Upset stomach?

Does your dog have diarrhea? There are a few things you can try before rushing to the vet's office or animal hospital.

First, go to the store and buy three things – eggs, brown rice (boil in bag is easiest) and plain lowfat/nonfat yogurt (NOT vanilla or flavored).

Next, feed a spoonful of the yogurt to your dog. The yogurt will start introducing the good bacteria back into his/her system (which is also helpful to people). Also make sure that fresh water is available, because it's very important to make sure they stay hydrated.

Now, start cooking the rice and eggs (I always use around three). The eggs should be scrambled without oil. After everything is done, mix together in a bowl and put in the refrigerator to cool off.

When feeding time rolls around, you are going to skip the regular food and feed this "bland diet" that you prepared earlier. For small dogs, measure out 1/4 cup; medium dogs, 1/2 cup; large dogs, 1 cup (kind of along the same measurements that you would normally feed). Add a spoonful of the yogurt and mix it all together. This will be their meal for the next two feedings, over a 24 hour period. If they don't want to eat, you must at least spoon feed the yogurt to them and try again later. I will use the same method as giving a pill – open their mouth with one hand, while spooning the yogurt into their mouth with the other.

It is also a good idea to give them another spoonful of yogurt before bed. Keep an eye on them and make sure they are drinking. If their attitude/stool does not improve after 24 hours, I would suggest seeing your vet. However, if they are in better spirits and the diarrhea situation is under control, then continue the bland diet for the next day while adding their reg. food back in gradually.