Understanding Dog Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Remed

Dealing with Your Dog's Diarrhea: A Guide for New Dog Walkers

New dog owners often find themselves caught off guard when their furry friend suddenly develops diarrhea, unsure of how to handle the situation. Many dog walkers mistakenly believe that their pets' delicate stomachs are prone to diarrhea at the slightest provocation. However, the truth is often more straightforward: most cases of diarrhea in dogs are due to improper feeding. To prevent your beloved pet from suffering from frequent episodes of diarrhea, read on for some valuable insights!

Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea?

Improper Feeding

(1) Overfeeding

Dogs are prone to overeating due to their instinct to eat in short bursts to replenish energy. This can lead to digestive disorders and diarrhea. If your dog is experiencing this, consider reducing their portion sizes. With time, their stools should return to normal. Dogs are naturally greedy, especially when hungry, so it's important to stick to a regular feeding schedule, aiming for about 80% fullness.

(2) Eating Too Fast

Some dogs, particularly larger breeds, eat very quickly, which can cause choking, vomiting, and diarrhea. For dogs with this habit, a slowfeeding bowl can help. If your dog is a shortnosed breed and frequently chokes or coughs, it may be necessary to consult a veterinarian to rule out respiratory or organ narrowing.

(3) Exercise After Eating

It's not advisable to take your dog for a vigorous walk immediately after eating, as this can lead to indigestion and vomiting. The food needs to be softened by stomach acid, so a leisurely walk half an hour after meals is more appropriate.

(4) Irregular Feeding

Some dogs have weaker stomachs and struggle to digest a full day's worth of food at once, which can put a strain on their digestive system. Breaking down their meals into two or three smaller, regular feedings can help protect their stomachs.

Food Issues

(1) Incorrect Main Food Selection

Different dog foods have varying ingredients, sources, and nutrient contents. If your dog frequently experiences diarrhea or has heavy tear stains after eating a particular brand, it may not be suitable. If your dog is prone to allergies, consider switching to a grainfree or hypoallergenic formula.

(2) Inadequate Diet

A diet consisting solely of dry food can be monotonous and hard on a dog's stomach. Their digestive system is better suited to a diet that includes some meat, which can help strengthen their digestive function.

(3) Balanced Homemade Meals

If your dog primarily eats canned food, they still need a small amount of plant matter (such as vegetables and fruits in their meatbased recipes) to provide dietary fiber, aid in digestion, and maintain normal stool consistency.

Stress Response

The most common stress response in dogs is diarrhea or vomiting due to improper switching of food. When changing your dog's diet, opt for a new food that closely matches the formula and nutritional analysis of the old one. Other stressors can include sudden scares, changes in environment, or veterinary visits.

In most cases, these are the reasons for diarrhea, but in some rare instances, it could be due to gastroenteritis or other diseases. If your dog has severe diarrhea accompanied by vomiting, it's important to take note!

What Can My Dog Eat When Diarrhea Strikes?

(1) Probiotics

Probiotics can help manage diarrhea caused by dietary changes or stress, stopping symptoms early and preventing further soft stools.

(2) Digestive Supplements

For dogs with a tendency to overeat or consume indigestible foods, digestive supplements can promote gut motility and increase digestive fluid secretion.

(3) Vitamins

Bvitamins are beneficial for both the digestive system and the skin. Dogs lacking in Bvitamins may experience poor digestion, loss of appetite, and frequent diarrhea, so supplementation can be beneficial.

How to Handle the Situation

Remove any indigestible foods from your dog's diet and provide them with probiotics to aid digestion. If diarrhea is severe, consider a day of fasting (while ensuring they have access to water). Avoid feeding them soy products or corn, as these can exacerbate diarrhea.

Black, watery stools indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, while red, watery stools suggest lower gastrointestinal bleeding. If your dog's stools contain small particles or strings, it may be infected with parasites. In such cases, bring a sample of the stool to a veterinarian for analysis and to determine the appropriate deworming medication.