Natural Canine Diarrhea Remedies

Natural canine diarrhea remedies such as using dietary supplements, herbs, and homeopathic remedies are effective in treating chronic diarrhea in dogs. This page looks at some such remedies and recommends some products of natural diarrhea remedies for dogs. It is advisable to keep one or two of these remedies in your dog's first aid kit just in case!

As mentioned in our page on Diarrhea in Dogs, canine diarrhea can occur suddenly and last for a short time (acute diarrhea). However, sometimes dogs also have diarrhea on and off for a prolonged period of time (chronic), in which case a visit to the veterinarian to determine the underlying cause is necessary.

For common causes of canine diarrhea (both acute and chronic) and treatment of acute diarrhea, please refer to the page on Diarrhea in Dogs.

This page focuses on using natural remedies to treat chronic diarrhea in dogs.

Treating Chronic Diarrhea in Dogs - General

If your dog suffers from chronic diarrhea but a medical check-up has revealed no other signs of disease, you may want to try the following:

Change her diet. Put her on a natural diet if you have not already done so.
Add probiotics such as live-cultured yogurt to her food. Alternatively, use a commercial product as a supplement.
Add extra fiber to her food, e.g. cooked oatmeal, brown rice, canned pumpkin, flaxseeds.
Use essential oils to ease the cramps. Dogs suffering from diarrhea very often have stomach cramps. Antispasmodic oils such as peppermint or chamomile are effective in stopping the cramping. Add 3 or 4 drops of one of these oils to half a teaspoon of carrier oil (e.g. olive oil) and rub the oil mixture on the tips of your dog's ears.

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Herbal Canine Diarrhea Remedies

You may also want to try the following herbal remedies for chronic diarrhea in dogs:

Slippery Elm: Slippery elm soothes and coats the mucuous membranes and is an herb that is effective for both diarrhea and constipation.
Licorice Root: Licorice is anti-inflammatory and is a healthier natural substitute for steroids such as corticosteroid that are often used in combination with antibiotics to treat chronic diarrhea in dogs.
Catnip: Catnip has gas relieving and antispasmodic properties so it is effective in treating flatulence and diarrhea.
Echinacea: Many chronic diseases are as a result of a dysfunctional immune system. Echinacea strengthens the immune system and returns the system to its normal functional state.

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Canine Diarrhea Remedies - Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements are useful canine diarrhea remedies. In particular, the following supplements should be given to your dog if he has chronic or repeated episodes of diarrhea:

Probiotics - Studies indicate that probiotics, or "friendly" bacteria, can help reduce symptoms of diarrhea by restoring the balance of microflora in the dog's intestinal tract.
Digestive Enzymes - Digestive enzymes can be used to aid proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. Dogs with chronic diarrhea, especially those who have irritated or inflamed digestive tracts, have difficulty breaking down the food for the nutrients. Digestive enzymes can help with this process. In addition, some plant enzymes (e.g. Bromelain) can help fight inflammation and reduce swelling.
L-Glutamine - L-Glutamine is an amino acid that helps to protect the stomach and intestinal lining and also may prevent the formation of stomach ulcers. Studies have shown that it helps to repair intestinal tissue at the cellular level. It also induces the large intestine to remove excess water - helpful for diarrhea-prone dogs.
N-Acetyl-Glucosamine - Research suggests that N-acetyl-glucosamine supplements may improve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

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Homeopathic Canine Diarrhea Remedies

Numerous homeopathic remedies are effective in treating diarrhea in dogs. For a remedy to work, it is advisable to have your dog carefully examined by a holistic vet who practices homeopathy, because detailed information, such as the dog's past and current health conditions, the symptoms, and even the dog's behavior and temperament, is needed before the vet can select the most appropriate remedy for your dog.

Examples of some common homeopathic remedies for dog diarrhea include Arsenicum album, Colocynthis, Pulsatilla, and Veratrum album.

Natural Canine Diarrhea Remedies - Effective Products

Here are some natural products that are effective in treating canine diarrhea:

Only Natural Pet GI Support for Dogs and Cats

This formula contains a unique combination of effective herbs for diarrhea (such as slippery elm, licorice, and alfalfa), as well as probiotics, vitamins, health-building co-factors and enzymes. This formula is ideal for animals suffering from chronic or recurrent poor digestion, food allergies, or irritable bowel issues.

Gastriplex by Thorne Research for Cats and Dogs

This natural supplement contains slippery elm and licorice, as well as beneficial probiotics and other nutrients such as L-Glutamine and N-Acetyl-Glucosamine. Very effective in treating canine diarrhea.

HomeoPet Digestive Upsets

This homeopathic formula contains remedies for diarrhea such as Veratrum album, Pulsatilla, Arsenicum, etc. and is effective and fast acting.

Only Natural Pet Tummy Relief

This formula works rapidly to normalize digestion, balance microflora levels and help detoxify the GI tract. It offers direct aid for dogs and cats with diarrhea and other GI problems.

Integrative Therapeutics NF Spectra Probiotic for Dogs and Cats

This product supplies the necessary "friendly" bacteria for proper digestion and bowel health. Probiotics are often used to help occasional diarrhea, flatulence and foul smelling stools, and are absolutely essential for any animal receiving antibiotics or any other prescription drugs that deplete intestinal microflora.

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