Dog Diarrhoea Relief: Why is it Important?

Diarrhoea in dogs isn’t a particular disease but a symptom of a lot of possible health problems. In dogs with diarrhoea, the food passes so fast through the digestive system without enough time for the body to get the needed water, nutrients and electrolytes. As a consequence, the dog poop turns into soft and diarrheic rather than hard and well-defined. The diarrhoea may also be preceded or accompanied by blood and mucus.

Diarrhoea in dogs is actually very uncomfortable for your dog. However, it also has severe side effects as a result of fluid loss. Diarrhoea in puppies may be fatal because a puppy’s immune system is not strong enough to combat dehydration. Diarrhoea in senior dogs and dogs with compromised immune systems is also dangerous.

Diarrhoea can be bad for your dog due to the depletion of nutrients in the body. Therefore, it is important to seek ways to provide diarrhoea relief in order to “clean” the system and bring it back to normal.

Most affected dogs can be managed at home through a process of rest, giving the dog water, and starvation.  However, in very acute situations or where a particular organism is thought to be involved, your vet may prescribe anti-diarrhoea medication.

Dog Diarrhea Medication Types

Dog diarrhoea medicine is not hard to come by in the market. However, not all leashes are created equal, and some may even harm your dog more than they help him.

For your reference, here is a brief comparison between over-the-counter medication for treating diarrhoea in dogs, as well as probiotics and prescription drugs.

1.  OTC anti-diarrheal medicines

You may have noticed OTC anti-diarrheal drugs such as Imodium, Kaopectate, and Pepto Bismol in your nearest supermarket or drugstore. These medicines help to reduce diarrhoea and other forms of GI symptoms, including stomach aches, nausea, and vomiting.

Imodium is an anti-diarrheal drug that achieves its purpose by reducing the rate at which food passes through the gastrointestinal tract. Kaopectate and Pepto Bismol contain components that act as a protective barrier over the lining of the intestines.

But remember that these human medicines might be dangerous to your dogs. For instance, the substances that are used in the production of Pepto Bismol and Kaopectate can harm dogs. However, Imodium has side effects that could be dangerous to your dog if they occur.

Never use these medicines to treat your dog’s diarrhoea without your veterinarian’s approval! If your veterinarian suggests an OTC diarrhoea medication for your pet, be sure to administer it as your veterinarian advises. Also, always inform your veterinarian of any problems or alterations in your dogs’ health.

2.  Probiotic supplements

Like the human body, the stomach of a dog is home to as many as ten times a billion helpful bacteria. It assists in digestion, boosts the immune system and keeps away bad bacteria from dominating the tummy. It affects the beneficial microbes in your body, and one such is diarrhoea.

Probiotic supplements are useful in controlling dog diarrhoea as they contain the good bacteria that the dog’s stomach needs. That brings the gut back into harmony and encourages the proper functioning of the digestive system.

There are many probiotics for human consumption in the market in the form of supplements. These are harmless to your dog, but a probiotic specially formulated for dogs is recommended. This means that people and dogs have different types of intestines. The species-specific probiotic will be most beneficial for your dog and wallet.

Best Medicine for Dog Diarrhoea

Here are several diarrhoea medications for dogs that vets typically recommend for dog diarrhoea. And are worth considering:

1. Protexin Veterinary Pro-Fibre Advance: A Complete Guide to a Healthy Stomach and Intestine

Protexin Veterinary Pro-Fibre Advance is an expert-recommended formula that contains both probiotics and prebiotics in addition to soluble fibre to help prevent diarrhoea and improve gut health over time. It is especially useful in dogs with long-standing diarrhoeal disease caused by infections, stress or dietary modifications.

Key Ingredients and Benefits:

Probiotics (Enterococcus faecium): Probiotics support the natural microflora of the stomach and intestines and can help to reduce diarrhoea resulting from an illness or taking antibiotics. Some probiotics, for instance, Enterococcus faecium, have been revealed to reduce the duration of diarrhoea and improve recovery.

Soluble Fiber (Psyllium Husk): This type of fibre swells in the stomach and intestines and can help control the consistency of stools in both diarrhoea and constipation. It also enhances the proper bowel movement by controlling the movements of the gut in the body.

Prebiotics (Fructooligosaccharides): Prebiotics help in the growth of good bacteria in the digestive system, improve it, and protect against future diarrhoea.

Usage

Protexin Veterinary Pro-Fibre Advance is sold as a powder and can be added directly to your dog’s diet. The amount of the medication to be given depends on the size of your dog as well as the intensity of diarrhoea. Check with your vet on how much to give your dog.

2.  Oralade GI Support: Help to Stay Hydrated and Replace Electrolytes for Diarrhea Cure

Oralade GI Support is a specific liquid formula that helps to fight dehydration due to diarrhoea. It has a combination of electrolytes, glucose and amino acids to satisfy the loss of fluids and improve the health of the gastrointestinal tract.

Key Ingredients and Benefits:

Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride): These electrolytes are useful in the replacement of fluids lost during the occurrence of diarrhoea, a condition that is dangerous to dogs. Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of a person’s health, as well as sports performance and recovery of the gastrointestinal tract.

Amino Acids (Glutamine and Taurine): Glutamine helps to maintain the integrity of the gut lining, while taurine is great for the health of cells in general. Both amino acids have important functions in the restoration of the gut mucosa in diarrhoea conditions.

Glucose: A source of fast energy, it helps the intestines to absorb water and electrolytes, hence supporting the hydration process during diarrhoea healing.

Usage

Oralade GI Support comes in liquid form and can be administered orally or in addition to the pet’s meals. This is especially suitable for dogs with mild to severe diarrhoea and especially for dehydrated dogs. As a rule, it is necessary to administer the medication according to the package instructions, depending on your dog’s weight and state of health, as prescribed by your veterinarian.

3. Imodium (Loperamide): A Fast-Acting Antidiarrheal

Imodium is an over-the-counter drug that is utilised in the treatment of acute diarrhoea in dogs in particular.

Key Ingredients and Benefits:

Loperamide: This active ingredient affects the opiate receptors in the gut, reduces the gut’s muscle movement, and results in harder stools. This drug is most helpful for treating acute diarrhoea due to dietary indiscretion, acute stress or noninfectious aetiology.

Usage

Imodium is not safe for all dogs and should only be administered to your dog under the guidance of a veterinarian. For instance, Collies and other breeds of dogs may be genetically sensitive to this drug. The right dose will vary with the weight of your dog and the underlying cause of diarrhoea. If taken in large quantities or if taken for a long time, side effects may occur, such as constipation or bloating.

4. Metronidazole: An Antibiotic for Infections as Well as Inflammation

Metronidazole is an antibiotic of the nitroimidazole group that is used to treat diarrhoea associated with bacterial infections, protozoan (including Giardia) and inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Both antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agents are useful in the management of many GI conditions.

Key Ingredients and Benefits:

Metronidazole: This antibiotic is a broad-spectrum one and is used against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa that provoke gastrointestinal infections. Also, it has an anti-inflammatory effect; it alleviates inflammation in the intestines and promotes rapid recovery after an infection or irritation.

Usage

The course of metronidazole is usually 5 to 7 days, depending on the severity of the infection that is being treated. It should be given as prescribed by the veterinarian and not as a drop, more or less. The frequency of administration will depend on the size of your dog and the condition for which they are being treated.

5. FortiFlora Probiotic Supplement: Regaining Stability: A Guide to Revive the Gut Flora for Better Digestive Health.

FortiFlora by Purina is one of the most well-known probiotics that aim to preserve the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and normalise the balance of gut microorganisms. It is recommended for use in cases of diarrhoea caused by stress, changes in diet or antibiotics, which affect the balance of bacterial flora in the intestines.

Key Ingredients and Benefits:

Enterococcus faecium (Probiotic Strain): This probiotic strain is useful in support of the digestive system's health. It assists in the replenishment of the good bacteria in the stomach, which play a big role in avoiding and treating diarrhoea.

Zinc: Zinc is an essential nutrient that has been found to improve the immune system and has also been linked with gut health. There is evidence that zinc acts to repair the intestinal barrier and decrease inflammation, thus helping control diarrhoea.

Usage

FortiFlora is available in an easy-to-use powder form that can simply be poured onto your dog’s food. It is safe for use in all puppies and dogs and can be used in both acute and chronic diarrhoea, especially when the cause is dysbiosis (abnormal microbiota in the GI tract).

6. Tylosin: Widespread Antibiotic for Persistent Diarrhoea

Tylosin is a macrolide antibiotic that is applied to treat chronic diarrhoea in small animals, including dogs, with bacterial aetiology or dysbiosis. It is active against numerous gastrointestinal pathogens such as Campylobacter, Clostridium and Salmonella species.

Active Ingredient

Tylosin: An antibiotic which acts on protein synthesis in bacteria to treat chronic diarrhoea resulting from certain pathogenic bacteria (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2014).

Key Benefits

• Management of persistent diarrhoea that cannot be solved by other means.
• Treats a wide range of GI pathogens and is thus appropriate in various etiologies of diarrheal diseases.
• Frequently given in combination with other medications for dogs with chronic diarrhoea and other signs of gastrointestinal disease.

Usage

This is usually given in a 10-14 day course of treatment.

7.  Sulfasalazine: Inflammatory bowel disease-related diarrhoea: Anti-inflammatory approach to treatment

Sulfasalazine is a type of anti-inflammatory drug which is used to treat the diarrhoea that is associated with IBD; IBD is a condition whereby the intestines become inflamed over a long period. Sulfasalazine consists of an antibiotic, sulfapyridine, and an anti-inflammatory drug, mesalamine, hence useful in IBD diarrhoea.

Active Ingredient

Sulfasalazine: Sulfapyridine is an antibiotic that, when combined with mesalamine, is anti-inflammatory and assists in the reduction of inflammation in the intestines and the control of IBD symptoms.

Key Benefits

• Useful in the control of chronic diarrhoea associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
• Used to decrease inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and helps manage both diarrhoea and pain.
• Recommended for use in dogs with chronic or ongoing diarrhoea associated with inflammatory diseases.

Usage

Sulfasalazine is most commonly given in tablet form and should be given to the pet only as directed by a veterinarian. It is frequently employed for the ongoing control of IBD in dogs.

8. Zantac (Ranitidine): Anti Acidity for Gastric Problems.

Zantac is a drug type of H2-receptor antagonist that functions in decreasing the amount of stomach acid in the stomach. This is most valuable for dogs with gastritis or gastric ulcers, which are some of the causes of secondary diarrhoea.

Active Ingredient

Ranitidine: A histamine-2 antagonist that decreases gastric acid production and, therefore, decreases the likelihood of acid damage to the gastrointestinal tract and subsequent diarrhoea.

Key Benefits

• Reduces stomach acidity to help improve gastric pain that may lead to diarrhoea.
• Safe for dogs with gastritis, ulcers or acid reflux, who may also have diarrhoea due to these conditions.
• Can be taken along with other drugs in the management of stomach ailments.

Usage

Ranitidine is usually given as a tablet, and the usual dosing interval is based on the dog’s weight. It is mostly prescribed for the management of diarrhoea caused by gastric acid.

9. Pepto-Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate): Getting Immediate Relief from Mild Diarrhea

Pepto-Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate) is an over-the-counter drug that is used to treat mild diarrhoea in dogs. It simply operates by forming a layer on the lining of the stomach and the intestines, thus minimising the irritation and can assist in the regularisation of stools.

Active Ingredient

Bismuth Subsalicylate: Lowers the irritation of the gastrointestinal lining and has a mild antimicrobial action useful in fighting diarrhoea due to bacterial overgrowth.

Key Benefits

• Offers an immediate solution to mild diarrhoea, especially after eating unhealthy food or under stress.
• Relieves nausea and stomach pain that is usually associated with diarrhoea.

Usage

Pepto-Bismol comes in liquid and tablet form. The dosage is quite simple and ranges from 0.5 ml per pound of the dog’s weight, given every 6 to 8 hours. It should not be given to certain breeds of dogs with certain conditions, like aspirin intolerance.

10.  PetAlive Diarrhea Soothe: Relief with Natural Elements of Herbs

PetAlive Diarrhea Soothe is an herbal supplement that helps ease mild gastrointestinal disturbances and diarrhoea. The product is made from a combination of mild, safe herbs that are acclaimed for their soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.

Active Ingredients

Chamomile: This herb has anti-inflammatory properties, possesses a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract, and helps relax the muscles of the intestine.

Slippery Elm Bark: Slippery elm is well known for its demulcent properties. It can lubricate the mucosa of the digestive tract and help with inflammation of the stomach lining.

Ginger: A herbal remedy for nausea and indigestion that can help prevent or alleviate stomach discomfort and maintain proper intestinal contractions.

Usage

PetAlive Diarrhea Soothe comes in liquid and can be mixed with food or given orally. The usual dose depends on the weight of the dog, and it is suggested for regular, lasting improvement in the digestive system.

Home Remedies for Dogs Diarrhoea

Most of the time, you can solve your dog’s diarrhoea at home, depending on the cause and seriousness of his diarrhoea.

Fast your dog by not giving it food for anything between 12 to 24 hours. Then, feed your dog a bland diet when their digestive tract has a chance to heal. Cooked white rice, boiled chicken, and low-fat hamburgers are common bland diets. A bland diet can be bad if your dog is allergic to the foods above.

If your dog’s diarrhoea started after a sudden change in the diet, then set your dog back on the original feed. It may be enough to kill off further stomach upset. Once they have been on the new food for a couple of weeks and their stools have firmed up, continue feeding the original food. Once you’ve got them over the first few days, you can begin to transition your dog over to a new food at a slow pace.

The best way to transition your dog from a new to old food is to slowly add the new food one day at a time for a couple of weeks a time and slowly take away the original food. It helps prevent your dog’s digestive system from adjusting because it gives it a chance.

Medication Tips For Dog Diarrhea 

You don’t want your dog to have diarrhoea or for your dog to keep having diarrhoea, so of course, you will want your dog’s diarrhoea resolved ASAP with long-term success. Here are a few tips to increase your chances of successfully treating your dog’s diarrhoea:

Start treatment as early as possible. If you have diarrhoea in your dog, call your vet. The quicker you act, the more quickly your dog can be back to their normal self!

Carefully follow your vet’s instructions. If your vet suggests home remedies or medication, please do as they ask to support the best possible treatment reaction.

Monitor your dog. If diarrhoea doesn’t start to clear up and your dog’s health is going downhill, alert your vet immediately.