What do vets prescribe for diarrhea?

Vets have various treatment options available when prescribing medications for diarrhea in dogs and cats. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause and severity of the diarrhea. Some common medications vets prescribe for diarrhea include:

Antibiotics

If the diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, vets may prescribe antibiotics. Some antibiotic options include:

  • Metronidazole – treats diarrhea caused by bacteria such as Clostridium, Giardia, or Salmonella.
  • Tylosin – treats diarrhea caused by Campylobacter bacteria.
  • Amoxicillin – treats bacterial diarrhea and can be combined with metronidazole.
  • Enrofloxacin – treats bacterial infections in pets when other antibiotics are not effective.

Anti-parasitic medications

If the diarrhea is caused by intestinal parasites, vets may prescribe medications to kill the parasites such as:

  • Fenbendazole – treats roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and giardia.
  • Praziquantel – treats tapeworms.
  • Pyrantel pamoate – treats roundworms and hookworms.
  • Ivermectin – treats many intestinal parasites.

Probiotics

Probiotics help restore the normal bacterial balance in the gut to treat diarrhea. Some probiotic options vets prescribe include:

  • Fortiflora – probiotic powder or chews to mix with food.
  • Proviable – capsules with various digestive enzymes and probiotics.
  • Purina Veterinary Diets FortiFlora – probiotic supplement paste or chews.
  • PetLife Oral Probiotic – high-potency probiotic drops.

Anti-diarrheal medications

Medications that slow down motility in the intestines can help resolve diarrhea quickly. Some anti-diarrheal meds vets use include:

  • Loperamide – decreases intestinal motility to slow diarrhea.
  • Kaopectate – absorbs fluid in the intestines to firm up stools.
  • Metoclopramide – helps speed up transit of food through the gut.
  • Ranitidine – reduces stomach acid production which can contribute to diarrhea.

Dietary therapy

Vets may recommend a temporary bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice or a prescription gastrointestinal diet to help resolve diarrhea. Some prescription diet options include:

  • Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d – highly digestible ingredients for gut health.
  • Purina Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric – supports digestive health.
  • Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat – easily digestible proteins and fiber.

IV fluids

For severe dehydration from diarrhea, vets give intravenous (IV) fluid therapy with a balanced electrolyte solution to replenish fluids and electrolytes.

Other medications

For specific causes of diarrhea, vets may prescribe other medications such as:

  • Cimetidine – reduces stomach acid production for ulcers or reflux.
  • Sucralfate – coats intestines to help healing of ulcers.
  • Metoclopramide – helps speed up food transit for acute diarrhea.
  • Famotidine – reduces stomach acid production.

When is medication needed?

In mild cases of acute diarrhea, medication may not be necessary if the pet remains hydrated and the diarrhea resolves on its own within 1-2 days. Vets usually prescribe medication for diarrhea when:

  • Diarrhea is acute and severe.
  • Diarrhea persists more than 2 days.
  • The pet is dehydrated.
  • There is blood or mucus in the stool.
  • The pet seems ill – lethargic, vomiting, etc.
  • There is a known bacterial, viral, or parasitic cause.
  • The pet has other conditions that warrant medication.

Most common medications prescribed

The most common medications vets prescribe for diarrhea are:

  1. Metronidazole – antibiotic for bacterial infections.
  2. Fenbendazole – dewormer for parasitic infections.
  3. Fortiflora or other probiotics – balance gut bacteria.
  4. Loperamide – anti-diarrheal to slow motility.
  5. Purina EN or other prescription GI diet – highly digestible.

How long is medication given?

The typical duration for medications prescribed for diarrhea are:

  • Antibiotics like metronidazole – 5-7 days or longer.
  • Deworming medication – often just one dose.
  • Probiotics – give for 5-7 days or longer if needed.
  • Loperamide – up to 5 days.
  • Prescription GI diet – feed until stool returns to normal.

Vets usually have pets come back for a recheck exam to see if the diarrhea has resolved after a 5-7 day course of medication. Medications may need to be adjusted or continued if the diarrhea persists.

Are there risks?

There are some risks associated with the medications vets prescribe for diarrhea:

  • Antibiotics – Can cause nausea, vomiting, or allergic reaction in some pets. Long term use risks antibiotic resistance.
  • Dewormers – Rarely may see vomiting or lethargy. Very safe at proper dosages.
  • Anti-diarrheals – Can cause constipation or nausea. Not used long term.
  • Probiotics – Generally minimal risk, unless pet has compromised immune system.

Overall, the medications vets prescribe for diarrhea are considered very safe when given at appropriate therapeutic dosages. Always follow your vet’s instructions carefully and alert them if any concerns arise.

Are there any over-the-counter options?

Some over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplements vets may recommend trying initially for mild diarrhea include:

  • Probiotics – Fortiflora, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Probiotics
  • Pectin – helps firm up stool.
  • Kaolin/pectin – Kaopectate Anti-Diarrheal.
  • Pumpkin – high fiber to help firm up stool.

For acute diarrhea, electrolyte supplements can help prevent dehydration. Options like Pedialyte, CeraLyte, or coconut water can be given.

If diarrhea persists more than 1-2 days or the pet seems very ill, vets recommend bringing them in for an exam and potential prescription medication.

Follow up monitoring

It is important to follow up with the vet as recommended when treating diarrhea. Typically, vets have owners do the following:

  • Give all medication as prescribed until completed.
  • Feed the prescription GI diet exclusively until stool returns to normal.
  • Monitor pet’s energy level, appetite, and stool consistency daily.
  • Note if blood appears in the stool or the pet seems worse.
  • Recheck exam in 5-7 days, sooner if not improving.

Alert the vet immediately if the pet’s condition deteriorates on medication. Vets may adjust the dosage, change to different medications, or pursue further diagnostic testing.

When to see a vet

Pet owners should make a veterinary appointment for evaluation if diarrhea lasts more than 1-2 days or their pet shows these signs:

  • Liquid, bloody, or black/tarry stool
  • Fever
  • Vomiting for more than 24 hours
  • Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
  • Lethargy or weakness
  • Dehydration – dry gums, weakness, vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Persistent flatulence or straining

Puppies and kittens with diarrhea should see a vet promptly as they dehydrate quickly. Seek emergency vet care if diarrhea is extremely severe or the pet appears ill.

Prevention

Pet owners can help prevent diarrhea by taking these proactive steps:

  • Keep pets up-to-date on deworming and vaccines.
  • Pick up dog poop promptly to prevent fecal-oral parasites.
  • Avoid diet changes – transition food gradually if needed.
  • Don’t give pets raw food diets or table scraps.
  • Provide clean, fresh drinking water at all times.
  • Wash food and water bowls daily.
  • Bathe and groom pets regularly.
  • Manage pet stress levels.

If diarrhea arises, follow veterinary guidelines for appropriate treatment. With prompt care, most cases of acute diarrhea resolve within a few days.

Summary

Diarrhea in dogs and cats has many potential causes. Vets prescribe a variety of medications based on the cause and severity. Common medications used are antibiotics, dewormers, probiotics, anti-diarrheals, prescription GI diets, and IV fluids. Close follow up monitoring and prevention help ensure diarrhea resolves quickly with proper treatment.

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