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Site SearchQuestion:
With a minor case of diarrhea, is it safe to give anti-diarrhea medicine to a 50+ lb dog? I've heard pumpkin and raw coconut can help - do you have any other suggestions?
A: My usual recommendation is Immodium-AD (Loperamide 2mg) for diarrhea as well as a bland diet of rice or oatmeal.
I have not had much success with pumpkin or coconut in cases of diarrhea. I would recommend trying Immodium AD. The dose for a large dog is 1 tablet every 6-8 hours until the diarrhea stops. Smaller dogs would get 1/2 tablet. Coupled with a bland diet, the diarrhea should resolve in 24 hours.
If the diarrhea persists more than 24 hours, or there is a profuse lose of fluid, I would recommend having your dog seen by a veterinarian. Many cases of diarrhea in dogs need an antibiotic to restore the proper gut flora.
~Dr. Page Wages
Oberlin Animal Hospital
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