What is the treatment for diarrhea?
Home Treatment- Continue feeding the pet the same diet he or she was on before the diarrhea began. If that's not possible, try feeding a bland diet of boiled white meat or cottage cheese and white rice.
- Don’t give your pet medications formulated for people without talking to your veterinarian. Many human medications can be harmful or even toxic to pets.
- Make sure your pet is getting enough water. Severe dehydration can occur very quickly in small dogs.
- Don't let your pet drink toilet water, muddy water, or other potentially contaminated water.
- Keep your pet away from garbage cans and other sources of potential toxins.
- Clean up your pet's diarrhea immediately to avoid spreading the bacteria or parasites that may be present.
- If your dog or cat has had persistent diarrhea for more than 24 hours, take him or her to the vet.
Veterinary Treatment
Your vet will likely recommend certain tests and treatments depending on the severity of your pet's diarrhea and his or her overall condition. These may include:
- Anti-diarrhea medication. Your veterinarian will make sure there is no underlying medical cause for the diarrhea before prescribing medication. In cases where the diarrhea isn’t caused by a serious condition, your vet may recommend a medication that slows the movements of the gastrointestinal tract. This medication can help harden stools and make them less frequent.
- Anti-nausea medication. Vomiting and diarrhea often occur together. If your pet is vomiting, your veterinarian may prescribe an anti-nausea medication to help manage the vomiting and reduce the risk of dehydration.
- Electrolytes. Diarrhea can cause your pet to lose a lot of fluids. Fluid loss can lead to dehydration and a loss of electrolytes, which are vital minerals that help regulate many body functions. Your vet may recommend giving your pet an electrolyte solution to help replace lost electrolytes and restore fluid balance.
- Intravenous fluids. If your pet is severely dehydrated, he or she may need to be hospitalized and given intravenous (IV) fluids. IV fluids can quickly restore hydration and electrolyte levels and help your pet feel better.
- Probiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria that are thought to have a positive impact on the gastrointestinal tract. Some probiotics can help to repopulate the gut with good bacteria and improve digestion. Your veterinarian may recommend giving your pet a probiotic supplement while he or she is recovering from diarrhea.
- Diet. Your veterinarian may recommend a specific diet to help your pet recover from diarrhea. This may include a bland diet, a highly digestible diet, or a prescription diet.
- Deworming. If your pet has diarrhea caused by intestinal parasites, your veterinarian will prescribe a deworming medication. Deworming medication will kill the parasites and allow your pet's digestive system to recover.