpkin is high in fiber and can aid in digestion without causing further upset.
By following these guidelines, you can provide your dog with the necessary support to recover from diarrhea while minimizing the risk of complications. Always remember that prevention is key, so ensure your dog's environment is clean and they have access to fresh, uncontaminated water at all times.