Dog Diarrhea Causes & Solutions: Quick Tips for Relief

What is Dog Diarrhea?

In normal circumstances, dogs typically excrete brown or brownish feces (the color can sometimes be influenced by the food they eat) that is wellformed, occurring 12 times a day, or every other day. When diarrhea occurs due to various reasons, dogs may pass loose, watery stools, with an increased frequency of bowel movements. The feces may contain blood, foreign objects, and have a foul or acidic smell. In severe cases, there may also be a noticeable decline in the dog's energy and appetite.

When a dog is suffering from diarrhea and it's time to see a veterinarian, the owner should provide a detailed description of the pet's overall condition, diet, habits, environment, vaccination and deworming history, and any other relevant information. These important details can help the vet analyze the cause of the diarrhea and conduct specific examinations to better determine the root of the problem.

Causes of Dog Diarrhea

Diarrhea in dogs can be caused by a range of factors, such as eating spoiled food, sudden changes in diet, overeating, or stress. In such cases, the dog's general wellbeing, appetite, and urination should remain normal. The soft stools may not show blood, foreign objects, or parasites, and there should be no vomiting.

If a dog exhibits the above symptoms, it is recommended to fasting the pet for a period of time (for dogs over 6 months, fast for 6 hours; for dogs under 6 months, fast for 4 hours), while allowing them to drink water. During this time, feed the dog probiotics specifically formulated for pets. After fasting, gradually reintroduce easily digestible foods, such as softened dog food, veterinaryformulated gastrointestinal canned food, or plain, boiled chicken breast (without salt or spices). This should be done over a twoday period, accompanied by probiotic treatment. If the dog's condition improves gradually, there is usually no cause for concern.

However, if the diarrhea persists despite this treatment, or if the dog's energy and appetite worsen, or if vomiting occurs, or if other symptoms are present from the beginning, it is crucial for pet owners to take the situation seriously. The dog may be suffering from other diseases, and the following information can help identify potential causes.

1. Pathogenic Microorganisms

Suddenonset diarrhea in young or immunocompromised animals may be caused by viruses, such as canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus, or canine coronavirus, which can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and a decrease in appetite and energy. It can also be caused by bacteria, such as Salmonella, Clostridium, or Campylobacter, which can multiply in the intestines, although in normal amounts. Fungal infections, including histoplasmosis, can also cause diarrhea. Routine parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, and protozoa such as coccidia and giardia can also lead to diarrhea, especially in young animals.

2. Foreign Objects

Foreign objects like bones or sticks can become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea and vomiting. These objects can also cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract as they pass through, leading to diarrhea and blood in the stool.

3. Allergies

Dogs can also have food allergies, where they may react to certain proteins, grains, or additives in their diet, leading to symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. Poisoning from certain toxins, such as lead or pesticides, can also cause diarrhea, often accompanied by vomiting.

4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a common condition in dogs and cats, characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestines. The causes of IBD are multifactorial, including genetics, environment, diet, and infection. The most accurate method of diagnosis is through histopathology, which involves taking a segment of the intestine for pathological examination. Since diagnosis can be challenging, it is often a process of exclusion.

5. Tumors

Intestinal tumors are another cause of diarrhea, usually occurring in older pets. Tumors can be solitary and surgically removable, or they 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

Diseases 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 malabsorption and the production of greasy stools. Young animals with congenital enzyme deficiencies may also develop this condition.

Solutions for Dog Diarrhea

We have created a mind map of the overall condition of the feces to help you organize your thoughts. If all indicators are green, it means the animal's condition is not severe, and you can choose to observe and treat at home (treatment methods are described at the beginning of the article).

If any indicators are yellow, you should be vigilant and be prepared to go to the hospital at any time. If any indicator is red, it indicates that the dog's condition is serious and requires immediate veterinary attention.

How to Reduce the Risk of Dog Diarrhea

1. Avoid sudden changes in their diet.

2. Do not feed them bones (these can cause constipation or diarrhea).

3. Do not let them play with small objects.

4. Do not give them table scraps.

5. When they go outside, try to prevent them from eating anything they shouldn't (cat owners with a habit of letting their cats roam should also be cautious).

6. Regularly deworm and vaccinate your pets (this is essential for both dogs and cats!).