How to Stop Dog Diarrhoea

When faced with dog diarrhoea, we’re often wishing that it will go away quickly. No pet owner likes to see their pet in distress, and often diarrhoea is a sign that something isn’t quite right with your dog's stomach. Wondering how to stop dog diarrhoea? Then you’re in the right place! 

Here at Burgess Pet Care, our high-quality dry dog food is a great option for a nutritious, balanced diet. In this blog, we’ll explain doggy diarrhoea and offer some quick natural home remedies you can offer your dog for a more settled stomach.  

Why does my dog have diarrhoea? 

If you’ve noticed that your dog’s stools are loose or watery, and not very pleasant to deal with, you’re probably wondering what has caused it. Just like humans, dogs will sometimes get an upset stomach, which might cause more frequent, watery poos. Some other more common reasons for dog diarrhoea include: 

• Your dog has eaten something which they shouldn’t have done 
• You’ve made a recent change to their diet, and they have a sensitive stomach
• They are stressed or worried 
• They have a food allergy 
• They have a chronic medical condition 

Most mild cases of diarrhoea last for around 24 hours and will resolve themselves naturally. However, you should be prepared to contact your vet if it lasts for more than 36 hours, if there is blood in your dog’s stools, if your dog is vomiting, or if they have a loss of appetite and refuse to drink. 

What to feed dogs with diarrhoea 

One simple thing you can do to combat dog diarrhoea is to change your beloved pooch’s diet. When their stools are runny, they will generally benefit from a more bland diet, or one that’s made up of proper, natural ingredients. Sticking to recipes that contain highly digestible foods like chicken, rice, and white fish is a good option. 

>> Make sure you read our dog nutrition guide, which has all the details for a healthy, balanced diet! << 

Because dogs who have diarrhoea are losing a lot more water than normal, it’s also wise that you keep your pooch well hydrated. Always keep their water bowl full and easy to access, and you can even add a splash of water to their meals. 

Not all cases of diarrhoea are preventable, but there are some things you can incorporate into your dog’s daily lifestyle to prevent those loose stools. Keep your dog’s diet consistent and nutritious, and stop them from eating things outside of the home where possible. 

As tempting as their puppy dog eyes can be, you should also refrain from feeding your dog from the table. There are quite a few toxic foods for dogs - make sure you’re never tempted to give your dog any of those. 

Try Burgess Sensitive dog food! 

Did you know that here at Burgess Pet Care we have our own sensitive dog food range? 

Our dry kibble features easily digestible proteins and all the essential vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy, balanced diet. It’s gentle on your dog's stomach, and contains a complete hypoallergenic formula, designed specifically for dogs with food sensitivities. 

>> Want to get your paws on a bag? Then make sure you learn about switching your dog’s diet to avoid any stool problems and ensure an easy transition. <<  

How to stop dog diarrhoea: More top tips 

Thankfully, as well as feeding your dog high-quality dog food, dog diarrhoea most of the time can be treated from the comfort of your own home with a little patience (and a lot of paper towels!). Keep calm, and remember to offer your dogs plenty of love and cuddles, especially if they are feeling a little under the weather. 

Here are some more at-home tips you can try to support and prevent doggy diarrhoea: 

• Temporary fasting - Giving your dog’s tummy a short break (12 to 24 hours of fasting) can help reset your dog’s stomach. After that, serve them a meal of bland food like chicken to help firm up their stools. 
• Plenty of hydration - Diarrhoea results in a lot of fluid loss, so make sure you’re encouraging your dog to drink plenty of water. Hydration will support recovery and keep their energy levels up. 
• Limit treats and table scraps - Treats, especially fatty ones, might only prolong the problem. Stick to the basics for now, and once your dog’s stools are back to normal, then you can reintroduce treats.
• Keep up regular exercise - A happy, active dog is often a healthy one! Daily walks and fun play sessions are key for digestion and overall mood. Once your dog is fully recovered, introduce frequent walking into their daily routine. 
• Try supplements - If nothing else is working, you might want to introduce your dog to a digestive supplement. Sprinkle this on top of your dog’s main meal and see whether it provides extra support for your pooch’s gut. 

For sensitive tummies, choose Burgess Pet Care 

And there you have it… Some natural ways to stop dog diarrhoea. Hopefully, the next time you're faced with loose, sloppy stools, you’ll feel better prepared for supporting your dog when they have a sensitive tummy. 

Remember - the best diet is a Burgess diet! For nearly 50 years we’ve been manufacturing high-quality pet food for some of the UK’s most beloved animals, right here in the heart of Yorkshire. The health and happiness of animals is our number one goal, and our expert knowledge in animal nutrition makes us stand out from a highly saturated market. 

Need more doggy advice? Make sure you check out our dog care advice for information on your dog's diet, lifestyle, & more. Or, get in touch with our friendly team!