my dog has had diarrhea for 2 days

Question
I am trying to find out if there is something I can give my dog who has had diarrhea for 2 days.He is acting normal,happy and playful no problem eating,but he has been sick and every time he has diarrhea he eats it then vomits.Help,is there anything I can do to help him instead of taking him to the vet?

Answer
Hi Krista,

Because your dog isn't acting depressed or unresponsive, and is acting normal, you can try treating this at home, but if the diarrhea or the vomiting persists, then you have no choice but to have your dog examined by your veterinarian.

You can also give your dog Pepto Bismol in treatment of diarrhea, vomiting, and indigestion, if he tolerates aspirin (because it contains aspirin). In general, the dose for Pepto-Bismol regular strength liquid:  0.5-1 ml/pound every 6-8 hours by mouth. Regular strength tablets (often the form preferred by dogs): 1/4 tablet/20 pounds every 6-8 hours by mouth. That translates to a small terrier-sized dog gets one half teaspoonful at a time, a Labrador-sized dog two teaspoonfuls.
Treatment should only be needed for 1-2 days. If diarrhea persists or worsens, contact your veterinarian. Side effects you might see is tongue color may darken temporarily, and his stool may turn a gray-black or greenish color during treatment.

Besides the Pepto Bismol, you give your dog a bland diet for the next 3 days, to see if it helps.
Give your dog's digestive tract needs complete rest. Allow no food or water until your dog has gone at least six hours without vomiting. Begin with very small amounts of water at frequent intervals. If there is more vomiting, go back to the short fast, for another six hours. Do not be discouraged. The stomach often needs complete rest for twenty four hours or more.

Offer water every 15 minutes or so. Give a Poodle sized dog one teaspoonful at a time, a German Shepherd about two tablespoonfuls. Over a period of a few hours gradually increase the amounts offered until your dog's thirst is satisfied. If you wish, give clear liquids such as low sodium chicken broth or a little Jell-O. After at least 12 hours, when your dog's thirst has been satisfied, you may begin giving small amounts of food.

Mix one and a half cups of cooked white rice with one half cup of cooked chicken or turkey meat (no grease, no skin) Jarred chicken or turkey baby food can be substituted. Boiled or baked potato may be substituted for the rice. Begin offering small amounts of bland, easy to digest food.

Give a Poodle sized dog about one half teaspoonful at a time. A large dog can have as much as a tablespoonful. Over a period of twenty four hours, gradually increase the amounts being fed until your dog's hunger is satisfied. Do not rush things, as that can cause your dog's sore stomach to distend, and make him vomit again.

The following day, begin mixing the bland diet half and half with your dog's normal food. Instead of one or two big feedings, divide the normal amount into four or five small feedings.

Best of luck,
Patti