As a German Shepherd owner, I know that these intelligent, active dogs bring immense joy into our lives. Their affectionate nature combined with their protectiveness makes them wonderful companions. However, when your German Shepherd has an accident in the house, it can certainly put a damper on things!
German Shepherds are known for being easy to house train, so diarrhea messes are not a regular occurrence. But just like people, dogs can get sick or have dietary issues that lead to loose stools. And let's face it, no one wants to deal with diarrhea stains and smells in their home.
While cleaning up after your dog's accident is never fun, taking care of it promptly can save your carpets, floors, and upholstery. In this article, I'll share my tips as a German Shepherd owner on how to tackle those unpleasant diarrhea stains. With the right products and some elbow grease, you can get your home back to normal in no time!
Act Quickly for the Easiest Clean-Up
When you discover that your German Shepherd had diarrhea in the house, time is of the essence. The faster you can get to the mess, the easier it will be to clean up. Diarrhea can seep deep into fibers and padding if left unattended.
So as soon as you notice the accident, leash your dog and take them outside or to an enclosed room. You want to prevent them from walking through the mess and tracking it elsewhere in your home.
Next, gather your clean-up supplies so you're ready to tackle the stain. Having everything you need on hand means you can start cleaning right away.
Must-Have Supplies for Cleaning Dog Diarrhea
Here are the essentials I always keep on hand for accidents:
- Old rags or paper towels
- An enzyme-based pet stain cleaner
- White vinegar
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- Gloves to protect your hands
- Plastic bags for waste disposal
- A scrub brush and vacuum cleaner
Enzyme cleaners are the best for breaking down organic stains like feces and urine. I really like Nature's Miracle for tough pet stains. White vinegar is another great cleaning and deodorizing agent to have in your arsenal when faced with diarrhea on the carpet.
How to Remove Diarrhea from Carpet
Follow these steps to get rid of wet or dried diarrhea from carpet:
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Blot up the mess. Using rags or paper towels, gently blot to absorb as much liquid as possible. Scrape off any solid pieces carefully with a plastic bag or spoon.
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Pre-treat the stain. Mix a solution of 2 parts water and 1 part white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz the area and let sit for 3-5 minutes to begin breaking down the stain.
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Clean with an enzyme cleaner. Apply your pet stain cleaner according to instructions. Use a scrub brush to gently work the cleaner into fibers. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before blotting.
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Rinse the area. Use a cloth dipped in clean water to remove residue. Blot until dry.
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Deodorize with vinegar. Spray the area with undiluted white vinegar and let dry fully to remove odors.
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Sprinkle baking soda. Cover the stain with a generous layer of baking soda. Let sit for at least 15 minutes before vacuuming up. The baking soda will help absorb any lingering odors.
For dried diarrhea, pre-treat the area with vinegar diluted in warm water. Allow it to sit briefly to rehydrate before following steps 2-6. Patience and perseverance are the keys to removing old stains.
How to Remove Diarrhea Stains from Upholstery
On upholstery like sofas, chairs, and dog beds, tackle the mess using these steps:
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Blot gently to absorb liquid. Avoid vigorous rubbing which can grind the stain in deeper.
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Mix a mild dish soap with warm water and sponge onto the stain. Use a soft bristle brush to work into the fibers.
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Rinse soap residue thoroughly with a vinegar-water solution.
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Apply an enzyme cleaner if stains remain.
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Allow to fully dry before using again.
Diarrhea Cleanup Tips
Here are a few more tips for getting dog diarrhea stains out of your home:
- Act quickly! Fresh stains come out much more easily.
- Use cool water. Hot water can set the stain.
- Avoid harsh scrubbing. Blot and gently dab the area.
- Use an extractor vacuum on carpets to thoroughly rinse and remove residue from deep in the fibers.
- Upholstery stains may require repeat cleaning over several days as moisture gets drawn out.
- Discard rags used for waste in sealed plastic bags. Wash any brushes thoroughly after.
- Consider shampooing carpets after diarrhea accidents to sanitize the area and remove any lingering odor.
Best Practices For Preventing Accidents
While the occasional accident is inevitable, there are ways to minimize the chances of diarrhea in your home. Here are my top tips:
- Stick to a regular feeding schedule. Sudden diet changes can cause digestive upset.
- Keep your German Shepherd well-hydrated. Dehydration is a common cause of loose stools.
- Clean up the yard regularly and watch for them eating anything unusual outside.
- Learn your dog's potty habits and watch for signs they need to go out.
- Use baby gates or close doors to keep them off carpets until their stool firms up.
- Talk to your vet if diarrhea persists more than 24-48 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting or lethargy.
Caring for a Dog with Diarrhea
Diarrhea can happen even when you take all the right precautions. If your German Shepherd develops a bout of loose stools, here are some ways to help them feel better and recover:
- Withhold food for 12-24 hours to give their GI tract a rest. Slowly reintroduce small, bland meals like rice and chicken.
- Make sure they stay hydrated by providing plenty of fresh water. Add broth or low-sodium chicken stock to their water to encourage drinking.
- Take them out frequently to relieve themselves and avoid more accidents.
- Limit exercise and activity to allow their body to heal.
- Give slippery elm, probiotic supplements, or pumpkin puree to help soothe their stomach and restore good gut bacteria.
- Check for signs of parasites and schedule a vet visit if diarrhea persists more than a day or two.
Cleaning Made Easy with the Right Tools
Dealing with the occasional bout of doggy diarrhea is all part of being a pet parent. While it's never pleasant, having the right stain-fighting tools on hand makes the clean-up chore much easier. I depend on enzyme cleaners, vinegar, baking soda, and absorbent rags to handle accidents promptly and effectively.
With some diligence and elbow grease, even dried and set-in stains can be conquered. Prevent future incidents by sticking to a schedule, knowing your dog's bathroom habits, and keeping your vet informed if diarrhea persists. Show your German Shepherd some extra TLC while they recover to get your faithful companion back to full health.
Staying on top of messes and proper care is all part of living harmoniously with our furry friends. With the right preparation, even the yuckiest stain doesn't stand a chance against this pet parent!
