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Unfortunately, diarrhoea in dogs is quite common. Almost every dog will experience it once or twice in its lifetime. But how does it happen, and when should one start to worry? We've summarised the key information on this topic in the following article.
The danger diarrhoea poses to a dog primarily depends on the cause. An adult dog that for example has drunk dirty water from a puddle will generally recover quickly. However, diarrhoea should never be taken lightly as it could indicate serious health issues.
For puppies, diarrhoea can quickly become dangerous. Fluid loss and the resulting electrolyte imbalance can be life-threatening for young feline friends.
Causes: What Leads to Diarrhoea in Dogs?
Diarrhoea isn’t a standalone illness but a symptom that occurs frequently in dogs. There are many possible causes, just as varied as the frequency with which it appears.
Stressful situations such as moving house or the birth of a baby can literally cause stomach aches for your dog. A sudden food switch (for example from wet food to dry food), too cold or spoiled food, or even feeding table scraps can all be triggers.
Less Innocuous Causes of Diarrhoea in Dogs
Unfortunately, there are also many less harmless causes for a dog’s diarrhoea. The most important include:
Regardless of the cause, diarrhoea is as unpleasant for your dog as it is for humans. It’s often accompanied by other symptoms like stomach ache and flatulence.
Diagnosis: When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet for Diarrhoea?
If diarrhoea in an adult dog persists for more than 48 hours, there is blood in the stool, or other symptoms such as weakness or fever appear, you should visit a vet. For puppies, consult a vet after six hours as they have fewer reserves and can become weak quickly. Also, see the vet if your dog alternates between diarrhoea and normal stools.
After interviewing the owner and performing a general examination on the dog, additional tests usually follow. Blood analysis and stool examination can indicate bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections. Stool analysis can also reveal an imbalance in the gut flora (dysbiosis). Ideally, bring a stool sample to the practice.
Additional Examination Methods
X-rays and an ultrasound can reveal potential foreign objects in the intestine or inflammatory changes in the intestinal mucosa or other organs. In particularly persistent cases, a biopsy might be needed. Using an endoscope, the vet takes samples from the intestinal mucosa, which are then examined under a microscope to diagnose diseases like IBD.
Diarrhoea in dogs is not uncommon – learn when it becomes questionable and how you can help your four-legged friend
What Can the Colour, Consistency, and Frequency of Diarrhoea Tell Us?
Describe the type of diarrhoea in detail to your vet. Information about the colour, consistency, and frequency provides clues about the potential cause. Some examples:
Mucous diarrhoea could indicate food intolerance or intestinal disease
Yellow diarrhoea might suggest a problem with the liver or pancreas
Bloody diarrhoea suggests bleeding in the lower colon or an injury near the anus. Giardia infections often lead to bloody diarrhoea.
The frequency of diarrhoea also hints at the cause. If the issue is in the small intestine, the dog will frequently pass small amounts of watery diarrhoea. If the large intestine is affected, the dog will have normal stools, but they will often be mucous.
Treatment: What to Do if My Dog Has Diarrhoea?
As soon as your dog has passed the first liquid stool, avoid feeding it for a day to allow the intestinal mucosa to settle. Ensure your dog stays hydrated with boiled water, fennel, or chamomile tea.
After 24 hours, you can offer your dog light food in small portions or special dietetic food. In many cases, the diarrhoea will subside on its own after two days. If not, the treatment will depend on the vet’s diagnosis. Depending on the cause, different measures may apply, from antiparasitics for worms or Giardia, to switching to dietetic food for allergic dogs, or even surgery to remove a foreign object.
Don’t be alarmed if the vet inserts a catheter. This provides your dog with essential fluids through symptomatic therapy, addressing the symptoms while making your dog feel better.
Note: The choice of suitable dietetic food can support the natural body functions of your dog. However, note that dietetic foods neither cure nor prevent diseases. Always consult your vet about the right nutrition for your dog. You can find special dietetic food in the zooplus online shop.
What Home Remedies Help My Dog with Diarrhoea?
Your main action against acute diarrhoea should always be feeding light food after a 24-hour fast. Mashed cooked rice and unseasoned cooked chicken are best. Other good home remedies include porridge made from oatmeal and charcoal tablets. Cottage cheese also soothes an upset stomach.
Carrot Soup as a Proven Home Remedy
Just like with children, Moro’s carrot soup is a proven home remedy for dogs. Carrots are cooked in water for 90 minutes and then pureed. Through prolonged cooking, medium-length sugar chains (oligogalacturonides) are formed. These resemble the sites in the intestine where bacteria bind. Instead, bacteria bind to these sugar chains and are excreted via the stool. The mineral content and increased fluid intake from carrots promote recovery.
Prognosis: What are the Chances of Recovery from Diarrhoea in Dogs?
In most cases, the prognosis for diarrhoea is very good. Usually, light food and a few days of rest are enough for your feline friend to recover without needing a vet.
If a serious underlying cause exists, it’s more complicated. For example, a dog with Addison’s disease might see an improvement in diarrhoea but will need lifelong treatment for the underlying condition.
Prophylaxis: Can I Prevent Diarrhoea in Dogs?
Feeding mistakes are the most common cause of acute diarrhoea in dogs. Follow these tips:
Don’t give oversized food portions.
Feed as few carbohydrates as possible.
Avoid sudden food switches.
Too fatty foods are hard to digest.
Always check expiration dates. Spoiled food is off-limits!
Important Note: The content provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's health, please always consult a licensed veterinarian.
Franziska Pantelic, Veterinarian
I am supporting the zooplus magazine for several years with my extensive expertise. I became a licensed veterinarian as early as 2009 and currently operate a mobile small animal practice in the metropolitan area of Munich.
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