What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is loose or unformed stools that typically occur in larger amounts and/or more often than usual. Our vets see many dogs suffering from diarrhea.
Brief bouts of diarrhea are very common and can be caused by something as simple as mild intestinal distress that may happen as a result of your dog eating a small amount of something that doesn't agree with them, like table scraps, or just from simply switching to a new flavor or brand of food. A vet will often be able to diagnose these minor ailments and resolve them quickly with simple treatment.
That said, although diarrhea is not a disease, it can be a clinical sign of many serious, even potentially life-threatening diseases like cancer or health problems such as organ system failure. Even diarrhea caused by mild illnesses can become serious if not treated promptly.
Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs
Here are some common reasons your dog may be suffering from a bout of diarrhea:
- Parasites (roundworms, whipworms, etc.)
- Stress or anxiety (especially following travel, boarding, or other changes in environment)
- Medications (antibiotics, etc.)
- Eating garbage or spoiled food
- Change in food or treats
- Ingesting poisons or toxins
- Pancreatitis
- Viral infections (parvovirus, distemper, etc.)
- Bacterial infections (salmonella, leptospirosis, etc.)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Colitis
- Kidney or liver disease
- Intestinal cancer
When to Seek Veterinary Care For Your Dog's Diarrhea
If your dog has a single episode of diarrhea but otherwise appears healthy and is acting normal, it's likely not a cause for concern. Monitor your dog's bowel movements to see whether their tummy upset clears up. More than two episodes may indicate a problem, so it's a good idea to contact your vet if your pup has two or more bouts of diarrhea.
However, if your dog is straining to pass a stool but only passing small amounts of watery diarrhea, they may be suffering from a painful blockage due to ingesting a foreign object like a kid's toy. This is a very serious issue and needs veterinary attention right away. Contact your vet or go to your 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. The list below is not exhaustive. If you are concerned about symptoms or behaviors that your dog is showing, contact your vet right away or visit your nearest emergency animal hospital.
Some of the symptoms that indicate that a trip to the vet is in order include:
- Anxiety or stress
- 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.
Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs
Is bloody diarrhea in dogs an emergency? Well, it could be. It is certainly the most straightforward indication that you should consider contacting your vet.
If you find blood in your dog's stool, in any amount, it is always best to contact your vet; describing exactly what you have observed will allow your vet to give you detailed instructions on what you should be watching for and if it makes sense for your dog to come in for a visit based on their symptoms.
Singular streaks of blood are often a fluke. However, if the blood is consistently present or if the bleeding is in larger amounts, that is a clear indicator of a much bigger problem, such as a viral or bacterial infection, parvovirus, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and even cancer.
How to Stop Diarrhea in Dogs
When it comes to treating diarrhea in dogs, never give your dog medications that are formulated for people before consulting your vet. Many human medications are often toxic to dogs and could cause further health complications for your beloved dog.
If your pup has had one or two runny or soft stools, you may want to give them 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, eggs with no oil added, specially formulated dog foods, and medications prescribed by your vet.
It is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your canine companion's health. By taking your dog in for an examination, you allow your veterinarian to check for any serious underlying problems that may be at the root of your pet's diarrhea. Many conditions are most easily treated when diagnosed early, which makes prompt attention to symptoms essential for your dog's long-term health.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.