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My dog has diarrhea and won't eat. What are the best home remedies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

What best home remedy for diarrhea and loss of appetite for my dog?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on February 5th, 2015

The diarrhea could be caused by any number of things; intestinal parasites, a bacterial infection, even being constipated will sometimes manifest as diarrhea because liquid feces is all that will get by the impacted fecal material. It could be as simple as a dietary indiscretion, meaning she might have gotten into the trash and eaten something that didn't agree with her. Try taking away all food, treats included, for 24 hours. S/he can still have water. This will give the gut a chance to rest. After the 24 hours are up, introduce just a small amount of normal food. Wait a little while and give a little more. Keep doing this until s/he has had her normal amount for the morning. However, if s/he continues to have loose stool, or starts vomiting, loses her appetite, acts lethargic, and/or develops a fever, get her in to be seen by your vet right away as this could indicate a more serious problem.

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    Answered By Laura E. McRae

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    The best home remedy for diarrhea is to allow your dog's stomach to have a rest so it can heal on its own. To give your dog's stomach a rest, withhold all food for at least 24 hours, but continue to all access to water. After 24 hours of fasting and if the diarrhea has ceased, you can introduce a bland diet of cooked white rice and skinless boiled chicken or hamburger (fat skimmed off). Feed 3-4 small meals throughout the next couple of days. If this is well tolerated, then slowly transition your dog back to his/her regular diet. Kaolin for pets (similar to kaopectate but formulated without bismuth salicylate - available in petstores) can be given at the dose of 1-2 Tsp per 10 pounds body weight or 0.5-1 ml per pound of body weight orally (or following instructions on the bottle). Seek veterinary attention if the diarrhea persists longer than 24 hours even with fasting, returns when food is reintroduced, or if the stool has blood or mucus in it.

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