When it comes to our dogs' health, we should always be on the case. From the smallest signs to severe symptoms, each should be given enough care and attention. One of the common symptoms that can mean a lot of things is diarrhea.
Diarrhea in dogs is a condition characterized by loose, watery, or runny stools that are 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 a dog with the runs, from what causes it to how we can stop it.
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?
Different factors and health issues can cause this symptom. Sometimes, these problems can be caused by simple human food that your dog ate accidentally. In the worst cases, diarrhea could be caused by a severe disease.
Dietary Factors
Diet is the most common factor in canine diarrhea. Usually, dogs get it when they eat something they shouldn’t. This includes human foods toxic for dogs, such as chocolate, garlic, onions, and grapes. Additionally, eating table scraps and garbage can also contribute.
Another reason is also ingesting toxins and poisonous substances. Household chemicals and medicines can lead to the same result.
Sudden changes in a dog’s diet 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.
Additionally, food intolerances and allergies can also result in diarrhea. While it doesn’t apply to all dogs, affected ones 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, a deadly pathogen that affects puppies.
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 themselves 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 has been going on for a few weeks, then it should be a concern. Also, take note of other accompanying symptoms, such as:
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 tests and exams.
Physical Exam. We will perform a full checkup of your dog and identify any other symptoms that might give us clues. Our vets will also need your dog’s full medical history and any observations at home.
Fecal Analysis. A stool sample will be taken and examined to check for any 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 any blockages or tumors that can be the cause of 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.
Vet Tips: How to Stop Your Dog From Diarrhea
Once we determine the cause of your dog’s diarrhea, we’ll create treatment plans to help them get through the illness.
Help Your Dogs Fast
Fasting can help relieve your dog’s digestive system. Do this by withholding food for 12 to 24 hours to give them time to recover. During this period, make sure they stay hydrated.
Serve a Bland Diet
After fasting, we recommend serving a bland diet without any additives. This can help feed your dog while also not being too much for its body to handle. A popular option is boiled chicken and rice.
Use Medications as Advised
Depending on your dog’s condition, we may administer certain medications to help treat the cause. This can include antibiotics, deworming treatments, and dog diarrhea medicines.
Provide Water
We recommend providing fresh water at all times to help avoid dehydration. If needed, our vets can administer IV fluids.
Use Probiotics
Probiotics can help restore your dog’s healthy gut bacteria to support fast recovery. These healthy bacteria promote gut health and relieve the dog’s gastrointestinal tract.
Recovery and Prevention of Dog Diarrhea
When we have determined and treated the cause of your dog’s diarrhea, you must focus on their recovery and how to prevent this symptom from recurring. Here are some recovery and preventive tips for dog diarrhea.
When introducing new food to your dog, gradually introduce them to your pet. Slowly add the new dog food to their diet over a week-long period to prevent stomach issues and prevent dog diarrhea.
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. Ensure your dog cannot reach these items, which may cause diarrhea and fatal health issues.
Bringing your dog to the vet clinic for routine checkups can help catch potential health issues early. We can determine if your dog needs any treatments to prevent health problems from worsening.
Sometimes, moving or relocation can’t be prevented, so your dog may experience stress that causes diarrhea. However, if your dog is experiencing stress in your home, you can try to maintain a calm environment.
Give space to rest and sleep. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are also crucial to minimizing stress.
“A happy dog starts with understanding their needs, even when things get messy.”
- Dr. Rokas Proscevicius
Final Thoughts
Dog diarrhea can be concerning, as it’s often a symptom of a significant health issue. However, knowing what caused it and identifying other signs can help you take the steps you need to give your dog relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
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