9 Hausmittel gegen Durchfall beim Hund

When it comes to feeding dogs properly, everyone seems to have an opinion: “No grains!” “Lots of meat!” “Dogs descend from wolves, so they must be fed like them!”

The truth is that dog nutrition is surrounded by half-truths and persistent myths. Some have been around for decades, even though scientific evidence has long since disproved them.

In this article, we take a closer look at 10 common myths. You’ll not only get clear answers but also gain a better understanding of what a species-appropriate diet for dogs really means.

Benni, a seven-year-old German Wirehaired Pointer, loves his walks in the woods. His nose is always to the ground – there’s always something exciting to discover. Imagine his delight when he found a piece of sausage sandwich and gobbled it up before his owner could react.

That night, Benni suddenly becomes restless. He heads for the door, wants to go outside and passes soft stools. Two hours later, it happens again. By early morning, his stool has become watery.

Sudden or nighttime diarrhea in dogs is often a cause for concern for their owners. However, the cause is frequently something simple: the digestive system is reacting to something their four-legged friend hasn’t tolerated well.

In such cases, home remedies for diarrhea in dogs may help soothe the digestive tract and restore intestinal balance.

Acute diarrhea occurs when digestive problems develop suddenly and last for just a few hours or days. Common triggers include:

• spoiled or unfamiliar food
• things picked up during walks
• water from puddles or snow
• stress (travel, vet visits, a new environment)
• sudden changes in diet
• very cold food
• a sensitive gastrointestinal tract

The body essentially initiates a natural cleansing process. The intestines respond by releasing more fluid and increasing their movement, a state known as hypermotility. This results in the characteristic soft or watery stools.

Sometimes, the stool may also contain mucus. If your dog has diarrhea with mucus, this often indicates irritation of the intestinal lining. An imbalance in the gut bacteria can also cause digestive problems and diarrhea.

There are also more serious causes that require more than home remedies, such as:

• parasites (e.g. Giardia)
• bacterial or viral infections
• food allergies
• chronic intestinal inflammation

If diarrhea persists or keeps coming back, it is considered chronic. Monitor your dog's symptoms and how often they occur so you can provide the best possible support when your dog has diarrhea.

Find out more about acute and chronic diarrhea in dogs in our blog article:
Diarrhea in Dogs: What Causes It and How to Respond Correctly

Important: Home remedies are only suitable for mild, short-term diarrhea when your dog is otherwise alert, interested in their surroundings and willing to drink.

Give the digestive system a break: A short break from food can give the intestines some time to rest. During a period without food, only water is offered – no meals or treats.

For adult dogs with acute diarrhea, a food break of around 12 hours, up to a maximum of 24 hours, may be considered. Afterward, gradually reintroduce food with a bland diet.

Puppies should not be fasted because they can lose energy more quickly. For senior dogs and dogs with existing health conditions, consider carefully whether a break from food is appropriate.

After withholding food for 12 to 24 hours, a highly digestible bland diet is one of the most important measures for managing diarrhea. The digestive tract is irritated and should be subjected to as little strain as possible. A bland diet provides energy and nutrients without placing additional stress on the intestines.

Typical ingredients include:

• lean, cooked meat (e.g. chicken or turkey)
• softly cooked rice or potatoes
• mildly cooked vegetables, such as carrots

Why a bland diet helps:

• it is low in fat, which could irritate the intestines
• it is highly digestible
• it provides energy to support the body's natural recovery processes

It is best to divide the daily amount of food into 3 to 4 small portions throughout the day to minimise strain on the intestines. Important: Initially, feed your dog less than their usual daily ration and gradually increase the amount over one to three days.

Find out everything you need to know about bland diets in our blog article:
How to Prepare a Bland Diet for Your Dog at Home

If you want to prepare a bland diet for your dog without having to work everything out yourself, you can find recipes developed by veterinarians in our Recipe World under the tag “Bland Diet for Diarrhea”.

Moro’s carrot soup is a classic home remedy. It was developed by paediatrician Ernst Moro in the early 20th century and is still used to help manage diarrheal illnesses today – including in dogs.

Why it works: When carrots are cooked for a long time (at least 90 minutes), so-called oligosaccharides are formed. These special sugar molecules resemble receptors on the intestinal wall. As a result, pathogenic bacteria are more likely to attach to these molecules and are then excreted in the stool.

Moro’s carrot soup may therefore help reduce harmful bacteria in the intestines.

Recommended amount:

Our recommendation is 20 ml of soup per kilogram of body weight per day. Divide the amount into several portions and offer the soup to your dog throughout the day. In cases of acute diarrhea, Moro’s carrot soup may be given as the sole food for one to two days, until digestion returns to normal. After that, you can combine it with a bland diet.

Find out how and why Moro’s carrot soup works, and get the recipe, in our blog article:
Moro’s Carrot Soup for Dogs: A Natural Remedy for Diarrhea

Cottage cheese is an easily digestible source of protein. It contains:

• highly bioavailable protein
• relatively little fat
• lactic acid bacteria

These may help stabilise the gut microbiome. Important: Cottage cheese should not be given as a meal on its own, but as part of a bland diet.

Bland Diet Recipe with Cottage Cheese

Recommended amounts:

• small dogs: 1 to 2 teaspoons
• medium-sized dogs: 1 to 2 tablespoons
• large dogs: 2 to 3 tablespoons

In our recipes, cottage cheese – like all other ingredients – is included in well-tolerated amounts and precisely tailored to your dog's nutritional needs.

Most dogs tolerate cottage cheese well. If you suspect your dog may be lactose intolerant, test their tolerance on days when their digestion is stable.

Psyllium husk is a natural bulking agent. It can:

• bind water
• help firm up stools
• regulate bowel movements

In the intestines, psyllium husk forms a gel-like substance that binds excess fluid and may therefore help with diarrhea. Psyllium husk can also help protect and support the intestinal lining.

How to use:

Psyllium husk should always be soaked in water before being added to your dog's food.

Recommended daily amounts:

• small dogs: approx. ½ teaspoon
• medium-sized dogs: 1 teaspoon
• large dogs: 1 to 2 teaspoons

In our recipes, psyllium husk – like all other ingredients – is included in well-tolerated amounts and precisely tailored to your dog's nutritional needs.

Easily Digestible Recipes with Psyllium Husk

Healing clay is a natural mineral product. In the intestines, it may:

• bind harmful substances
• absorb bacteria and gases
• help soothe digestion
• provide naturally occurring essential micronutrients

Recommended amounts:

• small dogs: approx. ½ teaspoon
• medium-sized dogs: 1 teaspoon
• large dogs: 1 to 2 teaspoons

You can simply mix the healing clay into your dog's bland food.

Home Remedy 8 for Diarrhea in Dogs: Activated Charcoal (Charcoal Tablets)

Many dog owners turn to charcoal tablets when their dogs have diarrhea. Activated charcoal can bind the following substances in the intestines:

• toxins
• bacteria
• gases

For this reason, activated charcoal is often used for both humans and dogs with diarrhea.

Important: Charcoal tablets should not be given to dogs with diarrhea for prolonged periods or without consulting a veterinarian, as they can also bind nutrients and medications.

Diarrhea causes the body to lose: water, minerals and salts. Electrolyte solutions can help replenish these losses.

This can be particularly useful when a dog has frequent or nighttime diarrhea.

Electrolytes are available, for example, as ready-made powders – a convenient option to keep in your pet first-aid kit. Simply ask your veterinarian for advice.

Alongside tried-and-tested home remedies, everyday care also plays an important role when your dog has diarrhea. A few simple measures can help support your dog’s body as it gets back into balance.

Plenty of fluids

Diarrhea causes the body to lose a lot of fluid. That’s why it’s especially important for your dog to have access to fresh water at all times. Place the water bowl somewhere quiet and make sure your dog drinks regularly. Some dogs prefer to drink smaller amounts throughout the day. That’s perfectly fine. If your dog is reluctant to drink, slightly warming the water or adding a small splash of unsalted broth may make it more appealing.

Rest

Your dog’s body is working hard to soothe the intestines and recover. Above all, it needs one thing: rest. Avoid long walks, energetic play or strenuous activities during this time. Short, relaxed walks are more than enough. At home, your dog should have a comfortable, quiet place to retreat to, where they can sleep and recover undisturbed. Sleep and relaxation help the body get back to health.

Several small meals

Once your dog is ready to eat again, several small meals spread throughout the day are much easier to digest than one large portion. Three to four small meals are gentler on the gastrointestinal tract and give the digestive system time to gradually stabilise.

No treats

As hard as it may be, you should avoid giving your dog treats and snacks while they have diarrhea. Many chews and rewards contain ingredients that can further irritate a sensitive gut. Even well-intentioned extras can upset digestion again and delay recovery. For now, show your dog some extra affection and attention instead.

Home remedies have their limits. You should always consult a veterinarian in the following situations:

• diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours
• there is blood in the stool
• your dog is vomiting or has a fever
• your dog seems very weak or lethargic
• your dog has severe abdominal pain

Especially important:

• Puppies should be examined by a veterinarian after around 6 hours of diarrhea.
• Older or ill dogs also need veterinary help sooner.

If in doubt, it is always best to seek advice from a veterinarian.

Diarrhea is common in dogs and is often harmless. The gut can react sensitively to unfamiliar food, stress or minor infections.

For short-term symptoms, home remedies such as a bland diet, Moro’s carrot soup or psyllium husks can help soothe the gut. Benni’s gut also settled down within a day thanks to home remedies.

The most important thing: Keep a close eye on your dog. If the diarrhea persists or your dog seems unwell, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice.

Several home remedies may help relieve mild diarrhea in dogs. A bland diet, for example with cooked carrots and lean meat, can be gentle on the digestive system. Psyllium husks, Moro’s carrot soup and plenty of fluids may also help. Chamomile tea, cooled to room temperature, can be offered in small amounts if your dog tolerates it. If diarrhea persists or your dog shows other symptoms, consult a veterinarian.

Nighttime diarrhea in dogs can be caused by stress, dietary changes or food that does not agree with them. A bland diet, access to fresh water and sufficient rest may help with mild cases. If diarrhea lasts longer than 24–48 hours, keeps recurring or is accompanied by other symptoms, your dog should be examined by a veterinarian.

Mucus in your dog’s stool can indicate irritation of the intestinal lining. For mild symptoms, a bland diet and Moro’s carrot soup may help temporarily. Make sure your dog drinks enough water and monitor their condition. If the mucus persists, diarrhea worsens or other symptoms occur, seek veterinary advice.

Activated charcoal can bind certain substances in the digestive tract, but it is not suitable for every cause of diarrhea and may interfere with the absorption of medication. Only give charcoal tablets to your dog on veterinary advice, particularly if poisoning is suspected. Contact a veterinarian promptly if your dog may have swallowed a toxic substance.

Not every case of diarrhea requires an immediate veterinary visit. If your dog is otherwise alert and has only mild symptoms, close observation and a suitable diet may be enough initially. However, seek veterinary care promptly if your dog has blood in the stool, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, marked weakness or signs of dehydration. Puppies, senior dogs and dogs with existing health conditions should be assessed sooner. If diarrhea persists for more than 24–48 hours, contact your veterinary practice.

If your dog suddenly develops diarrhea, stay calm and check for other symptoms. Make sure fresh water is available and monitor your dog’s general condition. Mild diarrhea may improve within a short time, but blood in the stool, repeated vomiting, severe weakness or signs of dehydration require prompt veterinary attention. Contact your veterinary practice if symptoms persist or your dog’s condition deteriorates.

Yes, an unsuitable diet can cause diarrhea in dogs. Food that is too high in fat, sudden changes in diet, spoiled food or foods your dog cannot tolerate may upset digestion. Some dogs are also sensitive to specific ingredients, and lactose-containing foods can cause digestive problems in dogs that are lactose intolerant. Introduce dietary changes gradually and avoid feeding unsuitable table scraps.

Oats and psyllium husks may help support digestion in some dogs with mild diarrhea. Both provide fibre, which can help regulate stool consistency. Psyllium husks absorb water and swell, so they should always be mixed with sufficient liquid and introduced carefully. Ask your veterinarian about the appropriate amount for your dog, and seek advice if diarrhea persists or other symptoms develop.

Want to learn more about dog health? In “Ask the Vet” you’ll find more articles by our vets. For a healthy, happy dog.