Dog Diarrhoea: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

September 10, 2024

Dog diarrhoea is the frequent, loose, or watery stool dogs can experience. It can be caused by a variety of factors like dietary changes, infections, or stress.

It is a common issue among dogs because of their curiosity and tendency to ingest random items, which can leave them feeling sick afterwards.

Monitoring your dog's bowel movements is also important since they can be an early indicator of underlying health problems, as consistent diarrhoea can lead to dehydration or be a sign of more serious conditions like infections or organ dysfunction.

This article will explain everything you need to know about dog diarrhoea, from its causes to prevention and even when to take your dog to the vet.

Common Causes of Diarrhoea in Dogs

Dog diarrhoea can be caused by many factors, ranging from simple dietary issues to more serious underlying health conditions.

Knowing these causes can help you effectively identify, manage and treat the condition.

Dietary Indiscretion: One of the most common causes of diarrhoea in dogs is dietary indiscretion, which occurs when dogs eat something they should not, such as spoilt food, garbage, or toxic substances. This can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhoea.
Food Allergies or Intolerances: Some dogs may develop diarrhoea due to food allergies or intolerances. Certain proteins, grains, or additives in commercial dog food can trigger an allergic reaction or sensitivity, resulting in gastrointestinal upset.
Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause diarrhoea in dogs. Common bacterial infections include Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter, while viral infections like parvovirus can be particularly severe.
Parasites: Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and giardia are common reasons behind diarrhoea in dogs. These parasites can be contracted from contaminated water, food, or soil and often require veterinary treatment to resolve.
Stress or Anxiety: Changes in environment, routine, or even separation anxiety can lead to stress-induced diarrhoea in dogs.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD is a chronic condition where the intestines become inflamed, leading to recurring episodes of diarrhoea. The exact cause is often unknown but can be linked to immune system dysfunction or food sensitivities.
Organ Dysfunction: Conditions like liver disease, kidney failure, or pancreatitis can cause diarrhoea as a secondary symptom.
Toxins and Poisoning: Ingesting toxic substances (including certain plants, chemicals, or medications) can lead to severe diarrhoea and other symptoms, often requiring emergency care.

Identifying the Severity of Diarrhoea

Differentiating between mild, moderate, and severe diarrhoea in dogs is important for ensuring proper care and timely intervention.

Mild diarrhoea

Mild diarrhoea is typically characterised by a single episode of loose stool or a few episodes over a short period, with no other symptoms like visible blood or mucus in the stool.

Instead, the dog’s overall behaviour remains unchanged. It remains alert and active and continues to eat and drink normally.

Mild diarrhoea is often caused by minor dietary indiscretions or stress and usually resolves itself within 24 hours.

Home care, such as offering a bland diet (like boiled chicken and rice) and ensuring hydration, is usually enough to remedy this.

Moderate diarrhoea

With moderate diarrhoea, the dog may experience multiple episodes over a day or two. Additional signs might include decreased appetite, mild lethargy, or subtle signs of dehydration, such as slightly dry gums.

The stool may contain small amounts of mucus, indicating some inflammation in the intestines.

If the diarrhoea persists for more than 48 hours, worsens, or is accompanied by these additional symptoms, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.

Moderate diarrhoea may require treatment, such as medication or dietary adjustments, to prevent further complications.

Severe diarrhoea

Severe diarrhoea is marked by frequent, watery stools containing blood and mucus or stool that appears black and tarry. These indicate possible internal bleeding.

The dog may also exhibit severe symptoms such as vomiting, fever, extreme lethargy, or signs of pain, such as whining or restlessness. Dehydration becomes a significant concern, with signs like sunken eyes, a dry nose, and noticeable weakness.

Severe diarrhoea often indicates a more serious underlying issue (such as a severe infection, poisoning, or organ dysfunction) and requires immediate veterinary attention to prevent life-threatening complications.

Home Remedies and First Aid for Mild Cases

For mild cases of diarrhoea in dogs, at-home treatments can effectively alleviate symptoms and support recovery.

Fasting: Initially withholding food for 12-24 hours (depending on the dog's age and health) can give the gastrointestinal tract time to rest and recover. During this fasting period, be sure to provide plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration.
Dietary Changes: After fasting, introduce a bland diet to ease the dog back into eating. A common option is boiled chicken (without skin and bones) and plain white rice. This diet is gentle on the stomach and helps firm up the stool. Gradually reintroduce the dog’s regular food over a few days once diarrhoea subsides. Vitamins or medicines for diarrhoea relief can also help settle your dog’s stomach.
Hydration: Offer small amounts of water frequently. If the dog resists drinking, try offering ice cubes or a mild electrolyte solution designed for pets to encourage fluid intake.
Probiotics: Probiotics for dogs can help restore the natural balance of gut bacteria, promoting faster recovery. Probiotic supplements formulated for dogs or plain, unsweetened yoghurt (in small amounts) can be added to their diet with relative ease.
Pumpkin: Plain, canned pumpkin that is not spiced or sweetened is high in fibre and can help firm up loose stools. Add around 1-2 tablespoons to the dog’s food to help them move.

However, if diarrhoea persists for more than 48 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a veterinarian for further guidance.

Seeing A Veterinarian

Certain warning signs accompanying diarrhoea in dogs signal the need for immediate professional medical intervention.

Prolonged diarrhoea: If diarrhoea lasts more than 48 hours or does not improve with at-home care, it is a sign that the underlying issue may be more serious and require veterinary attention.
Presence of Blood: Blood in the stool, whether bright red or dark and tarry, can be a sign of internal bleeding, severe infections, or gastrointestinal trauma.
Vomiting: diarrhoea combined with vomiting increases the risk of dehydration and could indicate more severe underlying issues like poisoning, infections, or pancreatitis.
Lethargy: Extreme tiredness or lack of energy, especially if combined with diarrhoea, is concerning. Lethargy may indicate systemic illness or severe dehydration and warrants veterinary evaluation.
Severe Dehydration: Signs of dehydration (such as dry gums, sunken eyes, or a lack of skin elasticity) indicate that the dog needs immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications.
Fever: An elevated body temperature, particularly alongside diarrhoea, can signal an infection or other serious conditions requiring veterinary intervention.
Signs of Pain: Whining, restlessness, or other indications of discomfort suggest that the dog is in pain, which could be related to a more serious condition that needs professional assessment.

Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

When a dog has diarrhoea, a veterinarian may perform several diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause and prescribe the most effective treatment plan. Here are the common ones.

Faecal Examination: One of the first tests is a faecal exam, where a stool sample is analysed for the presence of parasites, bacteria, or abnormal cells. This test can identify common culprits like worms, giardia, or bacterial infections that may be causing the diarrhoea.
Blood Tests: Blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) and a biochemistry panel, provide information about the dog’s overall health. These tests can detect infections, inflammation, organ function abnormalities, and dehydration levels. For instance, elevated white blood cell counts might suggest an infection, while abnormal liver or kidney values could indicate organ dysfunction.
Imaging Studies: X-rays or ultrasounds are often used if the vet suspects a more serious underlying issue — such as blockages, tumours, or abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. X-rays can reveal foreign objects or signs of severe constipation. At the same time, ultrasounds provide a more detailed view of the abdominal organs, helping to identify issues like pancreatitis or intestinal thickening.
Additional Tests: Depending on their initial findings, the vet may recommend additional tests, such as a bacterial culture, endoscopy, or even a biopsy, to further investigate chronic or severe cases.

Treatment Options for Chronic or Severe Diarrhoea

For more serious cases of diarrhoea in dogs, different treatment approaches tailored to the underlying cause and severity of the condition may be used.

Medication: Depending on the diagnosis, the vet may prescribe specific medications. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections, while anti-parasitic drugs are administered if parasites are detected. For inflammation or immune-related causes like IBD, corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs may be recommended. Probiotics might also be prescribed to restore healthy gut flora.
Dietary Management: For acute diarrhoea, a temporary bland diet may be recommended. In cases of food allergies or intolerances, a hypoallergenic or novel protein diet may be necessary. For chronic conditions, long-term dietary changes, such as high-fibre or easily digestible diets, can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
Hydration Therapy: Severe diarrhoea can lead to significant fluid loss, so intravenous (IV) fluids may be required to rehydrate the dog and restore electrolyte balance, especially in cases involving vomiting or prolonged diarrhoea.
Long-Term Care: Dogs with chronic conditions like IBD or pancreatic insufficiency may require ongoing management. This may include regular vet visits, continuous medication, and specialised diets to maintain gastrointestinal health and prevent relapses.

Preventing Diarrhoea in Dogs

Preventing diarrhoea in dogs involves a combination of proper care and proactive management to maintain your dog’s digestive health.

Proper Diet Management: It is important to feed your dog a balanced, high-quality diet tailored to their age, size, and health needs. Avoid feeding them table scraps or allowing them to scavenge, as sudden dietary indiscretions can trigger diarrhoea. Always introduce new foods gradually to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
Regular Vet Check-Ups: Routine veterinary visits are important for early detection and prevention of potential health issues that could lead to diarrhoea. Regular check-ups allow the vet to monitor your dog’s overall health and make adjustments to their diet or treatment plans.
Parasite Control: Consistent parasite prevention, including regular deworming and the use of flea and tick preventatives, is essential. Parasites are a common cause of diarrhoea, and maintaining a strict parasite control regimen can help protect your dog from these issues.
Avoiding Abrupt Dietary Changes: When switching your dog’s food, do so gradually over 7-10 days by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old. Sudden changes can disrupt the digestive system and lead to diarrhoea.
Safe Environment: Ensure your dog’s environment is free of toxins, spoilt food, and non-edible items they might be able to ingest. Supervision during walks and playtime also helps prevent them from eating harmful substances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are a few frequently asked questions regarding dog diarrhoea.

Should I Be Worried if My Dog Has Diarrhoea But Is Acting Fine?

If your dog has diarrhoea but is acting fine, you do not need to be immediately concerned, though you should monitor them closely. Mild cases often resolve on their own, but if diarrhoea persists or worsens, consult a vet to rule out serious issues.

How Long Does Dog Dog Diarrhoea Last?

Dog diarrhoea typically lasts 24-48 hours for mild cases but can last a few weeks or months in severe cases. If it persists beyond 48 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

How to Clean Dog Diarrhoea?

To clean dog diarrhoea, remove as much solid waste as possible by scraping or with paper towels and letting the rest dry overnight. The next day, scrape what you can again and clean the area with a pet-safe enzyme cleaner to eliminate stains and odours.

Key Takeaways on Dog Diarrhoea

Dog diarrhoea is a common issue that can range from mild to severe, with each case needing different levels of care.

Understanding the causes, recognising warning signs, and knowing when to seek veterinary help is essential for your dog’s health.

Preventive measures, such as proper diet management, regular vet check-ups, and parasite control, can significantly reduce the risk of diarrhoea.

By staying vigilant and responsive to your dog's needs, you can ensure their digestive health is maintained, keeping them happy and healthy. Always consult your vet if you are uncertain about your dog’s condition.