As a dog parent, you’ve likely encountered the unpleasant situation of your furry friend experiencing diarrhea. It can last for a couple of days to weeks. The treatment is successful so long pet parents address the issue in a timely manner. While it’s a common issue, understanding its causes, then recognizing the symptoms, and knowing when to seek veterinary care is crucial for your pet’s health and well-being.
But first, what is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is known as unformed or loose stools, usually occurring in large amounts and more often than typical. It can be associated with a minor issue which resolves with conservative treatment. Still, we need to acknowledge that it may be the result of a serious illness that needs to be further investigated.
What are the causes of diarrhea in dogs?
Diarrhea develops mainly as a result of fast fecal movement through the intestine mixed with a decrease absorption of water, electrolytes and nutrients. Diarrhea in dogs can result from various factors, ranging from minor dietary indiscretions to more serious underlying health conditions.
Some common causes include: dietary changes, food intolerance or allergies (sensitivities to certain ingredients in their diet), ingestion of spoiled food or garbage, parasites (intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, coccidia and giardia), viral infections like parvovirus, distemper, and coronavirus, bacterial infections: salmonella, E. coli, and clostridium, stress or anxiety with changes in routine, travel, or new environments can trigger diarrhea in some dogs; medications. like some antibiotics, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic issues, and even cancer like intestinal lymphoma.
Recognizing the Symptoms & Stool Characteristics
While diarrhea itself is easy to spot, it’s important to observe other symptoms that may indicate the severity of the condition. Note the frequency of diarrhoea events. Meaning, note how often your dog is having loose stools. The consistency of it can range from soft and mushy to completely liquid. Normal stool is usually brown, but diarrhea may appear yellow, green, or even black (which could indicate bleeding in the digestive tract). The presence of blood can be fresh, red blood or dark, or tarry which can be signs of more serious issues. The presence of mucus or a slimy coating on the stool may indicate inflammation in the intestines, straining or discomfort while trying to defecate,
Other symptoms that can accompany diarrhea are vomiting which can lead to rapid dehydration. Another one is loss of appetite, lethargy which is a decreased energy levels and general weakness, fever and abdominal pain.
When to See a Veterinarian
While mild cases of diarrhea often resolve on their own within 24-48 hours, there are situations where prompt veterinary attention is necessary. Consider seeking professional help if:
1. Abdomen is sensitive to the touch or pressure. Whining, restlessness, or a hunched posture could indicate discomfort.
2. Diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours
3. There is presence of blood in the stool
4. Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has pre-existing health conditions:. As they are more vulnerable to complications from diarrhea.
5. You notice signs of dehydration like dry gums, sunken eyes or loss of skin elasticity are red flags.
6. Your dog is vomiting non-stop. This combination of vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration.
7. There’s a significant decrease in energy or appetite: These could be signs of a more severe illness.
8. You suspect your dog has ingested something toxic. This requires IMMEDIATE veterinary care. Time is of essence in reaching treatment for toxic situations.
9. The diarrhea is accompanied by a fever: This may suggest an infection requiring treatment.
10. Your dog is on a medication: Some medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect, and your vet may need to adjust the dosage or change the prescription.
Which tests will be recommended by your veterinarian?
Your veterinarian will usually request a sample of fresh fecal material be brought to your appointment. You may also be asked to provide answers to a series of questions. Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostics tests like bloodwork (cbc/chemistry panel), imaging likeX-rays, and a pancreatitis test. For infectious causes the most common to run is parvovirus test and in toxicity cases or liver issues coagulation test (PT/PTT panel). There area additional tests that your veterinarian may recommend. The kind of diagnostics tests that will be run on your pet depend on the history and symptoms seen.
Home Care and Prevention
For mild cases of diarrhea, there are some steps you can take at home to help your dog. Is recommended to perform fasting which is withhold food (but not water) for 12-24 hours to allow the digestive system to rest and inflammation to go down. This is followed by gradual reintroduction of food which starts with small, frequent meals of bland, easily digestible food like boiled chicken and rice. If available in your first aid kit, you may start pet probiotics as they can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut. Ina addition, make sure you have plenty of water and encourage your dog to drink to prevent dehydration. If unable to drink water and continues with diarrhea, your pet needs to be seen immediately at the veterinarian as dehydration will progress and affect the wellbeing of your pet.
To prevent future episodes of diarrhea, is recommended to do the following:
1. Continue a consistent diet
a. Avoid sudden changes in your dog’s food.
2. Practice good hygiene
a. Regular cleaning of food and water bowls can prevent bacterial growth.
3. Supervise outdoor activities
a. Prevent your dog from eating garbage or potentially contaminated items.
4. Keep vaccinations up to date
a. This helps protect against viral infections that can cause diarrhea.
5. Regular deworming or heart worm prevention up to date
a. Follow your vet’s recommendations for parasite prevention.
6. Manage stress
a. Create a calm environment and stick to routines when possible.
7. Exercise caution with human foods
a. Many human foods can upset a dog’s stomach, so be careful about sharing table scraps.
Diarrhea is a symptoms that can show up due to a variety of reasons. Make sure to identify potential changes in the routine, food type and ingestion of a new treat or product. Always make sure to avoid access to human foods or stored products that could potential cause toxicities. While diarrhea is a common cause for minor stomach upset it can also be a sign of a serious condition which should not be ignored if noticed. Follow the recommendations provided and monitor. But remember, when in doubt, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice and care for your beloved pet.