Diarrhea

Description:

A relatively common condition in dogs characterized by unusually frequent, liquid (or loose) bowel movements. Diarrhea is the opposite of constipation. Persistent diarrhea is uncomfortable for your dog and potentially dangerous to their health if not appropriately addressed.

Symptoms:

• Frequent stools that are loose or liquid in nature
• Flatulence and gas
• Bloody or mucousy stool
• Changes in volume of stool
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Increased urgency to defecate

Natural solutions:

• Feed more bone (either whole or ground bone). Some dogs require more than 10% bone in their diet.
• Try different proteins. Some dogs are sensitive to certain proteins and organs, and feeding them can cause diarrhea.
• Supplement your pet’s diet with a good probiotic.
• Try giving the Chinese herb Po Chai. It generally comes in sets of ten or twelve small vials filled with tiny pellets. For a large dog, I’ve seen it recommended to give one vial three times a day; small dogs should get ½ vial three times of day. If you’re unsure, check with someone familiar with giving herbs to dogs. Keep giving this herb until the diarrhea has fully cleared up.
• Consider homeopathic remedies. It’s often recommended to give one pellet every 4 hours for a total of 3 treatments (put the pellet in your dog’s cheek), and don’t give any food for 10 minutes before or after. If your dog isn’t noticeably better after 24 hours, try a different remedy. Some homeopathic remedies to consider are:

Podophyllum 6C: For typical diarrhea with a forceful, gushing stool, especially if it smells unusually bad.

Mercurius corrosivus 6C: For frequent bloody stools with much straining, usually after eating toxic substances or from a viral infection.

Arsenicum album 6C: For diarrhea from eating spoiled meat. Usually there are small, frequent bowel movements, and your dog may be weak, thirsty, and cold.

Pulsatilla 6C: For dogs that have overeaten or had food that is too rich or fatty. They may become subdued and timid, and they may not be thirsty (which is unusual during diarrhea).