Diarrhea in dogs: causes, symptoms and home remedies

Diarrhea in dogs: causes, symptoms and treatment options

Diarrhea in dogs is a common problem that can be distressing for both the animals and their owners. It can range from a mild, quickly passing illness to a sign of serious health problems. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of diarrhea in dogs to provide you with the necessary information on how to act correctly in the event of illness.

What is diarrhea in dogs?

Diarrhea in dogs is characterized by frequent, usually watery or loose stools that differ from normal stools in consistency and color. It can occur suddenly or be a persistent problem and is often a sign of a disorder in the dog's digestive system .

The importance of early detection and treatment

Untreated diarrhea can lead to serious complications such as dehydration and nutrient deficiencies . Therefore, it's important to respond early and seek veterinary advice if necessary. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can accelerate the healing process and minimize the risk of complications.

What are the causes of diarrhea in dogs?

1. Dietary triggers: A sudden change in diet or the consumption of unsuitable foods can overwhelm a dog's digestive system.
2. Infections and parasites: Bacterial infections, viruses, or parasites such as Giardia can severely burden the intestines and cause diarrhea.
3. Food intolerances and allergies: Some dogs are sensitive to certain ingredients in their food, which can lead to chronic or acute diarrhea.
4. Stress and psychological factors: Stressful situations, such as moving or new family members, can cause digestive problems in dogs.
5. Drug side effects: Some medications used to treat other conditions may have diarrhea as a side effect.
6. Underlying diseases: Chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease or liver and kidney problems can have diarrhea as a symptom.

Diarrhea in dogs - symptoms to look out for

In addition to obvious diarrhea, other symptoms may occur that indicate a more serious cause. So, observe closely and take a closer look:

Blood in the stool: An alarming sign that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Vomiting: Accompanying vomiting may be an indication of a more serious illness.

Lethargy: A dog that appears weak or apathetic needs urgent medical attention.

Loss of appetite: Loss of interest in food may indicate an underlying medical condition.

When should we visit the vet?

It's advisable to consult a veterinarian immediately if diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours, if there is blood in the stool, or if the dog shows additional symptoms such as vomiting, fever, or severe weakness. You shouldn't hesitate to seek professional help for puppies, older dogs, or animals with chronic illnesses.

Preventing diarrhea in dogs - What can I do to prevent diarrhea from occurring in the first place?

Preventing diarrhea is, of course, the best thing anyway.

1. Stable feeding: Avoid sudden changes in food and introduce new foods gradually.

2. Cleanliness and hygiene: Keep food and water bowls clean and prevent your dog from eating spoiled food or scraps. I know it's difficult with little ones and those who don't yet trust us to know that they'll definitely get their food today anyway.

3. Stress reduction : Provide your dog with a stable environment and minimize stressful situations. This isn't always possible, especially when moving house, adding to the family, etc.

4. Regular vet visits: Regular health checkups allow potential problems to be identified and treated early. This can be done repeatedly.

5. Supplementing with clinoptilolite zeolite: Zeolite absorbs harmful substances in the intestines that could lead to diarrhea.

Are there home remedies for diarrhea in dogs?

1. Fasting

Short-term fasting (12-24 hours): Fast your dog for 12 to 24 hours to give the digestive system a break and soothe irritation. However, make sure your dog still has access to fresh water to avoid dehydration.

2. Light diet

Boiled chicken and rice: After a fast, you can give your dog a small portion of a bland diet made from boiled, unseasoned chicken (without skin or bones) and white rice. This combination is easily digestible and can help relieve diarrhea. I think every dog ​​owner has cooked this for their pet at some point.

Boiled potatoes or sweet potatoes: These can also serve as an easily digestible source of carbohydrates.

3. Pumpkin

Pureed pumpkin (without spices): Pumpkin contains fiber, which can help regulate stool by absorbing excess water in the intestines. Add one to two teaspoons of pumpkin puree to your dog's food.

4. Probiotics

Natural yogurt: A small amount of natural yogurt (sugar-free, of course, right?) can help support your gut flora. Yogurt contains probiotics, which can restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut.

Probiotic supplements: There are special probiotic supplements for dogs that can be helpful for diarrhea. These can be added to food.

5. Psyllium husks

Psyllium husks: These are a good source of soluble fiber, which can help firm stools. You can mix a small amount (depending on the dog's size) into their food. Start with a pinch up to half a teaspoon and increase the amount as needed. You're sure to have psyllium husks in your breakfast cereal. We have them right there in the back left corner.

6. Cottage cheese

Low-fat cottage cheese: Without chives and herbs. This can be a good addition to a bland diet. It's easy to digest and can help settle the stomach and normalize bowel movements. Our dog loves it.

7. Chamomile tea

Cooled chamomile tea: Chamomile tea has calming properties and can help relieve inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. You can give your dog small amounts of cooled tea either directly or mixed into their food. We have to mix it into their food—they would never drink it.

8. Honey

A small spoonful of honey: Honey can soothe the stomach and has antimicrobial properties. It can be especially helpful if diarrhea is caused by stress or a mild stomach upset.

9. Saline solution

Homemade electrolyte solution: Mix one liter of water with one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of sugar to make a simple electrolyte solution. This can help replace fluid and electrolyte loss during diarrhea. Give your dog the solution in small amounts.

10. Applesauce

Unsweetened applesauce: Applesauce contains pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can regulate bowel movements. A small amount of unsweetened applesauce can be a beneficial addition to a bland diet.

11. Zeolite for diarrhea

Zeolite is a naturally occurring mineral known for its adsorbing and detoxifying properties. In veterinary medicine, particularly in dogs, zeolite can be used to support the treatment of diarrhea.

Here is an overview of how zeolite can help with diarrhea:

1. Adsorption of toxins and pollutants

Zeolite has a high adsorption capacity for toxins, heavy metals, and other harmful substances in the gastrointestinal tract. In dogs with diarrhea, zeolite can help bind these harmful substances and remove them from the body. This reduces the strain on the digestive system and can help relieve diarrhea.

2. Regulation of pH in the intestine

Zeolite has the ability to regulate the pH level in the digestive tract. A balanced pH level is important for healthy intestinal flora and effective digestion. By stabilizing the pH level, zeolite can help support the intestinal flora and reduce the risk of diarrhea.

3. Strengthening the intestinal barrier

Due to its detoxifying properties, zeolite can strengthen the intestinal barrier. This is especially beneficial for dogs with inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome, who are more prone to diarrhea. A healthy gut is better able to fight off harmful bacteria and toxins, which can lead to a reduction in diarrhea.

4. Promoting water retention

Zeolite can also help bind excess water in the intestines. This can improve stool consistency and reduce the symptoms of diarrhea. By absorbing moisture, zeolite can firm up stools and thus reduce the frequency and intensity of diarrhea.

5. Supports healing in intestinal irritations

Diarrhea can cause the intestinal lining to become irritated and inflamed. Zeolite has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the irritated intestinal lining and promote healing. This allows the intestines to regenerate more quickly, and diarrhea can subside more quickly.

Zeolite as an important natural support for diarrhea in dogs

Zeolite can be an effective and natural aid in the treatment of diarrhea in dogs. It works by adsorbing toxins , regulating pH , strengthening the intestinal barrier, retaining water, and promoting the healing of intestinal irritations.

Important instructions:

Ensure water intake: It's crucial that your dog drinks enough to prevent dehydration. And encourage and entice him to drink. In our case, that's what we did. Our dog drinks very sparingly. He gets that from me; according to some experts, I also drink far too little.

Adjust the dosage: Start with small amounts of the home remedies mentioned above and observe your dog's reaction. Slowly increase the dosage if necessary.

Slowly reintroduce the regular food: As diarrhea improves, you should slowly reintroduce your dog's usual food to prevent relapses.

Recipes for diarrhea in dogs

Here are two simple recipes that combine pumpkin puree and zeolite, or yogurt and zeolite. These recipes are easily digestible and can help relieve your dog's diarrhea.

Recipe 1: Pumpkin puree with zeolite

Ingredients:
1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (no spices)
1 teaspoon of zeolite (powdered)
Optional: A little cooked, unseasoned rice

Preparation:
1. Preparation of the pumpkin puree:
Bake a pumpkin in the oven until it is soft and then puree the flesh.

2. Mixing the zeolite:
Place the pumpkin puree in a bowl and add 1 teaspoon of zeolite.

Stir the mixture well until the zeolite is evenly distributed throughout the pumpkin puree.

3. Serve:
Serve your dog a small portion of this mixture.

1-2 tablespoons for small dogs, 2-3 tablespoons for medium dogs, 1/4 cup for large dogs.

If desired, you can add some cooked rice to make the meal more filling.

Here you can watch a video on YouTube that we recorded when our dog Ezra had diarrhea. You can see all the steps here.

Recipe 2: Yogurt with zeolite

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons unsweetened natural yogurt (low-fat)
1 teaspoon of zeolite (powdered)

Optional: 1 teaspoon of pureed apple or steamed (unsweetened - of course) or a little cottage cheese

Preparation:
1. Preparation of the yogurt:
Use unsweetened natural yogurt (just so I said it again), as sweetened yogurts contain sugar, which could worsen diarrhea and is not good for dogs.

2. Mixing the zeolite:
Pour the yogurt into a small bowl and add 1 teaspoon of zeolite.

Stir the mixture well until the zeolite is completely incorporated into the yogurt.

3. Optional ingredients:
For extra nutrients and flavor, you can add 1 teaspoon of unsweetened applesauce or some low-fat cottage cheese and mix well.

4. Serve:
Give your dog a small amount of this mixture.

1-2 tablespoons for small dogs, 2-3 tablespoons for medium dogs, 1/4 cup for large dogs.

This mixture can be given once or twice daily, depending on the size and needs of your dog.

These recipes are designed to help soothe your dog's digestive tract and aid the healing process.

Of course! Here's a clear table summarizing the key points of the Steinkraft article "Diarrhea in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Home Remedies." It provides a quick overview of the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and home remedies for diarrhea in dogs:

Here again the most important points at a glance in a table: Diarrhea in dogs

category	Details
Common causes	Feed change Spoiled or unsuitable feed Infections (bacteria, viruses, parasites) Food intolerances or allergies Stress or psychological strain Side effects of medication Chronic diseases (e.g. liver, kidney problems)
Typical symptoms	Frequent, soft to watery stools Blood in the stool Vomit Lethargy or weakness Loss of appetite Fever
First measures	24-hour zero diet (no food, but offer water) Slow-building bland diet (e.g. boiled rice with chicken) Ensure adequate fluid intake Rest and stress avoidance
Proven home remedies	Moro's Carrot Soup: Long-cooked carrot puree that binds harmful bacteria and supports the intestinal flora. Healing clay and zeolite : Binds harmful substances and soothes the gastrointestinal tract. Chamomile tea: Soothes the stomach and has anti-inflammatory properties.
When to go to the vet?	Diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days Blood in the stool or severe vomiting Signs of dehydration (e.g. dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes) General deterioration of condition
Preventive measures	Slow feed changes Choose high-quality and suitable food Regular deworming and vaccinations Minimize stressful situations Add zeolite to dog food daily