Home Remedies from a Veterinarian’s Perspective

As a licensed veterinarian practicing in Texas for over a decade, I’ve treated countless dogs with diarrhea. I’ve seen it range from mild, short-lived upset tummies to more concerning cases that required hospitalization. Over the years, I’ve learned that helping a dog at home requires both patience and careful observation.

One of the first things I always tell dog owners is to watch for warning signs. If your dog is lethargic, vomiting excessively, has blood in the stool, or hasn’t urinated in a day, you shouldn’t attempt home remedies—these are situations that need professional attention immediately. That said, for mild diarrhea in otherwise healthy dogs, there are several things you can safely try at home.

Fasting for Short Periods

In my experience, giving a dog’s digestive system a short break can be surprisingly effective. For adult dogs, withholding food for about 12 to 24 hours while keeping water available often calms the stomach.

I remember a golden retriever client who had mild diarrhea after eating a piece of chicken bone. A brief fast, combined with careful hydration, helped settle her stomach within a day. Puppies require more caution due to their smaller reserves and higher risk of dehydration, so fasting isn’t always suitable for them.

Hydration is Key

One of the biggest mistakes I see owners make is underestimating the importance of water. Even mild diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. I recommend offering small, frequent amounts of water rather than letting the dog gulp large volumes at once. In some cases, a little chicken broth without onions or garlic can encourage drinking. I had a senior beagle who refused water after mild diarrhea, and alternating plain water with unsalted chicken broth helped him stay hydrated until his stool normalized.

Bland Diets Can Help

Once the fasting period is over, I often suggest transitioning to a bland diet. Plain boiled chicken (or turkey) and white rice is a classic option. In one case, a Labrador mix developed diarrhea after switching to a new kibble.

Feeding her small portions of rice with shredded boiled chicken for two days helped restore her digestive balance. Some dogs do well with plain pumpkin puree, which is gentle on the stomach and can help firm up stool. I usually recommend unsweetened, canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

Probiotics and Digestive Aids

Probiotics can support healthy gut bacteria, which sometimes get disrupted during diarrhea. In my clinic, I often recommend products formulated specifically for dogs rather than generic human probiotics. A corgi I treated last summer responded very well to a canine probiotic combined with a bland diet—the diarrhea resolved within 48 hours.

Foods and Items to Avoid

I frequently warn owners against giving their dogs over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications meant for humans. Medications like loperamide can be dangerous, especially in small breeds or dogs with certain health conditions. I’ve also seen well-meaning owners give dairy, thinking it will soothe the gut, but lactose can actually worsen diarrhea in many dogs.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, mild diarrhea often resolves with careful observation, hydration, and a temporary bland diet. Each dog is different, so what works for one may not work for another.

Monitoring your dog’s behavior and stool quality is key. If diarrhea persists beyond a day or two, or if your dog shows other symptoms, seeking professional veterinary care is essential. I’ve found that owners who act thoughtfully and calmly tend to help their dogs recover faster without unnecessary stress.