When it comes to our dogs' health, we should always be on top of it. From the smallest signs to severe symptoms, each should receive adequate care and attention. One of these is diarrhea.
Diarrhea in dogs is a condition characterized by loose, watery stools passed more frequently. It’s not a disease in itself, but a symptom that can mean several different conditions. In this guide, we’ll learn more about it, including the types, main causes, treatment, and prevention.
What Are the Types of Dog Diarrhea?
Diarrhea in dogs can be classified by either the location, duration, or mechanism. Here’s a quick guide:
Location
Small-Bowel Diarrhea. This type originates from the small intestine and involves issues with digestion or absorption. It’s often related to problems such as dietary intolerance and intestinal infections.
Large-Bowel Diarrhea. Large-bowel diarrhea stems from the colon and is often caused by conditions that affect the large intestine. It can include issues such as inflammatory diseases.
Duration
Acute Diarrhea. The sudden onset of loose stool. Acute diarrhea lasts for about a few days, usually triggered by diet changes, stress, and mild gastrointestinal issues.
Chronic Diarrhea. This type persists for weeks and can be caused by more serious diseases and medical conditions. Chronic diarrhea does not resolve on its own.
Mechanism
Osmotic Diarrhea. This happens when fatty foods or food intolerances cause water to move into the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in diarrhea.
Secretory Diarrhea. A type of dog diarrhea in which the intestinal lining secretes excessive amounts of fluid into the gut.
Exudative Diarrhea. This is caused by GI tract damage, which makes blood and other fluids leak into the stool.
Rapid Intestinal Transit Diarrhea. Another type of diarrhea in dogs in which the colon contracts more than it normally does, causing the contents to pass quickly.
What Are the Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs?
Dog diarrhea is often caused by diet, infections, chronic health concerns, and stress.
Dietary Factors
Diet is the most common factor in canine diarrhea.
Dietary Indiscretion. This happens when dogs eat something they shouldn’t, including human foods toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, garlic, onions, and grapes. Additionally, eating table scraps and garbage can also contribute.
Toxin Ingestion. Another reason is also ingesting human medications and poisonous substances. Household chemicals and medicines can lead to the same result.
Sudden Changes in Diet. Abrupt and sudden dietary changes can overwhelm the body, leading to the same symptoms. Dogs require a bit of a smooth transition when changing food in order to avoid any gastrointestinal distress and digestive issues.
Food Intolerances and Allergies. Additionally, food intolerances and allergies can cause dog diarrhea. While it doesn’t apply to all dogs, those affected can react poorly to certain foods, such as dairy, chicken, and soy.
Infections
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can also cause diarrhea. These can disrupt the normal process of the digestive tract, resulting in increased inflammation and faster movement of fecal matter. One of the most notable pathogens that causes diarrhea in dogs is the canine parvovirus.
These are often brought about by intestinal parasites. Parasites such as hookworms and roundworms can stay in the gastrointestinal tract, most notably the intestines, and bring pathogens. They can also cause diarrhea by irritating the lining of the dog’s digestive system.
Chronic Conditions
Chronic health conditions, particularly those within the digestive system, can also be the cause of your dog’s diarrhea. Problems such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and liver disease are common causes.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can also be the reason. Stressful situations such as car rides, vet visits, new environments, and other humans can make dogs anxious and uncomfortable, resulting in diarrhea.
Can Overfeeding a Dog Cause Diarrhea?
Yes, overfeeding can cause diarrhea in dogs. When they eat more than their bodies can handle, it overwhelms the gut and results in the rapid movement of food through the intestines. This results in loose and unformed stools.
When Should I Worry About Dog Diarrhea?
If your dog’s diarrhea goes on for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms, then it’s a concern. These include:
Vomiting
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Abdominal pain
Flatulence
Can My Dog Die From Diarrhea?
Yes, it’s possible for dogs to die from diarrhea, especially for puppies and those with severe cases. Diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and shock, which can become life-threatening.
Additionally, the main cause of the symptom, which can include canine parvovirus, poisoning, or organ issues, can be fatal.
How Do Vets Diagnose the Cause of Diarrhea in Dogs?
To diagnose the cause of your dog’s tummy problem, we’ll do a few laboratory tests and exams.
Physical Exam. We will perform a full checkup on your dog and identify any other symptoms that might provide clues. Our vets will also need your dog’s full medical history and any observations at home.
Fecal Analysis. A stool sample will be collected and examined for parasites, pathogens, or abnormal substances, such as toxins. This is often the first step when diagnosing diarrhea in dogs.
Bloodwork. Blood tests can also be done to assess your dog’s overall health and condition. These tests can reveal dehydration, infection, anemia, or metabolic problems contributing to diarrhea.
Diagnostic Imaging. Tools such as X-rays and ultrasounds can help detect blockages or tumors that may be causing your dog’s diarrhea.
Endoscopy and Biopsy. In some cases, we might do an endoscopy to check inside your dog’s stomach and intestines. Through this, we’ll collect a few samples to be examined. This allows us to identify potential conditions.
How to Treat Diarrhea in Dogs?
To treat dog diarrhea, we’ll talk about at-home care tips and professional treatments.
Fasting and Bland Diets
Fasting can help relieve your dog’s digestive system. Do this by withholding food for 12 to 24 hours to give their digestive systems time to recover. You should provide fresh water at all times during this period.
After fasting, we recommend feeding your dog a bland diet without any seasonings or additives. Choose something light and easy to digest. One popular option is boiled chicken and rice. Plain pumpkin is also a good option, as it provides a good amount of fiber, which can help firm up stool.
Probiotics
To complement your dog’s bland diet, probiotics can help restore the gut microbiome, easing diarrhea and improving their overall digestion. It’s a supplement that has been proven to work, especially in cases where dogs experience loose bowels.
Vet Treatments
In cases of moderate to severe diarrhea, professional treatment is a must. First, we’ll provide IV fluids to help prevent dehydration.
Depending on the cause we’ve diagnosed, your dog will receive the appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics, antiparasitic medication, antidiarrheals, and more.
How to Prevent Diarrhea in Dogs?
Follow these simple tips on how to keep your dog comfortable by preventing diarrhea.
Introduce new foods slowly
When introducing new food to your dog, do it slowly. Gradually adding the new food over a few days can help prevent stomach upsets and dog diarrhea.
Watch what your dog eats
Some foods are not ideal for your dog’s body. Avoid giving your dog toxic food or table scraps, especially fatty and spicy foods. Keep garbage, toxic plants, and household chemicals in secure storage spaces in your home. It’s a simple way to prevent diarrhea in dogs.
Schedule regular checkups
Routine wellness exams allow us to catch potential issues early on before they worsen. Plus, we can recommend specific treatments and medications based on our findings.
Keep your dog comfortable
Preventing stress can prevent diarrhea. From car rides to environmental changes, there are lots of things that could stress your dog out. Work on providing a calm resting space where they can collect themselves. Plus, it’s also a good idea to provide regular mental stimulation.
“A happy dog starts with understanding their needs, even when things get messy.”
- Dr. Rokas Proscevicius
Final Thoughts on Dog Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be unpredictable. It can be a minor inconvenience or signal something very concerning. Either way, it’s always important to understand why our dogs get diarrhea so we can find ways to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dog food cause diarrhea?
Yes, dog food with artificial fillers can irritate your dog’s digestive tract and result in diarrhea. Additionally, eating dog food too fast can also be the cause.
What to feed a dog with loose bowels?
Feeding bland food is the best option for dogs with diarrhea. You can use popular options such as boiled chicken and rice, pureed pumpkin, lean turkey, and probiotics.
Can this resolve itself?
Mild cases of diarrhea often resolve within 24 to 48 hours, but some can last longer. Many cases also don’t resolve on their own, requiring veterinary intervention.
What if my dog has diarrhea but is still eating and drinking?
You can try a diet of boiled chicken and rice and monitor them closely. Plus, you can also add probiotics to support their gut health.
What medicine is safe for dogs with the runs?
Generally, safe medicines for diarrhea in dogs include loperamide and metronidazole. However, these medicines should not be given without veterinary guidance.
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