Common Dog Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions

When it comes to our furry companions, there are two common reasons that might send them to the veterinary emergency room.

Here are the two most frequent reasons why dogs end up in the ER. The first is vomiting, followed closely by diarrhea. Since diarrhea is so prevalent, it's not uncommon for it to affect your dog from time to time. Below, we offer some guidance on how to tackle this issue effectively.

What should you do if your dog experiences an emergency case of diarrhea?

1. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest pet emergency clinic or have your veterinarian's contact information on hand. Make sure to store this information (phone number, hours, address, and directions) in your contact list for easy access.

2. Be prepared to discuss your dog's medical history and any medications they are currently taking. The vet will be particularly interested in knowing about any heartworm prevention measures you've taken and the specifics of the product. Many heartworm preventatives also treat gastrointestinal parasites. Be ready to provide details about when the diarrhea started, how many times your dog has had diarrhea, the consistency of the diarrhea, the last time it occurred, and any accompanying symptoms like drowsiness, weakness, or vomiting. Keep a close eye on your dog, and if possible, bring a sample of the diarrhea for examination.

3. Consider what you've been feeding your dog. Have you changed their diet recently? Has your dog been known to rummage through the trash? These are questions your vet might ask, as dietary changes and contact with garbage can lead to diarrhea in some dogs.

4. Here are some athome tips for managing diarrhea. You may choose to call a veterinary clinic for professional emergency remote assistance. If you're overly concerned, it's best to bring your dog in for an onsite evaluation. However, if the situation seems manageable, consider providing your dog with a gentle diet to soothe their symptoms.

You can create a bland diet by mixing equal parts of cooked lean meat (chicken, hamburger, or turkey) with cooked white rice. Avoid adding any seasonings, such as butter, salt, garlic, or spices. Gradually reintroduce their normal diet after a few days, until they are back to their regular eating habits.

5. If your dog's diarrhea is accompanied by symptoms like drowsiness, weakness, blood in the diarrhea, or severe vomiting, it's crucial to seek veterinary evaluation immediately.

6. Prevent your pet from coming into contact with garbage, table scraps, and other foreign objects. Gradually change their food over the days following diarrhea. Also, ensure that the toys you provide are safe and won't lead to accidental ingestion of dangerous items.

Feeding table scraps and garbage can lead to many emergency situations. So, avoid giving your pet any leftovers, and be extra cautious with the toys you provide to ensure they are safe and not at risk of being swallowed by mistake.