Causes & Treatments for Dog Diarrhea: Quick Guide
When your furry friend, , is suffering from diarrhea, it's crucial for you to provide the veterinarian with a detailed account of your pet's condition. This includes their overall demeanor, dietary habits, lifestyle, living environment, vaccination and deworming history, and any other relevant information. These details are invaluable for the vet to analyze the cause of the diarrhea and conduct a thorough examination to pinpoint the root of the problem.
What are the potential causes of diarrhea in dogs, and how should you handle them?
Occasional diarrhea in a dog might be due to eating something inappropriate (such as spoiled leftovers), a sudden change in diet, overeating, or stress. In such cases, your dog's spirit, appetite, and urination should remain normal. The soft stools should not contain blood, foreign objects, or parasites, and there should be no vomiting.
If your dog exhibits these symptoms, you can start by fasting them for a period of time (for dogs over 6 months old, fast for 6 hours; for dogs under 6 months old, fast for 4 hours). They can still drink water, and you should feed them a petspecific probiotic to help regulate their gut. After fasting, introduce easily digestible foods in small, frequent portions, such as softened kibble, veterinaryformulated gastrointestinal canned food, or plain, boiled chicken breast (without salt or seasonings). Continue with the probiotic for two days to gradually return to a normal diet. If your dog's condition improves, there's usually no cause for concern.
However, if the diarrhea persists despite these measures, or if your dog shows signs of worsening health, such as decreased appetite, vomiting, or other symptoms from the outset, it's time to take the situation seriously. Your pup may be suffering from an underlying illness. Here are some potential causes:
1. Pathogens: Young or immunocompromised dogs may suffer from suddenonset diarrhea due to viral infections, such as canine distemper, parvovirus, or coronavirus. Bacterial infections, such as Salmonella, Clostridium, or Campylobacter, can also be responsible. Fungal infections, including histoplasmosis, can also cause diarrhea.
2. Foreign Objects: Items like bones or sticks can become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea and vomiting. These objects can also cause damage to the gastrointestinal lining, leading to bleeding and diarrhea.
3. Allergies: Dogs can have food allergies to certain proteins, grains, or additives, which can trigger diarrhea and vomiting. Poisoning from toxins like lead or pesticides can also lead to diarrhea, often accompanied by vomiting.
4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD is a chronic inflammatory condition of the intestines, often caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, dietary, and infectious factors. Diagnosis typically involves a tissue biopsy of the intestines. Some breeds, like the Basenji, may be predisposed to severe IBD.
5. Tumors: Intestinal tumors can cause diarrhea, usually in older pets. Adenocarcinomas can be single, surgically removable tumors or can infiltrate the entire intestine. Lymphosarcoma in dogs and cats can be solitary or multiple, with abnormal lymphocytes potentially spreading to the intestines.
6. Other Diseases: Conditions affecting other organs, such as kidney failure, liver failure, or pancreatic disease, can also lead to diarrhea. Pancreatitis can damage the pancreas, preventing it from producing enough enzymes to digest fats, resulting in greasy stools. Young animals with congenital enzyme deficiencies may also be prone to this condition.
To reduce the likelihood of your dog experiencing diarrhea, consider the following:
Avoid sudden changes in their diet.
Don't feed them bones, which can cause constipation or diarrhea.
Keep small objects away from them.
Don't give them table scraps.
Prevent them from eating while outside (especially if you have a cat that roams).
Regularly deworm and vaccinate your pets (this is important for both dogs and cats alike).
