shit-zu diarrhea

Question
Dear Patti: I have a shit-zu, 13 years old, and for the last 7 days or had diarrhea. I started about 5 days ago to feed him just rice, however he continues to display a very soft yellow poop. Is the rice the correct food to try to stop the diarrhea? Just for your information, we are careful trying to avoid him eating his own poop (he did this in the past and whenever he has a chance). He normally eats Science Diet for mature dogs dry food. Any advise will be appreciated, thanks, John

Answer
Hi John,

You dog should receive a bland diet to help stop the diarrhea and soothe the inflammation of the intestines. A bland diet is:

Mix one and a half cups of cooked white rice one half cup of lean meat such as turkey (no skin or bones). If that's too much for toy size dog, the ratio is 2/3 cooked rice, to 1/3 meat. You can also use jars of chicken or turkey baby foods instead of the turkey. Your dog might find warm food more palatable than cold.

Begin offering small amounts of bland diet 3 or 4 times a day. Over a period of twenty four hours, gradually increase the amounts being fed until your dog's hunger is satisfied. Do not rush things.

If the diarrhea persists for another two days, you need to call your vet.

You can give your dog Pepto Bismol regular strength liquid every six to eight hours, a small sized dog can have one half teaspoonful at a time. If you'd rather, you could use regular strength Pepto Bismol tablets (often the form preferred by dogs). Give 1/4 tablet per 20 pounds every 6-8 hours by mouth. If you need to call your vet, be sure to tell him/her that you've tried a bland diet, and whether or not you've used the Pepto Bismol (and the results of both treatments).

Best of luck,
Patti