Diarrhea in dogs is a common issue that nearly every pet owner encounters. While it can be distressing to see your dog unwell, diarrhoea is typically a symptom rather than a disease itself. It’s the body’s way of expelling harmful substances, and understanding the underlying cause is key to ensuring your dog gets the right care. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common causes of diarrhoea in dogs, how to address it, and when to seek veterinary help.
Quick Answer
The most common cause of diarrhoea in dogs is dietary indiscretion—a fancy term for eating something they shouldn’t. Dogs are curious eaters, and many can’t resist scavenging through rubbish bins, chewing on inappropriate objects, or sampling leftovers from your plate. These habits often lead to upset stomachs and diarrhoea as their digestive system reacts to unfamiliar or harmful substances.
Why Does Dietary Indiscretion Cause Diarrhoea?
Dietary indiscretion irritates your dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. When dogs consume spoiled food, fatty table scraps, or toxic substances, their digestive system responds by trying to eliminate these irritants quickly, resulting in loose stools. Here’s why it happens:
1. Digestive Incompatibility
Dogs' stomachs are sensitive to sudden changes in diet. Foods high in fat, spices, or unfamiliar ingredients can overwhelm their digestive system, leading to diarrhoea.
2. Bacterial Contamination
Spoiled food or waste often contains harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can infect your dog’s GI tract and cause severe diarrhoea.
3. Toxic Substances
Consuming toxic items like chocolate, grapes, or artificial sweeteners (like xylitol) can upset your dog’s digestion or lead to more severe symptoms beyond diarrhoea.
4. Foreign Objects
Non-food items such as plastic, fabric, or sticks can obstruct or irritate the intestines, resulting in diarrhoea as the body tries to pass or expel them.
Other Common Causes of Diarrhoea in Dogs
While dietary indiscretion is the top culprit, other potential causes are worth considering, especially if diarrhoea persists. Let’s dive into these:
1. Sudden Diet Changes
Switching your dog’s food abruptly can upset the balance of healthy bacteria in their gut. Always transition to new food gradually over 7–10 days to minimise this risk.
2. Food Intolerances or Allergies
Some dogs have trouble digesting certain proteins, grains, or additives. Symptoms of a food intolerance or allergy often include chronic diarrhoea, gas, and skin issues.
3. Parasites
Internal parasites like worms, giardia, or coccidia are common in dogs, especially puppies. They irritate the intestinal lining and cause loose stools, often with mucus or blood.
4. Infections
Viral infections (e.g., parvovirus or distemper) and bacterial infections (e.g., campylobacter) can lead to severe diarrhoea. These are often accompanied by other symptoms like fever or vomiting.
5. Stress or Anxiety
Stress from travel, boarding, or significant changes in the household can trigger diarrhoea. This is known as stress colitis, a temporary condition caused by an upset in gut motility.
6. Medications
Certain medications, such as antibiotics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can disrupt your dog’s gut flora or irritate the stomach lining.
7. Chronic Conditions
Long-term diarrhoea could indicate conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), or even cancers like lymphoma.
Signs to Watch For When Your Dog Has Diarrhoea
Not all diarrhoea is created equal. Observing the characteristics of your dog’s stools and their behaviour can provide clues about the underlying issue.
1. Frequency and Duration
- Occasional bouts of diarrhoea are usually benign.
- Persistent or recurrent diarrhoea lasting more than 48 hours requires veterinary attention.
2. Appearance of the Stool
- Watery or Explosive: Often linked to viruses or toxins.
- Greasy or Grey: Indicates fat digestion problems, possibly linked to pancreatic issues.
- Bloody or Mucusy: Could point to colitis, parasites, or serious infections.
3. Other Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Abdominal pain (e.g., whining, reluctance to move, hunched posture)
Immediate Steps to Manage Dog Diarrhoea
1. Withhold Food for 12–24 Hours
This allows the digestive system to reset. Ensure fresh water is always available to prevent dehydration.
2. Introduce a Bland Diet
After fasting, offer small meals of boiled chicken (skinless and boneless) and plain white rice. This gentle diet is easy to digest and helps firm up stools.
3. Hydration is Key
Diarrhoea can cause dehydration, so encourage your dog to drink. If they refuse water, try offering low-sodium chicken broth or ice cubes.
4. Use Probiotics
Probiotics designed for dogs can restore healthy gut bacteria and reduce inflammation. Consult your vet for recommended products.
5. Over-the-Counter Aids
In some cases, vets might approve the use of antidiarrheal medications like kaolin-pectin. Never use human medications without veterinary guidance.
When to See a Vet
While many cases of diarrhoea resolve on their own, certain situations require prompt veterinary care:
- Severe Symptoms: Bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, or significant lethargy.
- Dehydration: Signs include dry gums, sunken eyes, or skin that doesn’t bounce back when pinched.
- Puppies or Senior Dogs: They are more vulnerable to complications from diarrhoea.
- Foreign Object Ingestion: If you suspect your dog ate something non-digestible.
- Chronic Diarrhoea: Lasting more than a week or recurring frequently.
Diagnosing the Cause of Diarrhea
If diarrhoea persists, your vet may perform the following:
- Physical Exam: To check for abdominal pain, dehydration, or other signs of illness.
- Stool Sample Analysis: To identify parasites, bacteria, or abnormal cells.
- Blood Tests: To rule out organ dysfunction or infections.
- Imaging: X-rays or ultrasounds can detect foreign objects or intestinal obstructions.
Preventing Diarrhea in Dogs
While it’s impossible to prevent every episode of diarrhea, you can minimise risks by taking these proactive steps:
1. Monitor Their Diet
Stick to high-quality, balanced dog food and avoid giving fatty or spicy table scraps. Gradually introduce any new foods.
2. Prevent Scavenging
Keep rubbish bins secure and supervise your dog during walks to prevent them from eating unsafe items.
3. Regular Parasite Prevention
Administer vet-recommended flea, tick, and worm preventatives to protect your dog from common parasites.
4. Reduce Stress
Provide a stable environment, and if stressful events (like travel) are unavoidable, consider calming aids or supplements.
5. Consider Allergy Testing
If food sensitivities or allergies are suspected, My Pet Sensitivity’s dog food intolerance test can help identify triggers and guide dietary adjustments.
Conclusion
The most common cause of diarrhea in dogs—dietary indiscretion—is often preventable by controlling what your dog eats and keeping harmful items out of reach. However, diarrhoea can also signal more serious issues, so observing your dog’s overall health and behaviour is essential. When in doubt, consult your vet to ensure your furry friend gets back to feeling their best.
If you suspect your dog’s diarrhoea is due to food sensitivities, try My Pet Sensitivity’s food allergy test. It’s a simple way to uncover triggers and support your dog’s digestive health for the long term!