Human Medication for Dog Diarrhea: Safe or Risky?

There are numerous factors that can lead to diarrhea in dogs, such as indigestion, parasites, and food poisoning. While some canine diarrhea cases can be treated with human overthecounter gastrointestinal medications, it's important to note that not all such remedies are suitable for our furry friends. So, what should you give a dog that has diarrhea?

Lethargic Dog with Diarrhea

Understanding the causes and treatment options for a dog's diarrhea:

1. Gastroenteritis

If your dog's diarrhea is due to a dietary mishap leading to gastroenteritis, it's often caused by bacterial infections. In such cases, you might consider giving your dog humangrade gastrointestinal medications like 39 Gaotai or Zhenglu Wan. By administering these at half the recommended dose, you can achieve good results in treating the gastroenteritis.

However, it's crucial to identify the root cause of the gastroenteritis, whether it's due to spoiled dog food or the dog having snacked on inappropriate items. Addressing the underlying issue is key to a lasting solution, as simply treating the symptoms with medication won't suffice in the long run.

2. Parasites

When diarrhea is caused by parasitic infections, it often results in the presence of worm eggs or even live worms in the stool. In these instances, I would advise against using humandriven deworming medications or gastrointestinal drugs. Since dogs have different physiological structures and are prone to different types of parasites, human dewormers or gastrointestinal drugs may not be effective against canine parasites. It's best to consult a veterinarian for professional deworming or opt for deworming medications specifically formulated for dogs.

3. Stress Response

Dogs have a unique stress response, and factors like irregular eating habits or recent vaccinations can trigger it. Stress can lead to diarrhea in dogs, and human gastrointestinal medications won't be effective in this case. Instead, you can feed your dog probiotics like Wangyi Zhi, which help regulate the gut flora and encourage the dog to regain its appetite gradually.