A Volunteer Checking the Dog

What Causes Diarrhea in Dogs? Diarrhea in dogs is typically caused by digestive issues ranging from minor dietary indiscretions to more serious gastrointestinal problems.

Common causes include sudden changes in diet, infections, parasites, and underlying health conditions.

Understanding these causes can help dog owners determine the severity of their dog’s symptoms and seek appropriate care when necessary.

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs

Diarrhea in dogs can stem from several factors, and while it may be a minor issue in some cases, it can also be a symptom of more serious health problems. Below are some of the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs:

  • Dietary Indiscretion: Dietary indiscretion is a common cause of diarrhea in dogs, often resulting from the ingestion of inappropriate or unfamiliar foods. Dogs frequently scavenge, consuming table scraps, garbage, or harmful substances that can upset their stomachs, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. To resolve this, remove access to harmful foods and monitor their condition; if diarrhea persists for more than 24-48 hours, consult a veterinarian.

Learn more about dietary causes of diarrhea on Wikipedia.

  • Food Intolerances and Allergies: Some dogs may experience diarrhea due to food intolerances or allergies, often triggered by grains, dairy, or certain proteins. If your dog frequently has diarrhea after eating specific foods, it may indicate a food allergy, with symptoms like diarrhea, skin irritations, and excessive itching. To address this, consult a veterinarian to identify allergens and consider switching to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet.

For information on dog allergies, check out our article on common dog allergies.

  • Infections (Bacterial, Viral, or Fungal): Gastrointestinal issues in dogs can stem from various infections, including bacterial, viral, or fungal origins. Parvovirus, a highly contagious viral infection, can cause severe diarrhea and may be fatal if untreated. Symptoms include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, fever, and lethargy. Immediate veterinary care is crucial for severe infections, and vaccinations can help prevent issues like parvovirus.

Learn more about canine parvovirus on Wikipedia.

  • Parasites: Internal parasites like worms and giardia can cause diarrhea in dogs, often contracted from contaminated water or feces. Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, and a distended abdomen. A stool sample helps diagnose the parasite, and deworming medications are usually prescribed for treatment.
  • Stress or Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can lead to diarrhea in dogs, often triggered by significant changes like moving or introducing a new pet. Symptoms may include diarrhea, excessive drooling, and destructive behavior. To help, address the stressor and provide comforting routines; if diarrhea continues, consult a veterinarian.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic diarrhea can indicate an underlying condition like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which causes long-term inflammation in a dog’s digestive tract and requires lifelong management. Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Management usually involves a combination of medication and dietary changes as directed by a veterinarian.

When to See a Vet

Blood in the stool can indicate serious infections, parasites, or internal bleeding.

Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours should be evaluated by a vet. Additionally, vomiting and lethargy accompanying diarrhea may suggest a more severe underlying condition.

Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which requires immediate attention.

According to Dr. Sarah Wooten, a veterinarian and contributor to PetMD, the most common cases of diarrhea in dogs are related to sudden dietary changes or ingesting inappropriate food. Dr. Wooten emphasizes the importance of keeping your dog on a consistent diet and avoiding table scraps to prevent gastrointestinal upset. For severe cases, particularly if symptoms last more than 48 hours, she advises seeking immediate veterinary care.

How to Treat Diarrhea in Dogs

Avoid giving your dog any human medications without first consulting your veterinarian, as many over-the-counter drugs safe for humans can be harmful to dogs. This is not a recommended approach for stopping diarrhea in dogs.

If your dog has experienced one or two instances of soft or runny stools, allowing it to fast for 12 to 24 hours can help it recover.

A bland diet for a day or two may alleviate your dog’s symptoms.

Plain-cooked white rice mixed with chicken and canned plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) can be soothing for your dog’s stomach.

Once your dog shows improvement, gradually reintroduce its regular food.

Natural yogurt, probiotics, boiled potatoes (peeled), cottage cheese, eggs without added oil, specially formulated dog foods, and medications prescribed by your veterinarian can also help settle your dog’s upset stomach.

Prioritizing your dog’s health is essential; bringing your pet in for a check-up will allow your veterinarian to identify the cause of diarrhea and recommend the most effective treatment.

For more information about treating diarrhea for dogs, visit our article what can I give my dog for diarrhea.

Preventing Diarrhea in Dogs

A Man Checking a Dog using a Stethoscope

Preventing diarrhea in dogs is essential for maintaining their gastrointestinal health.

To reduce the risk, stick to a consistent diet and avoid sudden changes, gradually transitioning over a week if necessary.

Limit human food, especially fatty or spicy items, and steer clear of toxic foods like chocolate, onions, and grapes.

Regular parasite prevention, including monthly flea and tick treatments and deworming medications prescribed by your vet, is crucial.

Additionally, keeping your dog’s vaccinations up to date and scheduling routine vet visits can help prevent infections that lead to diarrhea and ensure early detection of any underlying health issues.

Conclusion

Diarrhea in dogs can result from a range of causes, including dietary indiscretions, food allergies, infections, parasites, and stress.

While mild cases may resolve on their own, persistent or severe diarrhea requires veterinary attention to rule out serious health issues.

Preventative care, such as a stable diet and routine vet visits, can go a long way in keeping your dog’s digestive system healthy.

FAQs

It’s essential to consult a veterinarian before giving your dog any over-the-counter medications for diarrhea, as some human medications can be toxic to them.

Mild cases of diarrhea typically resolve within 24-48 hours; if it lasts longer, veterinary advice is recommended.

When your dog has diarrhea, feeding them a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice may help settle their stomach, but always check with your veterinarian before making any dietary changes for a sick pet.