Home remedies for dog diarrhoea

Diarrhoea in dogs can be unsettling for both pet and owner. Loose stools can range from a minor upset after a dietary indiscretion to a sign of a more serious health issue. While persistent or severe cases always warrant veterinary attention, mild diarrhoea can often be managed at home with simple remedies. This article explains safe home treatments to help your dog recover and outlines when professional care becomes essential.

What causes diarrhoea in dogs
Diarrhoea arises when food passes too quickly through the digestive tract or when toxins irritate the gut lining. Common triggers include sudden changes in diet, eating something unsuitable, mild infections, stress and food intolerances. Some medications or underlying conditions such as pancreatitis or parasites may also cause loose stools. Identifying the likely cause helps you choose the most appropriate home care and decide if a vet visit is needed.

When to consult your vet
If your dog’s diarrhoea persists beyond twenty four hours, is accompanied by vomiting, blood in the stool, lethargy or a fever, seek veterinary advice promptly. Puppies, elderly dogs and those with existing health issues can deteriorate rapidly. Persistent diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and nutrient loss. Your vet will rule out dangerous causes and may recommend specific treatments or diagnostic tests.

Fasting to rest the gut
A short fast gives the digestive system time to calm down. For healthy adult dogs you can withhold food for twelve hours, while ensuring free access to clean water. Puppies should not fast for more than four to six hours. Always monitor your dog closely and stop the fast if vomiting begins. Following the fast, reintroduce food gradually to avoid overloading the gut.

Bland diet of boiled chicken and rice
Once the fasting period ends, transition to a gentle diet. Boil skinless, boneless chicken breast and plain white rice without seasonings. The protein helps repair gut lining and rice provides easy to digest carbohydrates. Feed small portions—about a quarter of your dog’s normal meal size—three to four times a day. After two to three days of firm stools you can slowly mix the bland diet with your dog’s regular food over a further two days.

Canned pumpkin for fibre support
Pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, adds soluble fibre that absorbs excess water in the gut, firming stools. One to two teaspoons per ten kilograms of body weight mixed into a meal once or twice daily can help. Pumpkin also soothes the intestinal lining. Continue pumpkin supplementation for up to a week or until stool quality improves.

Probiotics to rebalance gut flora
Diarrhoea can disrupt the normal balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. A canine probiotic supplement containing strains such as Enterococcus faecium or Lactobacillus acidophilus can help reestablish healthy flora. Follow package directions for dosage and administer for at least seven days. Probiotics are safe for most dogs but check with your vet if your pet is immunocompromised.

Bone broth for hydration and nutrients
Home made bone broth made by simmering plain beef or chicken bones for twelve to twenty four hours yields a nutrient rich, hydrating liquid. Remove all fat before serving. Offer a few tablespoons between meals to encourage drinking and supply minerals and amino acids that support gut repair. Bone broth is gentle on the stomach and can stimulate appetite in dogs feeling unwell.

Slippery elm for mucosal protection
Slippery elm bark powder forms a soothing gel when mixed with water, coating the gut lining and reducing irritation. Stir half a teaspoon into a tablespoon of warm water and let it thicken before adding to your dog’s food once or twice daily. Slippery elm helps reduce inflammation and can relieve both diarrhoea and minor nausea.

Small frequent meals to avoid overload
Rather than feeding two large meals, offer small amounts of the bland diet or prescribed home remedy every three to four hours. This approach prevents the gut from becoming overwhelmed and allows for gradual nutrient absorption. Keep meals consistent in content and timing to support digestive stability.

Encouraging rest and reducing stress
Stress can trigger or worsen diarrhoea in dogs. Create a calm environment by reducing noise, limiting visitors and providing a quiet resting area. Gentle play and short supervised walks help distract your dog without overexertion. Ensure regular bathroom breaks to avoid accidents and reduce anxiety about soiling the house.

Monitoring hydration carefully
Diarrhoea can lead to rapid fluid loss. Encourage drinking by offering fresh water frequently and consider adding a canine electrolyte solution to replenish salts. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, sticky gums and reduced skin elasticity. If dehydration is evident despite home measures, seek veterinary care immediately as your dog may require subcutaneous or intravenous fluids.

When home remedies are not enough
If your dog’s diarrhoea recurs within a week, or if you see worsening signs such as weight loss, lethargy, bloody stools or repeated vomiting, veterinary intervention is critical. Your vet may prescribe medications such as anti diarrhoeals or dietary changes, conduct stool tests for parasites or recommend imaging to identify underlying causes.

Preventing future episodes
Maintain a stable, high quality diet and avoid sudden food changes. Keep trash bins secured to prevent scavenging and monitor your dog closely during walks to prevent ingestion of harmful objects. Gradually introduce new foods or treats over a week and limit access to table scraps. Regular deworming and parasite prevention help reduce risk of infection.

Summary
For mild diarrhoea in otherwise healthy dogs, a brief fast followed by a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice, supplemented with pumpkin, probiotics, bone broth and slippery elm can help restore digestive balance. Offer small frequent meals, encourage rest and monitor hydration. If diarrhoea persists beyond twenty four hours or is accompanied by alarming symptoms, seek veterinary advice without delay. With attentive care and preventive measures you can support your dog’s digestive health and comfort at home.