Dog diarrhea refers to stools (poop) that are loose, runny or watery. It’s a symptom of another health issue, rather than a condition in itself, and it can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. Although many cases of diarrhea in dogs are mild and resolve by themselves, it’s important that pet owners can recognize when diarrhea is more serious and when to go to the vet. We’ll cover all that and more in our guide on what to do if your dog has diarrhea.
Why does my dog have diarrhea?
As stools move through the digestive system, water is absorbed by the body through the walls of the intestines. This helps to firm up the stools and make them easy to pass. But if the stools move through the intestines too quickly, not enough water is absorbed. The result is loose, poorly formed poop, also known as diarrhea. Here are some of the most common reasons this can happen…
- Dietary causesDiet is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs. If your dog has switched to a new food or eaten something it shouldn’t (e.g. non-food items, spoiled food), this can leave its stomach irritated and unsettled. Some dogs can also experience diarrhea due to allergies or food intolerances.
- InfectionsBacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections can also cause dog diarrhea, especially those that affect the digestive system. Diarrhea can be the body’s way of flushing pathogens from the gut. It can also be a result of inflammation, irritation or direct damage to the lining of the gut, affecting how water is absorbed from the stool. Infections can also disrupt the gut microbiota, the delicate system of microbes that naturally live in the gut.
- StressJust like us humans, dogs can experience physical symptoms like diarrhea when they’re under stress. The “fight or flight” response causes tension in the intestinal muscles, which causes the bowels to empty at a faster rate. Stressors can include illness, pain, or changes at home, such as renovations or a new pet or baby.
- Other medical conditionsMany health conditions and medications can affect how the digestive system functions. Some directly affect the gut, like inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal tumors, while others indirectly cause dog diarrhea, like kidney disease, liver disease, or thyroid problems.
Signs of diarrhea in dogs: When is it serious?
You’ll no doubt recognize dog diarrhea when you see it! Your dog will have loose, runny or watery poop, and it may (but not always) be an unusual color like yellow or green. It’s sometimes accompanied by other digestive issues, too, like vomiting or loss of appetite.
A poorly dog won't always have visible signs, so you may not notice dog diarrhea right away. But if you notice feces stuck in the fur around your dog’s tail, it could be a sign they’ve had diarrhea.
In lots of cases, diarrhea in dogs is mild, resolves by itself, and can easily be managed at home. But it’s important to keep in mind that dog diarrhea can indicate a more serious health problem. And if it’s severe or lasts for too long, diarrhea can cause dehydration, mineral imbalances and nutritional deficiencies.
Look out for the following signs that your dog might be dehydrated:
- Little or no urination.
- Dark urine.
- Dry gums.
- Unusually thick or stringy saliva.
- A dry nose.
- Dry, sunken eyes.
- Rapid panting or heavy breathing.
- Tented skin (doesn’t spring back to its normal shape when pinched).
If you think your dog is dehydrated, or your dog has diarrhea lasting longer than 24 hours, contact your vet for advice. Bloody diarrhea in dogs, severe diarrhea or vomiting, and extreme weakness or lethargy are all signs you should see your vet urgently.
What to feed a dog with diarrhea
If your dog has diarrhea, the most important thing is to keep it hydrated. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water available and try to encourage it to drink. It may be helpful to add an electrolyte solution to their water, too.
Withholding food for a short period can help by giving the gut time to settle. However, this shouldn’t be done for longer than 24 hours, and food should be reintroduced slowly in small amounts.
Dog diarrhea treatment
If your dog’s diarrhea is severe or isn’t resolving at home, your vet can examine your dog to find out what’s causing it. Depending on what they find, they might recommend one of the following options:
- IV (intravenous) fluids to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
- Medication
- Anti-diarrhea drugs to slow down the digestive system and relieve diarrhea.
- Antibiotics or anti-parasitics to treat any infections.
- Against other underlying health conditions, e.g. hyperthyroidism.
- Pre and postbiotics to help restore the gut microbiome balance
- Highly digestible recovery food. If your dog is dehydrated and malnourished but can eat little portions, your vet can recommend highly energetic and nutritious food, like Veterinary HPM.