Nobody and I mean nobody likes diarrhea.
It might just be the grossest thing you will clean up and your pup for sure isn't thrilled with the bellyache. Unfortunately, it happens from time to time – even the best-trained dogs can get sick.
Why is the dog having accidents in the house?
If you have more than one dog it is key to know who is getting sick. I have four dogs, and they are my everything. But as you might imagine that makes it difficult to diagnose who isn't feeling well if I'm not ultra-vigilant in watching them.
I make it a habit to watch each of them go potty at least once a day. If someone is vomiting, urinating, or pooping in the house I can't help them if I don't know who it is.
Easier said than done.
I have another secret weapon though.
Many folks who are potty training don't realize they are making this simple mistake.
My #1 tip to preventing diarrhea is…
Only introduce one new thing at a time.
What does that mean?
🐾 Did you know dog food companies regularly change the ingredients (or levels of) in foods? If one of the changes in the new bag (of the same type) of dog food makes your dog sick and it's mixed in with the old bag you could have a mystery on your hands. For this reason, I always completely finish a bag of food before starting a new one.
🐾 If I have a new brand of treats, I don't offer any other new foods for the first few days they get those treats.
🐾 Yep. I feed my dogs table scraps. (Not FROM the table of course, in the food bowl or as training treats.) Just like you, it's healthy for dogs to eat a variety of foods *note*, particularly fruits and vegetables. Don't give them a full salad of foods they have never eaten. They can have repeat foods, but if they are trying a new veggie don't give them any other new items.
🐾 This goes for medications regardless if they've had them before or not. I don't give my heartworm medication on the same day as flea and tick. I don't introduce new foods on medication days.
🐾 The days my dogs get shots I am ready at home with a bland meal of white rice and unseasoned chicken.
If you've got a Mofo with an upset tummy, make sure you allow them plenty of rest and crate time. I know relaxing on the couch with a blankie always makes me feel better.
If this tip doesn't help resolve your potty training troubles, attend my upcoming Free Potty Training Workshop
. It's free and you'll get some great info.
** There are a number of human foods that are dangerous or potentially fatal to dogs. Check this ASPCA list before feeding them anything new! Your Dog Advisor.com provides holiday-specific dangers to avoid – food and otherwise.
There are no “bad” dogs, just mofos with problems. Problems generally have solutions, and I’ve encountered them all. ( Check out my easy, 30-minute Potty Training workshop.)