If your nursing dog is suffering from diarrhea, you may be wondering what you can give her to help. Diarrhea can be a serious problem for dogs, and it is important to take steps to treat it as soon as possible. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of diarrhea in nursing dogs, and we will also provide some tips on how to treat it.
What Can You Give a Nursing Dog for Diarrhea?
The best solution for your nursing dog with diarrhea will be to feed her more natural remedies so you don’t have to worry about any side effects. Since your dog is producing milk for her puppies, she may pass on any of the medications to her pups, which could be harmful or toxic to them.
Dogs that are nursing can usually drink plenty of water on their own, so you don’t need to give them any additional fluids unless they are really dehydrated.
Here are some common, effective, and mild home remedies that you can give your nursing dog for diarrhea:
White Rice
Feed her some plain boiled rice, which will help to absorb any excess fluid in her stomach and intestines. This works well because rice is gluten-free and easy for the body to digest. Make sure not to add any seasonings such as salt, onion, or garlic to the rice. Don’t use wild or brown rice, as they contain more fiber and are harder for your dog’s body to pass.
Pumpkin
Mix a little bit of canned pumpkin puree into her food. Pumpkin is a good source of fiber, and it can help to soothe the digestive system and bulk up your dog’s stool. Pumpkin is also a highly nutritious and vitamin-rich food, which can help nourish both the mother and her pups.
Boiled Chicken
Another easy and nutritious meal that can help to soothe the digestive system is boiled chicken. This meal is low in fat, high in protein, and full of nutrients that can help to ease diarrhea. It’s important to remember not to season the chicken or prepare it any other way. This is because spices and other flavorings can irritate the stomach and make diarrhea worse.
Bananas
Feeding your dog a ripe banana can be helpful for treating diarrhea because it is rich in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B-12. All of these nutrients can help to support the digestive system and may help to ease diarrhea symptoms. They also soothe the lining of the stomach, which can be irritated by diarrhea.
Fast Your Dog for 12 to 24 Hours
If your dog’s diarrhea is severe, you may need to fast her for 12 to 24 hours. This means that she will not eat anything during this time, but make sure she has access to water so she doesn’t become dehydrated.
Fasting gives the digestive system a chance to rest and heal, and it can help to reduce inflammation in the gut. After the fast, start feeding your dog small meals of bland, easily digestible food such as boiled chicken and rice.
Switch to a High-Quality Dog Food
If your dog is eating a poor-quality diet, this could be one of the reasons she is suffering from diarrhea. Dogs that are fed a diet of processed foods or low-quality ingredients are more likely to experience digestive problems. Make sure you are feeding your dog high-quality food that is designed for her specific needs.
Some features of high-quality dog food include:
- Real meat as the first ingredient
- No artificial ingredients or fillers
- A balanced blend of essential nutrients
- Vegetable free
- It doesn’t contain by-products such as legs, feathers, beaks, udders, etc.
- Low or no grain content
Even if you can’t afford it long-term, try feeding your dog high-quality food for a few weeks to see if it makes a difference in her diarrhea. Her pups will appreciate and benefit from the healthier nutrient-dense food as well.
Feed Her Chicken or Beef Broth
If your dog is refusing to eat, you can try feeding her some broth. This will help to keep her hydrated and provide some nutrients and calories. Make sure the broth is unsalted and doesn’t contain any additives or spices that could irritate her stomach.
Help Reduce Her Stress Levels
If your dog is stressed, this can make her more prone to diarrhea. Make sure she has a quiet, comfortable place to rest and care for her pups. Remove any sources of stress from her environment, such as other pets or young children. Try to keep things calm and relaxed for her.
Prepare her birthing space well by adding a whelping box and nesting materials. This will help her to feel secure and safe. Provide her with plenty of attention and affection. This will help her to feel loved and supported, which can reduce stress levels.
Don’t Give Her Pepto-Bismol
Pepto-Bismol is a medication that contains bismuth subsalicylate. This can be helpful for treating diarrhea in people, but it’s not safe for puppies. Your vet should be the one to make the final call on any over-the-counter or prescription medications you may be considering for your dog.
Avoid Fatty Foods
Fatty foods are hard for the digestive system to process and can lead to diarrhea. Avoid feeding your dog fatty meats, dairy products, or processed foods. Stick with lean proteins and complex carbohydrates instead.
Provide Plenty of Fresh Water
Dehydration is a common complication of diarrhea. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water at all times. You may need to increase her water intake if she’s suffering from diarrhea.
Is It Normal for a Nursing Dog to Have Diarrhea?
Yes, it is normal for a nursing dog to have diarrhea. As long as your dog is otherwise healthy and happy, there is no need to worry about occasional episodes of diarrhea.
While diarrhea is not always serious, it’s important to monitor your dog and her pups closely for any signs of distress. If diarrhea lasts more than a day or two, if it becomes worse, the stool is bloody, or if your dog starts to lose weight, then it is important to contact the veterinarian.
How Long Should My Dog Have Diarrhea After Giving Birth?
Most cases of diarrhea resolve themselves within a few days to a week, but if it persists or becomes worse, you should contact your veterinarian. Diarrhea can be dangerous for both the mother dog and her puppies, so it is important to get help if you think it may be infection-based or if the diarrhea is near the pups.
Why Is My Dog Having Diarrhea After Having Puppies?
Nursing dogs can experience diarrhea for a number of reasons, such as changes in diet, eating something that disagrees with them, or an infection. Mother dogs are expending a tremendous amount of energy during the birthing and nursing process, which can leave them feeling tired and rundown. This can also lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea.
The mother will also sometimes eat the placenta, or after birth, which can cause diarrhea. This is not a cause for concern, and it is actually beneficial for the mother as it helps to expel any remaining blood or tissue from the womb.
An increased appetite can also be a cause of diarrhea. This may happen if your pup needs to eat more in order to provide milk for her litter. This, temporarily, can create runniness in her stool.