When your small dog has diarrhea, the first thing you should do is withhold food for about 12 to 24 hours to rest the digestive system, especially if the diarrhea is sudden or if the dog has also vomited. This brief fast helps settle the stomach before reintroducing food slowly.
Diarrhea in small dogs can be worrying. Their smaller size means they can get dehydrated quickly. Knowing what to feed them and when to seek professional help is key to a quick recovery. This guide will help you manage mild cases safely at home using simple methods.
Recognizing the Need for a Gentle Diet
Diarrhea means your dog’s poop is too watery or loose. It is often a sign that something disagreed with their stomach. This could be eating something bad, a sudden change in food, stress, or a minor bug. For small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, or Pomeranians, rapid fluid loss is a big concern.
Signs of Mild vs. Severe Diarrhea
It is vital to tell the difference between tummy trouble that resolves itself and a serious medical issue.
| Sign | Likely Mild Issue | Sign of Concern (Call Vet) |
|---|---|---|
| Stool Consistency | Soft to mushy, but not totally watery | Watery, explosive, or frequent BMs |
| Energy Level | Mostly normal, still playful | Lethargic, very weak, hiding |
| Appetite | Decreased but willing to sip water | Refusing all food and water for 24+ hours |
| Vomiting | None, or just once or twice early on | Frequent vomiting, inability to keep water down |
| Gums | Pink and moist | Pale, tacky (sticky), or very dry gums |
If you see any signs of concern, know when to call vet for dog diarrhea immediately. Never wait too long with tiny dogs.
The Initial Fast: Resting the Gut
For a healthy adult dog, a short fast is a common first step. This lets the irritated intestines calm down.
- Small Dogs (Under 20 lbs): Fast for 12 hours maximum. Smaller bodies use up reserves faster.
- Puppies: Do not fast puppies for more than 6 to 12 hours, and only after consulting a vet. Puppies need constant energy.
Crucially: Always provide fresh, clean water during the fast. Dehydration is the biggest threat. Encourage small, frequent sips rather than large gulps, which can trigger more vomiting.
Starting the Gentle Diet: The Bland Diet for Small Dog Diarrhea
After the initial fast, you must reintroduce food very gently. The goal is to give the gut something easy to digest. This is where a bland diet for small dog diarrhea comes in. Bland food has low fat and low fiber.
What to Feed a Dog With Upset Stomach: The Core Ingredients
A good bland diet uses simple, cooked components. These ingredients are gentle on inflamed bowels.
1. Protein Source (Lean and Cooked)
You need a very lean protein. Fat irritates the gut lining.
- Boiled, Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast: This is the gold standard. Boil it thoroughly until no pink remains. Shred or finely chop it.
- Lean Ground Turkey: Cooked until completely drained of all fat.
- Low-Fat Cottage Cheese (Small Amounts): Some dogs tolerate this well, but watch for gas.
2. Carbohydrate Source (Binding and Energy)
Carbs help firm up the stool. They provide necessary energy while the gut heals.
- Plain White Rice: Cooked very well until soft. This is the best choice for binding.
- Plain Boiled Potato (No Skin): A good alternative if rice isn’t available.
- Plain Canned Pumpkin (100% Pumpkin, NOT Pie Filling): Excellent source of soluble fiber which helps soak up excess water.
Mixing Ratios for the Bland Diet
The ratio is important for success. Aim for more carbs than protein initially.
Ratio Guide: 2 parts Carbohydrate to 1 part Protein (e.g., 2 tablespoons of rice to 1 tablespoon of chicken).
This mixture forms the basis of the best food for dog upset stomach during recovery.
Feeding Schedule During Recovery
Do not return to regular food all at once. You must transition slowly over several days.
Day 1 (Post-Fast): Offer a very small amount of the bland diet (about 1/4 of a normal meal size). Wait two to three hours. If the dog keeps it down, offer the same small amount again. Do this three to four times throughout the day.
Day 2: If the diarrhea has stopped or significantly improved, increase the meal size slightly, but keep the frequency the same (3-4 small meals).
Day 3 & 4: Gradually increase the bland food portion while slowly reintroducing a small amount of their regular dog food into the bland mix (e.g., 75% bland, 25% regular).
Day 5 Onward: Continue mixing until you are back to 100% regular food. If diarrhea returns at any stage, go back to the previous successful, smaller meal size for another 24 hours.
Home Remedies for Dog Diarrhea and Supportive Care
Besides the specific food, several supportive measures can help speed up recovery. These are popular home remedies for dog diarrhea that veterinarians often approve for mild cases.
Hydration is Critical
Water is non-negotiable. For small dogs, even mild diarrhea can cause serious dehydration quickly.
- Electrolyte Water: If your dog is struggling to drink plain water, you can try offering small amounts of unflavored Pedialyte mixed 50/50 with water. Check with your vet before using Pedialyte regularly.
- Ice Cubes: Offer ice cubes if your dog is vomiting frequently. Licking ice slowly delivers small amounts of water without overwhelming the stomach.
The Role of Probiotics
Good gut bacteria are essential for fighting off bad bacteria and restoring normal digestion. Probiotics for small dog diarrhea are highly recommended.
- Veterinary-Specific Probiotics: These are best. They contain guaranteed amounts of live, beneficial bacteria strains (like Enterococcus faecium or Lactobacillus species). Look for powdered or paste forms designed for dogs.
- Plain Yogurt (Use with Caution): Some owners use plain, unsweetened yogurt containing live and active cultures. However, if your dog is sensitive to dairy, this can make diarrhea worse. Use only a tiny amount (half a teaspoon) if trying this route.
Binding Agents and Gut Soothers
Certain natural items can help soothe the lining and firm up stool.
- Slippery Elm Bark: This herb forms a protective, gel-like coating over the intestinal lining. It can be mixed with water into a slurry and fed lightly.
- Psyllium Husk (Metamucil, Unflavored): A source of fiber that helps absorb excess liquid. Use sparingly—start with just 1/8th of a teaspoon mixed into their bland meal once a day for small breeds. Too much fiber causes gas and more cramping.
Managing Diarrhea in Puppies: Natural Remedies for Puppy Diarrhea
Puppies are much more fragile than adult dogs. Their immune systems are still developing, and low blood sugar is a constant risk. Natural remedies for puppy diarrhea should be approached with extreme caution, and veterinary consultation is usually required immediately.
Key Puppy Rule: Never fast a puppy under six months for more than 6-8 hours, and only with vet permission.
If your vet approves a temporary bland diet for a puppy, use the smallest possible portions. Focus intensely on hydration. A vet may recommend specific kitten/puppy formulas of probiotics or even specific medications suitable for their tiny weight.
Medications: Over the Counter Dog Diarrhea Medicine
While many medications exist, you should never give your small dog human medication without explicit veterinary instruction.
Many over the counter dog diarrhea medicine options contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs (like Pepto-Bismol, which contains salicylates similar to aspirin).
Prescription medications are often used by vets:
- Metronidazole (Flagyl): An antibiotic often used for specific bacterial overgrowth or inflammatory gut issues.
- Tylosin (Tylan): Another antibiotic used for chronic or stubborn diarrhea.
- Kaolin-Pectin: An older medication that coats the gut and absorbs toxins.
Your vet will determine if medication is necessary based on stool analysis and the dog’s overall condition.
Transitioning Back to Regular Food: What to Feed Dog After Vomiting and Diarrhea
Once your small dog has had normal, formed stools for 24 to 48 hours, you can begin switching back to their normal diet. This step is just as important as the fasting step.
If you switch too fast, the diarrhea will return.
Transition Example (For a 5-Day Recovery):
| Day | Bland Food Percentage | Regular Food Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Start Reintroduction) | 75% | 25% |
| Day 2 | 50% | 50% |
| Day 3 | 25% | 75% |
| Day 4 | 0% | 100% |
Monitor the stool closely during this transition. If it softens even slightly, stay on the current ratio for another full day before increasing the regular food amount.
Deeper Dive: Causes of Diarrhea in Small Dogs
To prevent future issues, it helps to know why the tummy trouble started. Small dogs are prone to certain issues.
Dietary Indiscretion (Garbage Gut)
This is the most common cause. Small dogs often get into trash, eat human food scraps, or steal snacks they shouldn’t have. Their small gut volume reacts strongly to sudden richness or spoiled items.
Parasites
Giardia and Coccidia are common intestinal parasites, especially in puppies or dogs recently adopted from shelters. These cause persistent, often mucus-filled diarrhea. A fecal test is required to diagnose and treat these.
Stress and Anxiety
Small dogs, especially toy breeds, can be sensitive to environmental changes (moving house, new pets, loud noises). Stress can trigger a physical reaction leading to diarrhea. This often responds well to the small dog diarrhea treatment at home involving a bland diet and calm environment.
Food Sensitivities or Allergies
If diarrhea is chronic (keeps coming back), it might be a reaction to an ingredient in their regular food, often a protein source like beef or chicken. Switching to a novel protein or a prescription hypoallergenic diet may be needed long term.
When to Worry: Interpreting Warning Signs
Knowing when to worry about small dog diarrhea saves lives, especially with tiny breeds. A small dog can become critically ill from dehydration faster than a large dog.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice:
- Blood in Stool: Bright red streaks (fresh blood) or dark, tarry stools (digested blood).
- Vomiting and Diarrhea Together: This leads to rapid fluid loss.
- Lethargy or Collapse: The dog cannot stand up or shows no interest in interacting.
- Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours despite fasting and bland diet management.
- Gums are pale, blue, or sticky when you gently lift the lip.
- Pain when you touch the abdomen or excessive straining with no result.
If you are ever in doubt, calling the clinic for advice is always the safest route for your small companion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I give my small dog Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea?
No. Do not give your dog Pepto-Bismol or any human medication containing salicylates without specific instruction from your veterinarian. These ingredients can be toxic or cause stomach ulcers in dogs.
How often should I feed my small dog the bland diet?
Start by feeding small amounts (about 1/4 of a normal meal size) three to four times a day. The goal is frequent, tiny meals to minimize work for the healing intestines.
How long should it take for the bland diet to work?
In mild cases caused by dietary indiscretion, you should see improvement within 24 to 48 hours of starting the bland diet and fasting period. If there is no improvement after two full days, seek veterinary advice.
Is rice enough for my dog’s bland diet?
Plain white rice alone is not a complete diet. It lacks necessary protein and nutrients. Rice should only be used for 1–3 days, paired with a lean protein source like boiled chicken, to ensure the dog gets necessary building blocks while resting the gut.
Can I give my dog rice water?
Yes, the starchy water leftover from boiling white rice can be helpful. It provides simple hydration and some binding starch. Offer small amounts during the initial fasting period instead of plain water if the dog seems reluctant to drink.