Oh Crap! My Dog Has the Runs: A Tail of Woe (and How to End It)
Let's face it, dog ownership isn't all sunshine and belly rubs. Sometimes, our furry friends surprise us with...well, surprises that wouldn't win any house-training awards. We're talking about diarrhea, folks. The kind that leaves you wondering if your pup swallowed a rogue bottle of laxatives (hopefully not, because that's a vet trip for sure).
But fear not, fellow dog lovers! Before you resign yourself to a life of biohazard suits and air fresheners, here's a guide to help your canine companion ditch the Hershey squirts and get back to their tail-wagging best.
How To Get Rid Of A Dog's Diarrhea |
Step 1: Diagnose the Disaster (Without Getting Too Personal)
Okay, we all love a good sniffari, but trust me, playing detective with your dog's doo-doo isn't the answer. There are, however, a few clues to consider:
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.![]()
- Frequency: Is this a one-time incident, or a full-blown Niagara Falls situation?
- Consistency: Is it a watery mess, or something a little more...solidly unpleasant?
- Color: Think sunshine yellow or something darker and more concerning? (Note: Black, tarry stools require a vet visit ASAP!)
Remember: This isn't a science project, people. Use your best judgment and maybe some paper towels to avoid getting too involved.
Step 2: Fasting - A Time for Reflection (and Hopefully, Less Elimination)
Just like us, sometimes our pups need a break from the buffet. Withhold food for 12-24 hours (check with your vet for puppies or small breeds). This gives their digestive system a chance to hit the reset button. Water, however, is key! Dehydration is a real danger during doggy diarrhea.
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.![]()
Pro-Tip: If your dog stares at you with those big, sad puppy eyes during the fast, distract them with a good game of fetch (minus the treats, of course).
Step 3: The Bland Diet - Because Bland is Beautiful (Especially in Poop)
Once the fasting fun is over, it's time for a culinary downgrade. Think boiled white rice with a sprinkle of boiled chicken (no skin or bones!). This bland diet is easy on their tummies and helps firm things up.
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.![]()
Bonus points: Add a spoonful of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling!). Pumpkin is a natural source of fiber, which is a lifesaver for doggy diarrhea.
Step 4: Patience is a Virtue (Especially When Cleaning Up Dog Poop)
Recovery takes time. Don't expect your pup to go from toxic waste to perfectly formed poops overnight. Slowly reintroduce their regular food, monitoring their progress.
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.![]()
If the diarrhea persists for more than a day or two, or if your dog seems lethargic, is vomiting, or has a bloody stool, don't hesitate to call your vet. Their expert advice is worth its weight in gold (or maybe heavy-duty poop bags).
Remember: You Got This!
With a little TLC and these handy tips, you'll have your dog back to their regular, tail-wagging, poop-producing self in no time. Just be sure to stock up on those poop bags – because sometimes, life throws you a curveball (or, well, a doggy doo-doo disaster).