Our Huntersville vets know that if your dog has diarrhea you want to find out why, and how to stop it FAST! In today's post, we share some of the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs and what you can do to help resolve this messy problem.
Diarrhea in Dogs
Our Huntersville vets see a lot of dogs suffering from diarrhea, and for a wide variety of reasons.
When it comes to dogs, brief bouts of diarrhea are very common and can be caused by something as simple as mild intestinal distress. Intestinal distress could be the result of your dog eating a small amount of something that doesn't agree with them, such as table scraps, or just from the simple act of switching to a new brand or flavor of food.
Nonetheless, there are also a number of more serious health issues that could lead to your dog suffering from diarrhea.
Some Causes of Dog Diarrhea
At Carolina Veterinary Specialists our team is often asked, 'What is the most common cause of diarrhea in dogs?'. Below are some common reasons why your dog my be suffering from a bout of diarrhea:
- Stress or anxiety
- Change in diet or treats
- Eating garbage or spoiled food
- Ingestion of foreign objects such as toys, bones and fabric
- Ingesting toxins or poisons
- Viral infections such as parvovirus, distemper or coronavirus
- Parasites - roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Coccidia or Giardia
- Bacterial infections - such as salmonella
- Pancreatitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Colitis
- Liver or kidney disease
- Intestinal cancer
- Medications such as antibiotics
But how do you know whether your dog's diarrhea requires a visit to the vet?
When To Contact Your Vet About Your Dog's Diarrhea
If your dog has a single episode of diarrhea and is otherwise acting normal, it is likely not a cause for concern. Monitor your dog's bowel movements to see if things clear up. More than 2 episodes could indicate a problem, so it's a good idea to call your vet if your pooch has two or more bouts of diarrhea.
On the other hand, if your dog is straining to pass a stool but only passing small amounts of watery diarrhea, they could be experiencing a painful blockage due to the ingestion of a foreign object such as a toy. This is a very serious concern and needs veterinary attention right away, contact your vet or head to the nearest emergency animal hospital for care.
Recurring episodes of diarrhea over a short period of time could be a sign of a very serious health issue, particularly if your pup is very old, very young, or has a compromised immune system. Infections such as parvovirus are extremely serious, contagious and life-threatening. Contact your vet right away if your pooch is experiencing repeated episodes of diarrhea.
If your dog is exhibiting other symptoms, as well as diarrhea, they should also be seen by a vet as soon as possible. Symptoms that indicate that a trip to the vet is in order include:
- Blood in stool
- Unusual drooling
- Vomiting
- Lack of Appetite
- Weakness
- Signs of dehydration (Sunken dry-looking eyes, dry nose, or dry, sticky gums)
If your pooch is displaying any symptoms that cause you concern, contact your vet right away. Your vet will let you know whether your pet's symptoms indicate that an examination is necessary.
How to Stop Diarrhea in Dogs
When it comes to treating diarrhea in dogs it's essential that you never give your dog medications formulated for people before consulting your vet. Many human medications are toxic to dogs and could cause further health complications for your pup.
If your pup has had one or two runny or soft stools, you may want to give your dog some time to recover by simply fasting for 12 - 24 hours.
A bland diet for 24 - 48 hours may help to resolve your pup's issue. Plain-cooked white rice with a little chicken and some canned plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) may help to make your pup's tummy feel better. Once your pooch feels better gradually reintroduce their regular food.
Other things that might help to soothe your dog's upset tummy include natural yogurt, probiotics, peeled boiled potatoes, cottage cheese, egg with no oil added, specially formulated dog foods, and medications prescribed by your vet.
When it comes to your pup's health it is always best to err on the side of caution. By taking your pooch in for an examination you give your vet the opportunity to determine the underlying cause of your pet's diarrhea and recommend the most effective treatment.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.