Dog diarrhea: We don’t want to talk about it. We don’t want to look at it. We definitely don’t want to touch it. Our dogs’ diarrhea is definitely not the most adorable thing about them, but s*it happens. As much as we don’t want to, we have to deal with it.
What is dog diarrhea?
Dog diarrhea is probably the most common complaint received by veterinarians. It’s such an easy condition to identify (the smell, the texture, you get it). Minor gastrointestinal problems are common and can be treated at home safely and effectively. At the same time, there are dogs whose stomach problems, if not addressed early enough by a veterinary professional, suffer more than they need to. Find out the causes of dog diarrhea, how to stop it, when you should be worried, and how to help your dog feel better fast.
What are the common causes of diarrhea in dogs?
Diarrhea is not a disease; it is a symptom of a dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In simple terms, diarrhea in dogs is caused by something that hinders the intestine’s ability to absorb or secrete water. Here are some of the causes of diarrhea in dogs:
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When associated with bad food or food-borne pathogens, diarrhea serves to rapidly remove pathogens from the GIT before they have a chance to be absorbed and cause more damage.
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Black, tarry stool, or stool with copious amounts of fresh blood (bright red)
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Loss of appetite
- Frequent vomiting
- Signs of abdominal pain, avoidance response when the belly is touched
- Signs of abdominal pain, avoidance response when the belly is touched
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Bloating, groaning, or panting rapidly
Lasts longer than 48 hours. Because it can rapidly weaken puppies and geriatrics, or dogs with chronic diseases, they may need veterinary attention sooner.
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Occasional diarrhea is to be expected in dogs. Mild bouts of diarrhea will often resolve within two to four days on their own or with simple home remedies (see below).
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Most of the time, diarrhea is caused by dietary indiscretion (eating too many treats, garbage, or table scraps) or stressful circumstances and is self-resolving.
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Other common causes of diarrhea in dogs may include allergies, viral infections, inflammatory bowel disease, ingestion of toxins, parasites, pancreatitis, colitis, or other illnesses.
When to Visit Your Veterinarian For Diarrhea in Dogs
Warning signs that your dog’s diarrhea needs medical attention include:When it comes to diagnosing the cause of diarrhea, the color and consistency of your dog’s poop actually says a lot about their health. Take note of the color and consistency of their stool and any other symptoms your dog is experiencing. This information will help your vet determine what’s going on with your pup and get them back to normal.
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