If your dog is vomiting and diarrhea, there are a few things you can do at home to help them feel better. But if your pet's symptoms aren't improving or seem to be getting worse, it's best to visit the veterinarian.
Diarrhea can be a serious gastrointestinal problem that should be treated immediately. The condition can lead to dehydration, causing electrolyte imbalances and potentially compromising your dog's organ function.
Rice
If your dog has a mild case of diarrhea, serving them plain boiled rice is an excellent choice. It is low in calories but high in soluble fiber, which can help absorb water passing through the gastrointestinal tract and stabilize their stool.
White rice is the best type of rice to serve a dog with diarrhea as it is easy to digest and doesn't irritate the stomach. Make sure you use a high-quality brand as cheap "minute" or brown rice can be toxic for your pet.
A bland diet of boiled white meat chicken or low-fat cottage cheese is another good choice for dogs with mild cases of diarrhea. You can also mix small amounts of cooked white rice or potatoes with this food, as well as mashed boiled eggs.
Lean Meat
When it comes to a dog with vomiting and diarrhea, veterinarians usually recommend that you feed them a “bland diet.” A bland diet is typically made of boiled lean meat (such as chicken or turkey) mixed with a starch, such as cooked white rice. The lean protein helps to soothe and settle the digestive tract and the carbohydrate helps to absorb excess water in the intestines, which often occurs in dogs with intestinal upset.
A lean meat selection is low in fat and is packed with nutrients that can help support the recovery of your dog’s stomach. Examples of lean meats include chicken, turkey and beef.
Boiled chicken breast is a great option for a dog with diarrhea because it’s easy to digest and contains no skin. Boiling the chicken also reduces any added fat that may be lurking in the meat. The lean protein can be combined with carbohydrates such as white rice, mashed potatoes or pasta to make it more filling for your dog.
Vegetables
Whether your dog is throwing up or having diarrhea, it's important to keep them hydrated and give their stomach time to heal. This includes a fasting period, which will give their gastrointestinal system a chance to recover and get back on track.
After a few hours, gently re-introduce food to your dog - this is known as gastric rest and can be done after you've given them small amounts of water to drink. A low-fat protein source, such as boiled white chicken or cottage cheese, is ideal; plain rice can also be served alongside this.
Boiled pumpkin is a good choice, too, as it is high in soluble fibre which can help delay the passage of faecal matter and may aid in reducing the number of diarrhoea episodes your dog has. However, you should be aware that a lot of packet/instant rice is high in additives and other flavourings which can cause your dog's digestive tract to become upset again.
Yogurt
Yogurt can be a good food to feed a dog with vomiting and diarrhea, as it contains probiotics that are important for your pet's digestive system. The protein in yogurt also helps make your dog feel full, which can help them fight off diarrhea.
Despite this, it's still best to consult your veterinarian before giving yogurt to your dog with diarrhea. The amount of yogurt that your vet recommends will depend on a variety of factors, including your dog's weight and age, other health conditions, activity level, and daily calorie intake.
If your dog is lactose intolerant, however, they may not be able to tolerate yogurt. This could result in bloat, which is when the stomach dilates and the belly becomes swollen. If this occurs, it can be dangerous for your dog. It can also cause pancreatitis, which is a painful condition that can be fatal.
