Causes of Puppy Diarrhea: What's Behind the Stool Issue

Understanding the Causes of Diarrhea in Puppies:

1. Maternal Milk Issues

When a mother dog is on medication and the puppy's primary food source is her milk, the puppy is more susceptible to diarrhea. In such cases, pet owners should consider temporarily discontinuing the medication for the mother dog or switching the puppy to goat's milk formula. It's crucial to ensure adequate hydration during this period to prevent severe diarrhea leading to dehydration. If the situation does not improve, other potential causes should be explored.

2. Gastrointestinal Discomfort or Stress Response

When a new puppy is brought home, it may experience digestive issues or diarrhea due to a change in diet from what it was accustomed to, such as mother's milk or pet store food. Young puppies whose digestive systems are not fully developed can struggle with digestion. Additionally, the stress of a new environment, coupled with the lack of vaccinations and deworming, can weaken the immune system, leading to intestinal problems.

3. Catching a Cold or Exposure to Cold

Puppies are fragile and prone to illnesses. Proper warmth is essential to prevent them from catching a cold. If a puppy shows signs of a cold or exposure to cold, it's important to provide immediate warmth, particularly focusing on the abdominal area.

4. Parasitic Infection

Newborn puppies typically only consume their mother's milk, which means diarrhea in a nursing puppy could be traced back to the mother. If the mother dog has parasites, the puppy can become infected through breastfeeding and develop diarrhea. If the puppy shows signs of decreased appetite, vomiting, bloody stools, or the presence of worms, it's essential for the owner to seek deworming treatment.

5. Viral or Bacterial Enteritis

Common symptoms of viral or bacterial enteritis include lethargy, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. If a puppy exhibits diarrhea, it's important to check its temperature. A puppy with an abnormally high temperature above 39.5 degrees Celsius, accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on puppy diarrhea, check out our article "What to Do If Your Dog Eats Bad Food and Has Diarrhea."