Dog Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Dog diarrhea is a common condition among our canine companions. While cleaning up your pet’s loose stools may not be enjoyable, understanding the causes and symptoms of diarrhea is important. Diarrhea in dogs can vary in frequency, volume, and color. Your pet’s health and emotional state can also contribute to this condition.

Symptoms of Dog Diarrhea 

Identifying the symptoms of dog diarrhea is usually straightforward. Stools can range from soggy but still formed to flat, shapeless puddles. Diarrhea can occur multiple times in a day, and there may be straining during bowel movements. Healthy dog poop is typically solid, medium-brown, and log-shaped, although variations can occur depending on the diet. If your dog's watery stool is accompanied by colors or other symptoms like vomiting and listlessness, it's important to contact your veterinarian.

Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs 

If you’re wondering, Why does my dog have diarrhea?, it might be caused by one of the following reasons:

Dietary Indiscretion

Dogs may consume a variety of foods without discrimination. Whether it’s a plant or a scrap of human food, their eating habits can occasionally be harmful to them.

Food Intolerance

Some canines simply can’t tolerate certain ingredients, even if they’re deemed safe for dogs. (Note an intolerance is different from a food allergy, which can also lead to gastrointestinal signs and/or may include skin issues too.)

Parasitic Infection 

Parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and giardia can all cause serious digestive upset in dogs.

Abrupt Change in Diet 

If you change dog food too quickly, your pet’s digestive system may struggle to keep up. It’s recommended that you switch food slowly over the course of 7 to 10 days.

Stress

Common stressful situations that can trigger GI upset in a dog include adoption, boarding, separation anxiety, changes in the household or environment, and introduction of a new pet or family member.

Side Effects to Medication 

Many medications, including antibiotics, may lead to the unfortunate side effect of dog diarrhea.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

In dogs, IBD stands for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by inflammation in the digestive tract. IBD in dogs is an umbrella term for a group of diseases such as Colitis that occur in the small and large intestines.

Infections

Diarrhea can also be a sign of an underlying infection such as parvovirus or salmonella.

Diagnosing Dog Diarrhea

In most cases, acute diarrhea will resolve on its own with proper care at home. However, if the condition persists or occurs frequently, it's advisable to consult your veterinarian. They can help determine the cause of the diarrhea and provide appropriate treatment. Paying attention to symptoms and the appearance of the stool can help narrow down the possible causes. Your veterinarian may also request a stool sample or recommend a colonoscopy if necessary.

Dog Diarrhea Treatment

When it comes to treating diarrhea in dogs, it's important to consult with your veterinarian before giving any medications or supplements. Withholding food for 24 hours can give the gastrointestinal tract a chance to rest and recover, but water should never be restricted as dogs need to stay hydrated. If diarrhea persists, a visit to the veterinarian is recommended. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and may involve antibiotics, anthelmintics, or a special diet.

What Can I Give My Dog for Diarrhea?

Always consult with your veterinarian before giving anything to your dog for diarrhea. Note there are many over-the-counter products for humans that might not be suitable for dogs.

Certain probiotics may also be a good idea as they promote healthy bacteria in your pet’s gut. These can be offered as supplements or through dog food with probiotics. It is important to use a brand you trust that has research to support its claims. Not all probiotics are created equal.

While some probiotics may be used to treat diarrhea, they can also be a preventative measure. Anxious dogs who experience stress diarrhea may also benefit from them as they can maintain microbial balance in the intestines.

What to Feed a Dog With Diarrhea

Feeding a dog with diarrhea should be approached with caution. It's best to withhold food for 24 hours and then gradually reintroduce a highly digestible diet such as boiled skinless chicken and cooked white rice. If there are no negative reactions, the normal diet can be resumed after a day or so. For dogs with sensitive stomachs or recurring diarrhea, dog food for digestive health may be beneficial.

When to See a Veterinarian

Not sure if you should contact your veterinarian about your dog’s diarrhea? Here are some warning signs:

• The stool is red, black or tarry 
• There are other symptoms such as vomiting, dehydration or lethargy 
• Your pet is a young puppy or senior dog 
• The diarrhea lasts for more than a day or reoccurs

While dog diarrhea can be unpleasant, it often resolves on its own or with home care. However, if it persists, it's important to seek guidance from your veterinarian.

For more care tips, check out our dog health articles for insight from our experts.