Why Your Dog Has Diarrhea and How to Help

Diarrhea is the medical term for loose, watery, or frequent feces. It happens when the digested material moves faster than normal through the intestines. Diarrhea is not a disease itself but a symptom of some underlying cause. Diarrhea ranges from mild to severe. If there is no sufficient change in your dog’s behaviour or no serious symptoms like dehydration, then it is mild diarrhea and it can easily be cured at home. It lasts for only a day or two.

If your dog’s diarrhea is accompanied by severe symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or blood in feces then consult your vet immediately. Because severe diarrhea can lead your dog to serious health issues. Puppies are more prone to severe diarrhea so they need more attention. Scroll down for more detailed information about diarrhea so you can help your dog and give him a happy and healthy life again.

Types of Diarrhea

Diarrhea in dogs is categorized into different types depending on the appearance, duration, and underlying cause. Here are 7 types of diarrhea described:

• Acute Diarrhea: The abrupt start of diarrhea that passes quickly is known as acute diarrhea. It is caused by dietary indiscretion, stress, and viral or bacterial infections. Its signs are loose stools, sometimes with vomiting or mild lethargy.
• Chronic Diarrhea: This type of diarrhea lasts for 2 to 3 weeks and is caused by food allergies,Inflammable Bowel Disease (IBD), parasites, and organ diseases. Its signs are weight loss, dehydration, and change in appetite.
• Watery Diarrhea: It causes loose, watery stools and dehydration due to water loss. It is caused by toxic ingestion, severe dehydration, and bacterial infections.
• Mucus-Laden Diarrhea: Diarrhea with jelly-mucus coating. Its causes are parasites, stress, and colitis. Its symptom is mucus in stool.
• Bloody Diarrhea: It is diarrhea visible with red, dark, or digested blood in stool. It causes dehydration and lethargy. Its underlying cause is Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) and irritation to the intestines.
• Yellow Diarrhea: It causes yellowish stools with or without symptoms like vomiting. It develops due to bile imbalance and liver or pancreatic disease.
• Black or Tarry Diarrhea (Melena): It causes dark and tarry stools due to digested blood, weakness, and lethargy. Its underlying causes are internal bleeding, medications like NSAIDs, and severe infections.

Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs

Diarrhea in dogs can be caused by many factors, ranging from improper eating habits to severe underlying medical disorders. Blood in dog feces or blood in diarrhea dogs is also a result of these factors, a serious problem that needs attention. Short-term diarrhea or common causes of diarrhea include:

• A sudden change of dog food or treats and overeating.
• Eating inappropriate food or the food to which your dog is allergic can cause yellow diarrhea in dogs which is not often severe.
• Stress and anxiety.
• Medications like antibiotics and painkillers that irritate the stomach and intestines.

Severe diarrhea can be caused by:

• Cancer-like lymphoma causes chronic diarrhea in dogs.
• Organ dysfunctions like kidney, liver, or Addison’s disease cause severe diarrhea in senior dogs most because of their age.
• Eating non-food items.
• Common infections like viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
• Toxic substances like poisons or toxic foods.
• Chronic digestive diseases like IBD or Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI).
• Inflammation of the pancreas.

Symptoms of Diarrhea in Dogs

Symptoms of diarrhea range from mild to severe, depending on the underlying cause. If your dog shows severe symptoms, consult a veterinarian. Common symptoms of mild diarrhea include:

• Soft, loose, or completely liquid stool.
• Slightly reduced appetite.
• Gassiness due to upset digestion.
• Normal energy and no signs of dehydration.
• Lasts for 24-48 hours.

Symptoms of severe diarrhea include:

• Mucus and bright red or dark blood in a dog's stool are signs of severe diarrhea. It is also called bloody diarrhea in dogs.
• Dehydration signs like dry gums and sunken eyes are the symptoms of severe yellow diarrhea in dogs.
• Vomiting and severe diarrhea in dogs frequently occur at the same time. This is when your dog needs veterinary attention.
• Sudden changes in your dog, like lethargy, weakness, or lack of interest in food.
• Fever, weight loss and abdominal pain.
• Lasts more than a day or two.

Food and Remedies for Diarrhea

The best way to cure a disease or a problem is to provide the best food and remedies. Just like that, giving perfect food to your dog can cure his diarrhea. But perfect foods for diarrhea only work with perfect timings. You should fast your dog for 12 to 24 hours to give rest to their gastrointestinal tract. This works mostly for adult dogs, but for puppies or senior dogs, you should consult your vet before fasting them.

Now, remedies and foods that will help your diarrhea dog after his fasting period are described below:

• Boiled chicken, turkey, and rice are the easiest foods for your dog’s stomach and are easy to digest.
• Cooked, plain sweet potatoes are easy to digest.
• Pumpkin can help, with diarrhea but only plain pumpkins. Canned pure pumpkin has high fiber contents which firm up a dog’s stool. Pumpkin for diarrhea dogs can be mixed with plain sweet potatoes or boiled chicken or turkey. You can also use Happy Olly Freeze-Dried Pumpkin Bits as a treat for your dog.
• Avoiding fatty food and feeding small amounts of food after 3 to 4 hours helps your dog with diarrhea.

Home and Natural Remedies

Diarrhea can also be cured by home and natural remedies. These things work only with mild cases of diarrhea. Some home and natural remedies for diarrhea dogs are:

• Bone Broth: Bone broth is included in home remedies for dog diarrhea. It helps with hydration and is easy for a dog's stomach. You can make a homemade bone broth by gently boiling chicken, beef, or lamb bones in water with some herbs other than salt and spices. Make sure to strain it before serving. It helps replace lost nutrients by its amino acids and electrolytes which boost the healing process.
• Slippery Elm: Slippery elm is a natural herb that helps in digestion because it contains mucilage. You can add slippery elm powder (¼ teaspoon for small dogs and ½ teaspoon for large dogs) to their food or mix it with water.
• Hydration Support: Diarrhea causes fluid loss so keeping your dog hydrated is essential. You can offer them fresh water daily. Use electrolyte solutions, ice cubes, or ice chips to recover your dog from dehydration.
• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil helps soothe the gastrointestinal tract and promotes digestion. Just add ¼ teaspoon of organic coconut oil to their food for small dogs and 1 teaspoon for large dogs.
• Limited-Ingredient Treats: Limited-ingredient treats help with diarrhea especially when its cause is an allergy or food sensitivity. These types of treats are made by a small number of ingredients or by only one ingredient. You can easily make it at home but you should also try limited-ingredient dog treats online like Happy Olly Freeze-Dried Banana Slices.

Risks and Complications Due to Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be mild or severe which can cause serious risks and complications to your dog. It is best to consult a veterinarian when there are symptoms of severe diarrhea but it is important for you to have information about all the risks and complications that your dog can face because of diarrhea. So here is some information for your help:

• Dehydration: Dehydration due to diarrhea is the biggest risk and complication that a dog can face. Diarrhea causes loss of fluid and electrolytes which leads to dehydration. If dehydration is not treated on the spot then there is a risk of shock and organ failure. You should treat it rapidly if your dog shows any signs of dry gums or mouth, lethargy,sunken eyes, or loss of skin elasticity.
• Electrolyte Imbalance: Loss of electrolytes which are essential for proper body function like sodium, potassium, and chloride can be life-threatening. Its symptoms are weakness, muscle cramping, or abnormal heart rate which is absolutely not because your dog fell in love with another beautiful dog.
• Malnutrition: Due to the rapid movement of food, the body does not absorb nutrients properly which can weaken the immune system and make your dog vulnerable to more health problems. Poor coat condition and lack of energy symbolize malnutrition.
• Secondary Infections: The intestinal lining can become irritated and damaged by diarrhea, which facilitates the entry of dangerous bacteria, viruses, or parasites into the body. These untreated infections may cause serious complications like blood poisoning. Fever, vomiting, and an increase in the severity of diarrhea are its symptoms.
• Intestinal Perforation:Severe diarrhea especially caused by toxins or certain infections leads to perforation (a tear) in the intestinal walls. It is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening without treatment. It can be identified by signs like abdominal pain or swelling, vomiting, and weakness.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease IBD: It is a condition in which the intestines do not work properly. Inflammatory Bowel Disease is sometimes a symptom of Chronic diarrhea in dogs. It can cause long-term health problems and may require life-long treatment. You can find it out by noticing changes in your dog like weight loss despite a good appetite and vomiting or nausea.
• Toxicity or Poisoning: Diarrhea which is caused by ingesting toxic substances, chemicals, or plants can lead to serious organ damage, neurological issues, or death if not treated. Vomiting, drooling, and tremors are the signs of toxicity.
• Damage to Gut Flora:Disturbance in the balance of gut bacteria due to diarrhea makes recovery for future episodes of diarrhea difficult. It makes the dog prone to gastrointestinal issues in the future. It causes weight loss or poor appetite and ongoing digestive upset.
• Behavioral Stress: Discomfort of diarrhea or chronic diarrhea causes stress and anxiety that weakens the immune system. Your dog’s whining, restlessness, and decreased social interaction are signs of stress.

When to Visit the Vet?

It’s best to visit the vet even if you have a slight doubt about your dog’s health. But it becomes crucial if you notice the following red flags in your diarrhea dog:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 24-48 hours.
• Blood in stool.
• Severe dehydration or vomiting.
• Abdominal pain, lethargy, or fever.
• Toxic exposure or pre-existing health issues.
• Loss of Appetite

FAQs

Does stress cause diarrhea in dogs?

Yes, like humans, stress is also an enemy of dogs' health. Dogs may experience diarrhea, whining, changes in habits, and behavioral changes if they have stress and anxiety. You should identify the stressor first and then try to reduce it. Further, you can provide them with a calm environment and visit the vet if symptoms persist.

Can heat cause diarrhea in dogs?

Yes, because dogs are sensitive to high temperatures which can lead to stress that causes digestive problems like diarrhea. Heat can cause dehydration and diet changes which are big signs of diarrhea in dogs. Puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with pre-existing health problems are more at risk. You can help them by ensuring proper hydration, keeping your dog cool, and limiting their activities.

How long does diarrhea last in dogs?

If it is mild or acute diarrhea which is caused by dietary indiscretion, then it lasts for only 24-48 hours. And it can easily be resolved by fasting and a bland diet. Persistent and chronic diarrhea, caused by parasites, food allergies, and system diseases lasts for 2 weeks. It requires vet treatment to find out the root of the diarrhea. Severe diarrhea caused by serious infections, toxic ingestion, or intestinal blockages, lasts for several days to weeks. This type of diarrhea can worsen without veterinary intervention.