ArcaMax

If your elderly dog has diarrhea, there are steps you can take to help manage their condition while keeping them comfortable.

Monitor for Other Symptoms

Diarrhea in older dogs can be caused by diet changes, infections, food allergies, stress or underlying health conditions like kidney disease. Watch for signs like lethargy, vomiting, blood in the stool, loss of appetite or signs of pain. If any of these symptoms appear, contact your vet immediately.

Provide Gentle Digestive Support

For mild diarrhea, try fasting your dog for 12 to 24 hours to let their digestive system rest. After that, offer a bland diet like boiled white rice and plain chicken. Canned pumpkin (not pie filling) may help firm up stools.

Hydration is important. Diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, so make sure your dog has fresh water at all times. You can also add a little low-sodium chicken broth to encourage drinking.

Check for Dehydration

Gently pinch the skin near your dog’s shoulders. If it does not snap back quickly, they may be dehydrated. Contact your vet if you notice this, as dehydration is serious for older dogs.

Avoid Over-the-Counter Medications

Do not give your dog Pepto-Bismol, Imodium or any human anti-diarrheal medication unless directed by a vet. Some ingredients can be toxic to dogs.

When to Call the Vet

Call your vet if diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, if there is blood in the stool, if your dog becomes weak or refuses food, or if vomiting occurs along with diarrhea. If your dog has a pre-existing condition like diabetes or kidney disease, they may need medical attention sooner.

Consider Probiotics

A vet-approved probiotic like FortiFlora or Pro-Pectalin may help restore gut bacteria and firm up stools.

If diarrhea does not improve or gets worse, seek veterinary care right away. Older dogs are more vulnerable to complications like dehydration.

This article was created in part utilizing AI tools