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Canine Health

Why does my dog have diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea can be linked to other problems (which may need veterinary attention) but is often due to your dog eating inappropriate foods or a sudden change in their diet and, in these circumstances, you can treat your dog at home…

Dog digestion health

Things you can do to help your dog if he/she is suffering from diarrhoea:

  • Withhold food for 24 hours (12 for puppies) but make sure your dog can always access fresh water.
  • Give small, easy-to-digest, meals until bowel movements are normal then slowly re-introduce their usual diet – see my recovery recipe below.
  • Giving small amounts of plain yoghurt or canned pumpkin.

Yoghurt is great for stopping diarrhoea and helping the digestive tract work more effectively – it will keep harmful intestinal bacteria in check.

Pumpkin and fresh vegetables are a good source of dietary fibre, which is a superb digestive aid that can relieve constipation and diarrhoea.

Consult your vet if:

Consult your vet if:

  • The problem persists for more than 48 hours after the above treatment starts.
  • You notice any blood in your dog’s stool.
  • Your dog is also being sick, lethargic or seems to be in pain.
  • You believe they may have eaten something harmful.

Chicken and Oat Bowl for Poorly Dogs

Chicken and Oat Bowl for Poorly Dogs

Ingredients:

  • Small whole chicken
  • 150g porridge oats
  • 1 celery stick (chopped)
  • 1 sweet potato (peeled and diced)
  • Sprinkle of chopped parsley

Method:

  1. Gently cook the chicken, celery and sweet potato in 4 pints of water for about 90 minutes, or in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
  2. Remove the vegetables from the pan and discard. Remove the chicken and leave to cool before removing the meat and cutting it into bitesize pieces.
  3. Bring 2 pints of the remaining stock to the boil (after skimming any fat from the top) and stir in the oats. Stir for 2 minutes then remove from the heat.
  4. When the porridge is cool enough for your dog to eat, mix some of it with a portion of the boiled chicken, sprinkle over some parsley and feed to your dog.

*Serve this meal in several small portions throughout the day at room temperature. You can switch the veg for whatever you have in your cupboard: turnip, carrots, butternut squash, pumpkin, broccoli etc.

Chicken and Oat Bowl for Poorly Dogs
You can add in some of the vegetables to the final meal.

Like this? Check out my other recipes.