6 Tips for Dog-Proofing Your Yard

Dog-proofing your home is a must to keep your canine safe and out of trouble. But equally important to the health of your pup, is ensuring your yard is dog-proofed as well. From removing toxic plants and chemicals to yard maintenance, here’s 6 tips for making your yard a safe environment for your pup. 

Maintain Your Yard

Harmful pests like fleas and ticks thrive in unkempt yards with tall grass. To protect your pup, keep your yard organized, free of clutter and regularly mowed. Keep shrubbery trimmed, too. To further ensure your yard remains bug-free, apply a non-toxic, plant-safe insect repellent monthly.

 

Use Non-Toxic Yard Treatments and Pesticides

From manure to weed-killers to pesticides, chemical-based yard products can be extremely dangerous to your pet, not to mention your family. While many guides advocate removing pets from the yard when using such products and then replacing them afterward, we don’t feel that goes quite far enough. After all, these chemicals can persist for weeks after application. A safer and more eco-friendly route is to switch out chemical-based yard products for naturally sourced alternatives—especially when it comes to outdoor pesticides.

 

Secure Trash Cans and Garden Supplies

It goes without saying, but dogs will put just about anything into their mouths. To protect your pup from themselves, make sure your outdoor trash cans and recycling bins are always sealed. The same goes for garden supplies and other outdoor storage items—keep them all out of reach.

 

Remove Toxic Plant life

Before introducing a dog into your yard, you need to remove all plant life that’s potentially toxic to your pup. Consult this list of plants toxic to dogs for help.

 

Fence Off Pools and Hot Tubs

Regardless of their swimming experience, no dog should be left unattended in a backyard with a pool or hot tub that’s not fenced off. We suggest installing a pet fence around your pool, or keeping your pup in an area of the yard without access to the pool.

 

Supply Shade and Water

Whether your dog spends most of the day outside or only goes in the yard occasionally, make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water and shade. Dehydration and heat stroke can sneak up awfully fast. 

 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think!

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How to Go Green When Camping: 5 Tips

Camping is about getting outside and enjoying nature. Unfortunately, when we bring lots of waste and chemical-based products along with us, we can threaten the very nature we hope to appreciate. Green camping is a way of  making our outdoor outings as eco-friendly and responsible as possible. As the saying goes: Take only pictures, leave only footprints. From reducing waste to preserving nature, here are 5 green camping tips. 

 

Go Non-Toxic With Your Bug Spray, Sunscreen and Toiletries 

Traditional, chemical-based products threaten the air, water and wildlife, not to mention your friends and family. Go with a naturally sourced bug spray instead, and when it comes to sunscreen and toiletries, make sure they’re non-toxic and biodegradable. Also shoot for recyclable or reusable packaging.

 

Leave Behind the Electronics

Other than your cell phone and a flashlight (and GPS if you need it) leave the electronics at home. You’re out in the wild, so appreciate it! MP3 players, handheld video games, tablets—leave them all behind. Consider going solar when charging your devices, too

Use Eco-Friendly Gear

Switching to more sustainable and responsibly sourced gear options is a big part of making your camping experience more green. Plastic tents, for instance, can sit in landfills for generations after their final use. For sleeping bags and tents, look for options made from 100% recycled materials. Nearly all tents come with some type of water-resistant coating as well as dyes, so aim for options that contain no toxic dyes and coatings that are solvent-free. If these options aren’t available to you, consider borrowing or purchasing used equipment to reduce manufacturing waste.

Dishes are another way to cut down on your environmental footprint. No matter how tempting, don’t resort to disposable plates and utensils—they’re super bad for the environment. Use reusable dishes instead, like lightweight titanium for example. 

 

Ditch Plastic Water Bottles

Rolling up to a campsite with a few cases of plastic water bottles is just the worst thing ever. That’s a TON of waste, first of all. Second of all, if the campground requires you to carry out your trash, well that’s a whole bunch of stuff to pack out. Plus, plastic means chemicals are leaching into your drinking water—gross! Bring a reusable water bottle instead, along with a few gallons of extra water when you need a refill.

 

Take Care of Business—Responsibly!

Maybe this should have been #2 on the list, but either way, it’s time we all learned how to take care of our business in a way that’s respectful of the environment. If there’s no outhouse or composting toilet near your campsite, here’s what you need to do:

• Bring your own toilet paper (We like this one from Seventh Generation) and a bag to dispose of it in
• #1 or #2 it doesn’t matter, you need to find a secluded spot that’s at least 200 feet from the closest campsite or water source
• Dig a hole at least 6 inches deep, and promptly cover it after you’re finished
• Remember that bag you brought to dispose of the soiled toilet paper? Never leave that thing behind—make sure to camp it out or find a way to dispose of it properly

 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think!

 

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How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails: 5 Tips

Trimming our dog’s nails is sort of like oil changes—it’s super important, and yet most of us don’t do it often enough. But it’s not that big of a deal, right? Well, no, it kind of is—regular nail trimmings are crucial to the health and well being of your canine. In fact, if you fail to keep your pup’s nails clipped, you can really cause them a lot of pain. Long toenails lead to joint pain which, if left untreated, can cause lifelong arthritic complications. So whether you do it or a professionals does it, you really need to trim your dog’s nails at least once a month (at least!). But don’t sweat it, with the following tips and some patience, you’ll be successfully clipping your dog’s nails in no time.

Get Educated

First thing’s first, figure out what you’re doing. The worst thing you can do is wing it: you could end up injuring your pup, traumatizing them to nail-trimming forever. The best way is to ask your vet for a quick tutorial, but at the very least watch an online instructional video or read a how-to guide (kind of like the one you’re reading right now ). Take your time, be patient, and you’ll master this nail-trimming thing in no time.

Start Early, Start Slow

The earlier you acclimate your canine to getting their nails trimmed, the less likely both you and your dog will dread it. Before clipping any nails, start slow and get your pup used to being around the clippers and having their feet and toes touched. Introduce the clippers daily for a few days leading up to their first clipping session. Use plenty of praise and treats in the process.

 

Get the Right Tools

OK, so you’ve got a plan, now it’s time to get the right tools for the job:

• Nail clippers. There are three main types: guillotine-style, scissors-style and pliers-style. Unless your dog is abnormally large, it’s best to go with a relatively small pair of clippers—they’re simply easier to control, and therefore safer for your dog. We suggest using one with a guide to help prevent accidentally cutting into the quick (the sensitive inner part of the nail which contains blood vessels and nerve endings).
• Treats. Rewarding your pup throughout the nail clipping experience will make your life significantly easier. The better the experience is for your dog, the better the experience will be for you. In general, reward after trimming each nail.
• Clotting powder. Styptic powder, or a natural alternative like baking soda or organic corn starch, will help clot your dog’s blood in the event you slip up and snag the quick. If you exercise caution, hopefully you’ll never encounter this issue, but just in case an accident occurs, it’s best to have some handy.

Cut at a 45 Degree Angle, a Little at a Time

There’s no rush, so cut just a little at a time. A few tricks to remember:

• Trim nails in a well lit room.
• Hold the paw firmly but gently, separate the toes using your fingers, but don’t squeeze them—that can be painful.
• Cut at a 45 degree angle.
• Avoid cutting the quick by stopping as soon as you see the white inner portion of the nail. If you’re clipping the nail and it begins to feel soft or spongy, stop! You’re cutting into the quick.
• Don’t forget to trim the dewclaws, too, if your pup has them. If you don’t clip them regularly, they can start to grow back towards your dog’s leg and pierce the skin—ouch!

Don’t Slack—Keep Up the Good Work

Trimming your own dog’s nails is no small feat—pat yourself on the back! Now that you’ve got the process down, get ready to do it all over again in 2-4 weeks. Regularly maintaining your dog’s nails is a matter of quality of life, so don’t let it slip.

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think!

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Why Your Dog Eats Poop, And What You Can Do About It

As a pet parent, few things can shake up your world quite like seeing your precious pooch scarf down some dog poo. It’s just….well, gross. But don’t worry too much, canine poop eating—also known as coprophagia—is rather common. A recent study found that 16% (or 1 in 6) dogs eat stool consistently, and 24% (1 in 4) try it at least once. It was also found that females are more likely to indulge in the activity, and non-neutered males are the least likely; and overall, most dogs prefer the poo of neighboring pups over their own. But enough with poop statistics, here are reasons your dog’s eating poo, and what you can do to stop it.

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

There are many different theories and schools of thought regarding why dogs eat poop. These are the most common:

Dietary Deficiencies
From enzyme deficiencies to a basic lack of nutrition (sometimes caused by parasites, inappropriate diet or underfeeding), dietary deficiencies are one of the leading reasons experts believe dogs eat poop. In other words, these dogs are eating feces as a way to correct an imbalance in their bodies—whether it be a lack of digestive enzymes, insulin or beneficial gut bacteria.

Increased Appetite
If your pup is unnaturally hungry—due to diabetes or thyroid complications, for example—chances are they’ll try poop at one point or another. “Greedy eating,” the behavior of quickly eating food before another dog can get to it, is also believed to play a role in stool-eating.

Cleanliness
It might sound counterintuitive, but it’s believed that dogs have evolved to eat stool as a way of keeping their living areas clean and free of parasites and unwanted bacteria. It also makes sense as a survival trait—if you dispose of feces before it can be detected by neighboring predators or scavengers, your pack is more likely to remain safe and undisturbed. Which explains why mother dogs almost always eat their puppies’ poop if it’s not quickly cleaned up by their owners; they’re simply trying to keep the den clean and their babies safe.

Stress or Punishment
Stress appears to trigger poop-eating in many pups. Separation anxiety, fear, inappropriately long crating sessions—all seem to increase the likelihood that a dog will eat stool. Punishment is a common example: If a dog’s conditioned to fear retribution over potty mishaps, they could be eating their own poop as a way to hide the evidence to avoid getting punished.

Boredom and Curiosity
Lack of stimulation, like being home alone all day, tends to increase the likelihood of poop-eating. When starved of entertainment or company, a pup might try poop simply because it gives them something to do, and—as gross as it sounds—something to eat. This is fairly common, especially in puppies because they’re new to the world and might be trying poop as a way to better understand their surroundings.

Learned Behavior
Like most living things, dogs learn many of their own behaviors by watching elder members of their family or pack. It’s believed that many dogs eat stool because they’ve seen those around them do the same thing.

How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop

So you’ve heard the many reasons why your dog might eat poop, but how can you stop it from happening in the first place? Here’s several strategies that might work for you:

Keep a Short Leash and Pick Up Poop Quickly
First thing’s first, pick up any and all poop quickly—including that of other pets you might have, like rabbits and cats. If there’s no poop around, obviously your dog can’t eat it. When out for walks, hikes or dog park visits, keep your pup close, so as to prevent them from hoovering up other dogs’ stools.

Keep Them Stimulated
Keeping your pup mentally and physically stimulated staves off boredom, which, as you read above, is a common cause of poop-eating. Regular exercise, socializing, and interesting toys (like Kongs!) are all essential.

Rethink Their Diet and Address Health Issues
A balanced, varied and nutritionally rich diet is vital to keeping your pup from eating poop. If they’re getting all the vitamins, enzymes and proteins they need, they might just quit their nasty habit. In general, the more raw and organic the diet, the better. We suggest consulting a vet to find a diet that’s right for your pup’s unique dietary needs.

As previously mentioned, health issues like diabetes and parasites can rob your dog of nutrients and therefore lead them to seek out those nutrients elsewhere—like in poop. If your pup commonly chows down on the brown, or if you see signs of parasites in their stool, get a vet to check them over just in case.

Visit a Vet
If all else fails, a vet visit is probably in order, if only to rule out any serious health conditions. They should also have additional tips and strategies to help curb your pup’s appetite for stool.

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think!

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8 Fascinating Flea and Tick Facts

Fleas and ticks are horrible, annoying pests. They’re hard to get rid of, hard to live with, and just downright weird. Think about: They suck your blood, so they’re basically vampires, and when you look at them under a microscope, they look like aliens or some kind of twisted mutants. Turns out, the more research you do, the stranger they get. From amazing super powers to disgusting lifestyle habits, here’s 8 fascinating flea and tick facts you might not know.

Ticks Use Glue to Stick to You

Ever wonder why ticks are so good at sticking to their hosts? The answer is glue, or something very much like it. When a tick climbs onto a host to feed, their mouth secretes a liquid-concrete-like material called cementum. This same material helps the tick create a barbed feeding tube, making them even harder to remove. A tick’s saliva also contains a numbing agent with anti-inflammatory properties, which allows the parasite to feed unnoticed.

 

Fleas and Ticks Use Your Pet Like a Toilet

Fleas and ticks create a lot of waste when they eat. And because they feed on your pet’s body, guess where all that feces goes? You guessed it: Your pet. All those tiny black dots you see in your dog’s coat right around the bite site, yeah…that’s poop. Fleas produce tons of feces for their size, so much so that it’s actually the flea larvae’s primary source of food. Tick poop, while equally gross, is far more dangerous, as it can contain bacteria that spread Lyme disease.

 

They Can Go Months Without Eating

One of the reasons fleas and ticks are so hard to control is because they’ve evolved to be extremely durable organisms. One feature of this durability is that both parasites can survive extended periods without food. Fleas are known to go up to 100 days between blood meals (flea pupae up to a year), whereas ticks are said to be capable of going several years without feeding.

 

These Parasites Carry Their Own Parasites

When fleas infest your pet’s fur, they’re bringing some nasty friends along with them. Did you know a single flea can carry upwards of 150 parasitic mites? These mites transmit everything from tapeworms and bacteria to diseases such as typhus and cat scratch fever.

Fleas Are Superhero-Quality Jumpers

We all know fleas are talented jumpers, but this is ridiculous. Not only can fleas jump over 110 times their body length (which is like a human jumping over a skyscraper), but they can jump over 30,000 times without stopping for a rest—which is just insane! Craziest of all, when a flea jumps, it accelerates 20 times faster than the launch of a space shuttle!

 

Fleas Can Lay up to 50 Eggs a Day

While 20 is more the average, it’s not uncommon for a flea to lay 50 eggs in a single day. Just think: If a female lays 50 eggs in one day, and half those eggs are females, you could be facing over 20,000 fleas in as little as 60 days. In other words, a flea infestation can get out of hand in no time.

 

Fleas Can Cause Anemia

In severe cases, a flea infestation can drain so much blood from a host that anemia can occur. This happens almost exclusively in young animals, and is quite uncommon. In rare cases, blood transfusions are necessary.

 

Tick Bites Can Turn You Into a Vegetarian

Well, sort of. In some cases, a bite from a lone star tick can trigger an allergy to red meat in both dogs and humans. Severe Itching, hives and a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction can occur in individuals suffering from this peculiar side effect. Worst of all, no one really knows how long this tick-caused allergic reaction may last.

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think!

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Do you let your dog sleep in your bed? If so, you’re not alone. A survey by the American Pet Products Association found that about half of all puppy parents share a bed with their dogs. Whether you do or don’t, you’ve probably heard conflicting opinions about the subject. Some experts discourage pet owners from inviting their dogs into bed, while others argue that the pros far outweigh the cons. We know—it can be a little confusing. To help clear up the matter, here’s what you need to know about letting your dog sleep in your bed.

The Cons

There are three primary arguments against sleeping in bed with your dog: Sleep disturbance, allergies/asthma, and behavior issues. The first is not entirely unfounded. In one survey, 53% of pet owners reported their dogs regularly disturb their sleep throughout the night. Which, in the long run, can have negative health effects. You see, dogs are what’s called polyphasic sleepers, meaning they have multiple sleep/wake cycles throughout the day (humans, by contrast, are monophasic sleepers, meaning one sleep cycle each 24 hour period). These extra periods of wakefulness explain why our pups wake us throughout the night. While studies have consistently shown dogs do in fact interfere with our sleep, other studies, including research by the Mayo Clinic, suggests this disturbance is basically negligible.

Allergies and asthma are other common reasons health experts advise against sharing a bed with your dog. It’s not just pet allergies either. Because dogs are often outside, exploring nature and brushing against all sorts of plant life, they can be a serious source of allergens. The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America advises allergy sufferers keep dogs, not just out of their beds, but out of their bedrooms entirely. When it comes to allergies/asthma, the issue seems pretty cut and dry: if you have them, it’s probably not a good idea to share a bed with your dog.

Behavior concerns are the last common argument against co-sleeping with canines. While there’s little to no definitive evidence either way, the argument goes that co-sleeping can aggravate dominance and territorial issues, sometimes leading to aggression or even separation anxiety. But it’s hard to know which comes first: the anxiety or the sharing of the bed. Is the dog anxious because they’re sharing our bed, or are we sharing our bed because they tended to be a little anxious in the first place? This isn’t a problem for many pet parents, but if your dog shows aggression towards you or your partner—like growling when they try to come to bed—it might be time to reevaluate your sleeping arrangements.

The Pros

You’ve heard the drawbacks, but what about the positives of sleeping with your pup? Turns out, there are plenty. For one, spending time with dogs naturally increases oxytocin levels in our bodies, a hormone that encourages feelings of contentment and happiness, which might actually improve sleep quality. A dog’s rhythmic breathing, too, is said to regulate and slow the human heart rate, which can be conducive to better sleep. Also, some of us just feel safer when sleeping with our dogs, and you can’t put a price on that kind of security. On a strictly subjective level, sleeping with dogs can be a big mood boost, strengthening the bond with our pups and making them feel happier in the process, too. Not to mention, the snugly comfort and physical warmth that comes with having your dog right next to you in bed is awesome.

 

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, it’s up to you. Now that you’re more informed, weigh the evidence and make the call yourself. If the pros clearly outweigh the cons or vice-versa, then there’s your answer. If you’re currently sleeping with your dog, and don’t suffer from allergies, have a compromised immune system, or experience behavior or sleep issues, then there’s probably no reason to change things up. Overall though, I think most of us who share beds with our puppers know the goods almost always outweigh the bads, even if we get woken up a few times throughout the night.

 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think!

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5 Tips for Dog-Proofing Your Home

Just like baby-proofing, dog-proofing our homes is essential to keeping our loved ones safe. Dogs are naturally curious, and if given the opportunity, will explore any and every area of the home. By making several adjustments around the house, you can help prevent choking hazards, electrocution and maybe even the loss of your pet. Here’s 5 tips to dog-proof your home.

Use Baby Gates or a Kennel

Let’s get real: You can’t be everywhere at once, and you can’t foresee every possible item, nook and cranny your pup might get into. To make your life much easier, use baby gates or a kennel to limit your dog’s movement and exposure to potentially harmful areas of the home. This approach is especially useful when it comes to new rescues and puppies.

Keep Everything That’s Not For Your Dog Out of Reach

This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many household items pose a threat to your dog. Things you might not normally worry about could actually be life threatening. For example, we all know to keep foods that are poisonous to our pups out of reach—like chocolate and grapes—but did you know dog-safe foods can be just as dangerous? The internet is littered with sad stories of pet owners losing their fur babies to food packaging materials, like chip bags and snack wrappers. Moral of the story: We can never be too careful when it comes to our pets.

While the list is seemingly infinite, here are some tips for keeping common household items away from your dog:

• Organize your home, and do your very best to keep it free of clutter (trinkets and other little decorative items are common choking hazards)
• Consider installing child-proof latches on all cabinets
• Always keep toilet lids closed
• Keep alcohol and tobacco products out of reach
• Batteries are commonly lethal if ingested, keep them stored in a firmly sealed container or drawer
• Verify that all houseplants are pet-safe and non-toxic if ingested
• Keep lotions, cosmetics and other beauty products off sinks and out of reach
• Keep toothpaste, floss, mouthwash and other toiletries out of reach
• Never leave laundry items and shoes within reach of your pup (strings and buttons are common choking hazards)
• Organize and pick up kids’ toys immediately
• Keep all foods and food packaging off counter tops and out of reach
• Store medications in tightly closed, out-of-reach places
• Properly cover or fence off fireplaces
• Give your dog chew toys to prevent them from chewing on household items
• Replace household chemicals—such as cleaners, detergents and pesticides—with non-toxic alternatives. Naturally sourced insecticides are a good choice, as are brands like Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyer’s and Method when it comes to cleaners and soaps

Cover and Latch Your Trash Can

Dumpster diving for goodies can easily make your pup sick. To avoid this problem, purchase a trash can your dog can’t get into—such as a sturdy metal option, or one with a latch or lock. If you’ve got an especially curious and willful dog, choosing a trash can you can store under the sink or in a cabinet might be your best bet.

Organize Cables and Wires

Electrical cords and wires are some of the household’s most dangerous items when it comes to pets. From Blu ray players and televisions to lamps and computers, our homes are filled with these electrocution hazards. Properly organizing or covering cables (and electrical outlets) could save your pup a burnt mouth and a scary visit to the vet. For more tips on pet-proofing household cables and wires, click here.

Dog-Proof the Garage and Yard, Too

People often ignore the garage and yard when dog-proofing their homes, assuming they can easily control their pup’s access to these areas. But as seasoned pet owners know, dogs have a way of getting into almost anything at one point or another. Here’s some things you should definitely address:

• Keep the garage floor clean and free of clutter, especially with regard to chemicals like antifreeze and oil
• Store all chemicals and other hazardous liquids in high out-of-reach places
• Store all tools and other sharp objects in high out-of-reach places
• Verify that all garden plants are pet-safe and non-toxic if ingested
• Switch from chemical-based yard treatments and pesticides to non-toxic, naturally sourced alternatives
• Check your gates and fencing for holes your pet could use to exit the yard
• Secure open water areas like pools and spas (these are serious drowning hazards for pets)

 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think!

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7 Reasons Your Dog Has Diarrhea, And What You Can Do About It

Part of being a doggy parent is dealing with doggy diarrhea. It’s gross, messy, and no one likes to see their pup suffer with it. Identifying the cause is crucial to relieving this unpleasant condition as soon as possible—plus, you might just be able to prevent it from happening again. From there, you can try a few natural home remedies to address your pup’s upset tummy. Let’s start with the most common causes.

Remember: There’s no substitute for a professional veterinarian. We suggest consulting a vet before attempting home remedies on your own. If the diarrhea persists for over 24 hours, your pup’s behaving strangely, or their stool looks unusual even for diarrhea, consult your vet as soon as possible.

A Natural Detox

Diarrhea is never comfortable or welcome—not for pet parents and definitely not for pets. But that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes diarrhea is simply the body detoxing itself of bacteria, toxins or other contaminants. In essence, the body is trying to flush out potentially harmful items before they can do any more harm.

A Change in Diet

A simple change in diet is often enough to cause doggy diarrhea. Sometimes it takes our pups a few days to adjust to a new feeding routine, and diarrhea is a common symptom of such a change. If you need to alter your dog’s diet, do it gradually over time when at all possible.

They Ate Something Gross, or Toxic

This one’s so common vets have a name for it: “Garbage gut,” and it’s one of the leading causes of dog diarrhea. As pet parents know, dogs like to pull items from the trash and eat them indiscriminately. Rotten food, too much food, food that’s toxic to canines—all can give your pup the runs.

Stress

Emotional stress like trauma, loss of a loved one, or a change in scenery can upset your dog’s tummy, leading to diarrhea.

Parasites

Parasites are a common cause of intestinal distress—including diarrhea. They’re easily picked up from unexpected water sources like ponds or puddles, or from eating animal poop. If your dog’s stool includes mucus, has white markings in it, or looks foamy, you should consult your vet to have them checked for intestinal parasites.

Allergy

If your pup’s diarrhea is accompanied by sneezing, scratching, paw chewing and wet eyes, a food allergy might be the cause. In this instance, diarrhea is a way for your dog’s body to remove the allergens before they cause further issue.

They Ate Something Inedible

From floss to packaging materials to toys, our pets can and will attempt to eat almost anything. Sadly, these items can become lodged in your dog’s stomach or intestinal tract, leading to diarrhea. Such occurrences can be life threatening, so if you suspect your dog may have something stuck in their tummy, you should consult a vet immediately.

Natural Home Remedies for Dog Diarrhea

Dog diarrhea is not normally serious, and usually resolves on its own in a few days. However, there are several natural home remedies that can help settle your pup’s stomach a little sooner. Here are some of the easiest and most effective:

Fasting
A 12-24 hour fast is typically the first method to try at home when dealing with a mild case of diarrhea (fasts do not include water—your pup will need lots of hydrating while they’re experiencing diarrhea). Consult a vet before trying this approach, however, as older dogs, younger dogs, ill dogs and some smaller dogs might not be a good fit for fasting.

White Rice
Replacing your dog’s normal food with boiled organic white rice is said to help relieve diarrhea. The bland nature of the rice can help settle the stomach, and the fiber can help firm ur your pup’s stool. Slowly reintroduce your dog’s normal diet over the next few days until things return to normal.

Plain Chicken
Plain boiled white chicken is also said to soothe dog’s suffering from diarrhea. This can be added to the white rice mentioned above if your dog handles the rice with no issue. Just make sure the chicken is skinless, boneless and free of herbs and spices. Again, gradually reintroduce your dog’s normal eating routine over the next several days.

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to ourFacebook page and let us know what you think!

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