Runny Poo? 💩 Here's what we do!
Runny poo? 💩 It happens to the best of them! Here’s what we use at Shine Canine for mild tummy upsets in otherwise happy, healthy dogs — plus what the veterinary evidence says about pumpkin, fibre and probiotics for supporting digestive health.
Runny poo? 💩 It happens to the best of them!
Whether they've eaten something they shouldn't have, had a change in food, been stressed, or their tummy is just a little out of sorts, most dog owners have dealt with the dreaded runny poo at some point.
So what do we do here in our boarding kennels at Shine Canine?
For an otherwise bright, happy dog with a mild tummy upset, our go-to combination is:
🥣 Plain porridge cooked with water (or bland rice)
This is the simple meal we use as the base, rather than adding lots of different ingredients while their tummy is out of sorts.
We mix Fourflax Probiotics through the porridge to support healthy gut bacteria and normal digestive function.
Probiotics aren't a "cure" for diarrhoea, but they may help support intestinal health. VCA Animal Hospitals explains that probiotics are bacteria that support intestinal health and that there are probiotic products that may help dogs with diarrhoea.
There's actually some really interesting science behind pumpkin!
Pumpkin is naturally high in fibre. The American Kennel Club explains that the soluble fibre in pumpkin "adds bulk to your dog's stool by absorbing water." They also explain that fibre acts as a prebiotic, helping support beneficial bacteria living in the gut.
Merck Veterinary Manual backs up the role of fibre too, explaining that dietary fibre "reduces free water in the faeces" and increases stool bulk.
So there's a genuine reason we like having Pumpkin Power in the cupboard (and on the shelves!) – it's not just one of those random dog-owner remedies that's been passed around the internet!
Our combination:
🥣 Porridge cooked with water (or bland rice)
It's something we like to have available before we need it – because somehow runny poo always seems to happen at the least convenient time!
One important note: Diarrhoea isn't always just a minor tummy upset. It can have many causes. If your dog is lethargic, repeatedly vomiting, has blood in their poo, seems otherwise unwell, or the diarrhoea is persistent, contact your vet. Diarrhoea in puppies deserves particular caution. This is simply what we use for mild tummy upsets in otherwise well dogs and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice.
