Diarrhea in dogs is loose or runny stools that typically happens more frequently and in greater amounts than their typical feces.
Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs
In the most basic terms, diarrhea occurs when fecal matter moves more quickly through your dog’s intestine. In addition to the obvious problems of loose and uncontrollable stools, your dog typically doesn’t absorb the water, nutrients, and electrolytes they need when they have diarrhea.
Causes of diarrhea may include:
- Intestinal infection from bacteria
- Intestinal worms
- Consuming offensive matter like garbage
- Change in diet
- Stress from change
- Allergies
- Bacterial or viral infections, including parvovirus
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Organ dysfunction
- Other illnesses
When Diarrhea in Dogs is Serious
Diarrhea caused by minor illnesses or irritations may resolve by itself or with simple treatments. However, if your dog’s diarrhea lasts more than a day, or is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, prompt diagnosis and treatment from your veterinarian are recommended:
- Blood in the stool
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
Diarrhea caused by illnesses or irritations can cause dehydration and other illnesses if left untreated for too long. If your dog’s diarrhea persists for more than a day, consult your veterinarian.
What to Expect at Your Veterinarian Visit
When you contact your vet, they will likely ask you to bring a fresh fecal sample to the appointment and answer some questions about your dog’s condition. This will allow them to begin the diagnostic process.
If there are significant concerns about a more serious condition, your vet might order blood work, additional stool samples, X-rays, or other diagnostic tests to determine the cause.
If your vet determines your dog has a case of diarrhea, depending on the suspected cause, they may recommend:
- Withholding food for up to 24 hours
- Feeding small quantities of veterinary diet for gastrointestinal problems
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- De-wormers
- Probiotics
- IV fluids
Be sure to seek veterinarian advice before beginning any treatment and follow their recommendations to help manage your dog’s symptoms.