A Herbal Formula (Fuxiening) for Treating Dog Diarrhea
📝 Summary
Dog diarrhea shows as frequent, watery, or mucus- and blood-tinged stools with abdominal pain and tenesmus, and should be treated promptly. The Fuxiening formula uses gypsum, plantain seed, poppy husk, and licorice with glucose, decocted and given over a three-day course while other gut medications are stopped.
1 Symptoms of Diarrhea
Dog diarrhea is marked by more frequent bowel movements with watery or rice-water stools, sometimes mixed with undigested food, or by small volumes of stool containing mucus, pus, or blood, along with abdominal pain and tenesmus. Treat the dog as early as possible once diarrhea is noticed.
2 The Fuxiening Formula
The formula, called Fuxiening, uses raw gypsum 12 g, plantain seed 9 g (salt-fried), poppy husk 6 g, licorice 6 g, and oral glucose powder 50 g. If signs worsen with cold exposure and bowel sounds are clearly hyperactive, add prepared aconite 3 g and chebula (Terminalia) 6 g. If undigested food is present, add chicken gizzard 5 g and yam 6 g.
3 Preparation and Administration
Preparation: use water-to-herb in a 2:1 ratio. Decoct the gypsum alone in half the water for 30 minutes first; then add the plantain seed (wrapped in cloth) and the remaining herbs, keep at a gentle boil for 35 minutes, filter, and stir the glucose powder into the hot filtrate until dissolved. Give warm, one dose per day in 2 to 3 divided feedings; three doses make one course. Aside from dogs with severe dehydration or obvious toxemia that need fluids, stop all other medications related to this condition during treatment.
4 How the Ingredients Work
In the formula, plantain seed clears heat, promotes urination, and stops diarrhea, with diuretic and mild antibacterial effects, and contains resin, protein, vitamin B1, and sodium chloride. Licorice clears heat, detoxifies, and relieves acute pain; it contains potassium and calcium salts of glycyrrhizic acid and glucuronic acid with antibacterial and antiallergic actions. Poppy husk astringes the intestine and relieves pain, effectively suppressing intestinal motility. Raw gypsum clears heat and fire and supplies calcium and magnesium ions. Oral glucose detoxifies, promotes diuresis, and replenishes energy. Together they clear heat, promote urination, stop diarrhea, and relieve pain, helping restore digestive absorption, suppress motility, and maintain water and electrolyte balance while providing calories.
Want to learn more about pet health?
Explore our pet health channel for more science-based care guides
Read More Articles →