Written by: Rachel Holly
Vet Reviewed by: James Reynolds, DVM, Williamson Co. Animal Hospital
Diarrhea is a super common issue in dogs. At some point in their life, nearly every dog is likely to deal with a bout or two of it. While it can arise from a variety of mostly harmless reasons like dietary changes, it can occasionally indicate a more serious problem. Understanding the causes and treatments of diarrhea can help you better maintain your pet’s health.
Causes of Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the passage of watery, unformed, or loose stools, often with urgency. When the trouble exists in the small intestine, abundant watery feces will result. In diarrhea based in the large intestine, a dog may strain to pass small amounts of loose stools that may contain mucus.
There is a wide range of factors for why your dog may experience diarrhea. These include:
Eating the Wrong Thing – Dogs are great for what is called “dietary indiscretions” and one of the most frequent causes of diarrhea is eating something they shouldn’t. This can include spoiled food, table scraps, bush berries and other organic materials from the yard, or foreign objects. It’s important to note the difference between eating something “bad” and something toxic. See our article on the top toxins for pets.
Changes In Diet– A sudden change in food, as well as new treats or supplements, can cause intestinal upset.
Food Intolerance/ Allergies– Just like humans, dogs can have sensitivities and allergies to various foods and ingredients. Common culprits include grains, dairy, and specific proteins. This can lead to gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.
Bacteria/ Infections- Various bacterial imbalances and viral infections can cause diarrhea. Parvovirus, for example, is a serious viral infection commonly affecting puppies.
Parasites– A very common cause for diarrhea is intestinal parasites. Giardia, whipworms, and hookworms can lead to gastrointestinal distress and can be picked up easily when you dog is out for walks and around other dogs.
Medications– Certain medications, such as antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of intestinal bacteria and cause diarrhea. It’s always important to watch your dog’s reaction to any new medications.
Stress- Yes, stress can also cause diarrhea in dogs as it can in humans. Major life changes like a move or the death of a housemate or even a trip to the groomer can cause some dogs to react physically to the stress they are experiencing.
Health Conditions- Chronic diarrhea may indicate more severe health problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and kidney disease to name a few. If diarrhea persists, it’s crucial to consult a vet.
Treatment Options For Diarrhea
The treatment for diarrhea in dogs largely depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:
Dietary Management– In the case of mild diarrhea, withholding food for 12-24 hours may help give the gastrointestinal tract a chance to normalize. After this period, a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice can be introduced gradually until returning to regular food. It’s important to avoid rich foods- no table scraps- or sudden dietary changes. If you have recently changed your dog’s food, go back to their prior food. If the change was made on a vet’s recommendation, tell your vet what is going on.
Probiotics – These supplements can restore the natural gut bacteria balance and return your dog’s bowel movements to normal. But consult with your vet as to which probiotic and what dosage is right for your dog.
Hydration- Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it’s vital to ensure your dog has access to fresh water. In some cases, electrolyte solutions designed for pets may be beneficial. In severe cases of dehydration, vets can administer subcutaneous fluids to quickly restore balance.
Medications- Anti-diarrhea medications can be used but only under veterinary guidance. Your vet may prescribe a round of antibiotics such as Flagyl to get your dog back on track.
When to See the Vet
Infrequent mild diarrhea not accompanied with any other symptoms and with normal drinking and eating habits may not be cause for alarm. But if diarrhea persists for more than a day, is severe, or is accompanied by any other symptoms like vomiting, signs of pain/discomfort, lethargy, or bloody/black stools, your dog needs to see the vet. The vet may perform tests to identify the cause and provide targeted treatment. Consider taking along a stool sample for testing.
Preventing Diarrhea
There are a few ways you can lessen your dog’s chance of having diarrhea:
Keep up-to-date on parasite prevention.
Make sure puppies are vaccinated against parvovirus.
Make any changes to their diet gradually. Work in ¼ of the new food with ¾ of the old, then go ½ and ½ . Take at least a week to transition to 100% of the new food.
Try to keep your dog from getting into anything that will make them sick- people food, berries off of bushes in the yard, the garbage can.
If your dog is prescribed a medication which has diarrhea as a side effect, talk to your vet about using a probiotic as a preventative.
Poop-scoop the yard, especially if your dog has had any illness or parasites lately. This can prevent re-infection. Also if you’re letting the dog out to go to the bathroom and not cleaning up, they may be having problems you don’t know about. Routinely picking up the poop is a way for you to see if everything is normal.
Prescription diets are available for dogs with food allergies or sensitive gastrointestinal systems.
Conclusion
While diarrhea in dogs is often not a cause for alarm, it is important to monitor it. More often than not, a simple solution will get everything back on track. Early intervention can prevent more severe complications and ensure proper treatment for any underlying problem. Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog’s digestive health.
