Can Rice Water Relieve Diarrhea in Dogs?

Diarrhea can cause dehydration and an imbalance of electrolytes in a dog’s body brought about by the loss of nutrients. To remedy diarrhea, one can apply various treatment procedures. While severe diarrhea in dogs will require you to rush your pet to the vet, you can treat mild diarrhea using rice water at home.

However, it is advisable only to use it when all other aspects of their health are normal.

This article will enlighten you on effectively using rice water treatment for dogs suffering from diarrhea and answer several related questions.

Dogs and Diarrhea

It is not a pleasant scene to wake up and find your dog suffering from diarrhea. Multiple reasons could have contributed to your dog getting the ailment, and the situation is even worse when you don’t know what caused it.

The good news is that your canine will return to being healthy when fast and precise action is taken. Vets advise pet owners to use rice water if the diarrhea is mild. Though it might sound farfetched, it works in many dogs, whereby they recover relatively quickly in the comfort of their homes without the need to visit the clinic.

Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs

Diarrhea in dogs can develop because something they eat affects their digestive system. Other than unsafe and unhealthy eating practices, factors such as stress and environmental changes can contribute to your dog having diarrhea.

Other factors that contribute to the ailment include:

• Parasites
• Viruses causing stomach upset
• Dietary change
• Allergies
• Reaction from medication
• Intolerance of specific foods
• Toxic substances
• Non-food items
• Garbage gut

Knowing what caused diarrhea in your dog can assist you in creating a safer environment by eliminating the possible triggers.

Rice Water and How to Make it?

As its name suggests, rice water is a byproduct of mixing rice and water. To make rice water, you will need to use white rice only. Brown rice should not be used to make the stomach ailment remedy as it contains high fiber, which can worsen your dog’s situation.

To prepare rice water, place about three cups of water in a pan and add a cup of white rice. Bring to a boil on low heat. Let it simmer for 15 minutes to half an hour or until it becomes cloudy, and separate the rice and water. Letting the water cool before giving it to your dog is recommended.

You can refrigerate your rice water to use for up to a week. Ensure that you only give it to your dog when it is at room temperature.

How Does Rice Water Help Dogs Suffering From Diarrhea?

Rice water has been used by humans suffering from diarrhea for a long time. Over the years, it has also proved to be an effective treatment plan for pets suffering from the ailment. Rice water works to combat diarrhea by binding and rehydration.

It is no surprise that diarrhea causes dehydration in animals. Frequent diarrhea can be fatal if not attended to, as fluids and nutrients in dogs can be lost quickly if no action is taken. Rice water assists in getting fluid back into your dog’s system and making their fecal matter thicker than it originally was. The binding effect to remedy diarrhea happens in the gastrointestinal tract.

If symptoms of diarrhea persist, you can opt not to give food to your dog for up to a day and only administer rice water constantly. The goal of doing so is to flush out any toxicity in their digestive tract that is causing diarrhea.

During the brief period that your dog is fasting and on rice water, ensure that there is clean water at all times. It is a great addition to replace lost fluids in their system further.

What if Rice Water Does Not Work?

If you have tried using the rice water treatment and diarrhea does not stop on the second day, the best action for your furry friend is to visit a vet. You may carry a sample of their poop for lab examination to help determine the root problem of the ailment. Several reasons can make the problem persist, whereby no home remedy can compete with veterinary medicine.

Alternatives to Rice Water

You can use other home remedies to combat diarrhea if your dog does not like rice water. They include:

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a wonder food that contains lots of health benefits. It is suitable for dealing with both diarrhea and constipation in canines. It has a very high fiber content that can help add bulk to your dog’s stool and inhibit harmful bacteria in their digestive system, thus relieving the symptoms of diarrhea.

Human Medication

Imodium is a common human medication in most homes and can easily be found in your nearest local pharmacy. If your dog develops diarrhea and does not like rice water, you can consult with your vet before giving them Imodium to assist with the stomach upset. Your vet will recommend the proper dosage depending on your furry friend’s weight and breed.

Probiotics

Probiotics such as yogurt are good for our stomachs. They are also good for dogs’ health, especially if they have stomach issues. Probiotics replenish good bacteria after vomiting and diarrhea. You can give plain yogurt to your dog to assist them in getting back the good bacteria.

Rebound Recuperation Formula

Although it may not treat diarrhea, it can help your dog recover faster if used alongside other methods. It contains prebiotics and antioxidants that help promote healing in your dog’s digestive system. It is also useful in restoring your dog’s appetite.

However, ensure to exercise moderation, as too much of it can cause gastrointestinal effects, further worsening the situation. It is best to consult your vet before giving it to your dog for recommendations on the proper dosage.

Final Thoughts

Rice water can be a good remedy when your dog is experiencing mild diarrhea. It is easy to make and can get your furry friend back to normal in no time. Rush your dog to the veterinary clinic if symptoms of diarrhea persist.