My dog has diarrhea – what should I do? There’s gurgling in the stomach, and the stool has a soft to liquid consistency? Sometimes, your dog may not even be able to hold it in the house.

Diarrhea in dogs is alarmingly common and has various causes. It is important to prevent diarrhea and distinguish harmless diarrhea in your dog from an emergency!

Here, you will find tips for quick relief from diarrhea as well as information from the veterinarian on causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Definition: Dog has Diarrhea

Diarrhea refers to the excretion of liquid or mushy stool. Bloody diarrhea can also occur.

Acute diarrhea lasts only a few days, while diarrhea is considered chronic if it persists for more than 2 weeks. Even if your dog alternates between diarrhea and normal bowel movements, this should be investigated.

When your dog suffers from diarrhea, its gastrointestinal flora is out of balance. The longer diarrhea persists, the more its immune system suffers. The causes of diarrhea can sometimes be entirely harmless, so you should first remain calm. However, if diarrhea persists, it may be a sign of a serious illness. In this case, your dog should be examined by the veterinarian.

Forms and accompanying symptoms of digestive disorders in dogs

Diarrhea can take various forms in dogs:

Diarrhea can occur alone, but it can also bring various accompanying symptoms in your dog. Apathy, lethargy, abdominal pain, or fatigue are among the “milder” symptoms when the intestinal disorder does not last long. However, if your dog is also vomiting, diarrhea is mixed with blood, or fever occurs, it should alert you. Especially if your puppy has diarrhea or if it is a senior dog, you should call a veterinarian as soon as possible!

When should I see a vet?

If your dog exhibits one or more of the following symptoms, you should call a veterinarian immediately:

What helps against diarrhea in dogs?

If your dog has a gastrointestinal disease, it is advisable to find out the cause of the digestive disorder as soon as possible to take appropriate measures. Ready-made bland diets and charcoal tablets are initial initiatives. If the diarrhea persists, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out serious illnesses.

Quick relief for acute or mild diarrhea:

Acute diarrhea can occur quite often in dogs, usually passes quickly, and in such cases, leaves no lasting damage. Therefore, in the case of mild diarrhea, a diagnosis is often not necessary. However, if gastrointestinal upset persists, or severe accompanying symptoms occur, the dog needs a more thorough examination.

Quick Help for Acute Diarrhea in Dogs

If your dog has acute diarrhea, these 5 steps can help:

What to do if the dog has diarrhea?

For mild diarrhea, tried-and-true home remedies like rice, carrots, and lean meat, along with a fasting day, can be helpful. For prolonged diarrhea, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary to determine the causes.

Home remedies for diarrhea: Bland diet for your dog

My dog has diarrhea, what can I feed? Cook the following food for your dog:

You will need:

Mix the ingredients and give your pet small portions throughout the day!

During this time, refrain from other food or treats so that the digestive system can settle. However, do not feed this bland diet for more than a few days, as it does not cover your pet’s nutritional needs.

Please note: Moro soup for dogs is not a substitute for veterinary therapy and should only be used as a supportive measure. In severe cases, a veterinarian must be consulted.

Severe or recurrent diarrhea in dogs

For recurrent diarrhea (lasting more than 2 weeks) or severe diarrhea, possibly with significant accompanying symptoms (e.g., fever):

What you can do if your dog has diarrhea

If your dog constantly suffers from diarrhea, it can be very distressing for both you and your pet.

Tips for dogs with a sensitive digestive system:

Treatment for Severe Diarrhea

Your veterinarian will initially treat your dog symptomatically to alleviate acute symptoms. This is particularly important when the cause is not yet clear (e.g., while waiting for laboratory results).

These measures can provide initial relief for your beloved pet. Once the cause is identified (e.g., infection, organ diseases or dysfunction), targeted treatment becomes crucial.

Diagnosis: How to Identify the Cause of Diarrhea in Dogs?

In cases of chronic and severe diarrhea, there is often inflammation of the intestinal mucosa (enteritis). The veterinarian will investigate your dog for the underlying infection or organ-related illness.

Infections can be diagnosed through a fecal sample (e.g., worm test) with specific pathogen detection, such as parasite infestation or bacterial infection. Ensure to collect a pooled stool sample since most pathogens are not continuously excreted but intermittently. By collecting a sample over several days, the likelihood of detecting the causative pathogen is higher.

If the general condition is already poor or numerous other examinations and tests have been conducted, the veterinarian looks for a possible underlying illness. Sometimes the cause lies elsewhere; for example, thyroid diseases can also cause diarrhea. A blood test can provide insight. An examination of the pancreas and electrolyte levels is also advisable. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes, and electrolytes provide clues about potential causes like Addison’s disease.

In cases of suspected tumors or foreign bodies, further investigation of the gastrointestinal tract is necessary using X-ray or ultrasound devices.

Various diseases can be responsible for severe diarrhea, especially in puppies, where it can become life-threatening if prolonged. Rapid action is crucial! Calling a veterinarian promptly and providing proper medical care gives you the best chances. Do not underestimate the importance of discussing the situation with your veterinarian. Good advice often proves more beneficial than numerous tests and medications.

Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs

Diarrhea in dogs is a symptom with various possible causes, often associated with gastrointestinal issues. Depending on whether it’s a harmless intolerance or a severe illness, gastrointestinal upset can last for different durations and come with unpleasant side effects.

Do you want to find out why your dog has diarrhea?

Diarrhea Due to Incorrect Diet

Consider what your dog has consumed recently. Acute diarrhea is most commonly caused by ingesting something that your dog simply cannot tolerate.

Common culprits for dogs include seasoned food, dairy products, raw eggs, or avocado. Changing the diet suddenly can also affect your dog’s digestive tract. Ingested foreign objects can confuse the digestive system. Toxins, food allergies, or consumed garbage can also lead to loose stools.

Diarrhea Due to Infections

Gastrointestinal parasites such as worms or Giardia can cause digestive issues. Additionally, a gastrointestinal infection caused by viruses or bacteria might be responsible for the bothersome loose stools in your beloved pet. Particularly, the presence of mucus in diarrhea can be indicative!

The following infections can be the reason for diarrhea in your pet:

Diarrhea Due to Diseases

Frequently, illnesses trigger diarrhea in dogs. A veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet to determine an appropriate course of treatment. The following diseases can lead to digestive disorders:

Dog Has Diarrhea after Antibiotics or Vaccination

Has your dog taken medication or accidentally ingested drugs? Especially, antibiotics can result in diarrhea in dogs. In case of mild symptoms, the antibiotic treatment should be continued. You can provide additional support by feeding probiotics to assist the gastrointestinal flora.

After vaccination (e.g., rabies vaccination), digestive issues may also occur. However, these symptoms should typically subside within a few hours to a few days.

Dog Has Diarrhea during Teething

Teething usually proceeds without issues in dogs. However, some young dogs may experience pain and try to alleviate it by chewing. In rare cases, dogs might develop digestive disorders during teething, especially if they chew on something they shouldn’t.

Female Dog in Heat Has Diarrhea

Particularly during the first heat cycle or in older female dogs, hormonal changes during estrus may cause diarrhea. Female dogs are generally more prone to stress during heat, which might make them susceptible to stress-induced diarrhea.

Other Causes of Diarrhea

Has your dog recently experienced fear, stress, or excitement? These psychological factors can lead to a nervous gastrointestinal tract and subsequent diarrhea.

How Can I Prevent Diarrhea in Dogs?

You can prevent diarrhea in your dog by paying attention to some fundamental aspects:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Homeopathic Globules Help with Dog Diarrhea?

Various homeopathic globules can be administered depending on the cause of the dog’s diarrhea, such as those designed for diarrhea due to anxiety or worm infestation. However, diarrhea can be a sign of diseases or intolerances. For instance, in the case of diarrhea caused by worm infestation, it is crucial to administer veterinarian-prescribed medication. Homeopathic globules can be given as a supportive measure afterward. If diarrhea persists, your dog appears weakened, or other symptoms arise, consult a veterinarian without relying solely on homeopathic remedies.

Can Wet Food Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?

The impact of wet food on causing diarrhea depends on its ingredients. If your dog has an intolerance to a specific meat type (e.g., chicken) or carbohydrate source (e.g., wheat), diarrhea may result. The quality of the food matters as well. Some wet foods may have overdoses of ingredients like protein and minerals, leading to prolonged diarrhea. For some dogs, the high moisture content in wet food may result in softer stools, and they may require more dietary fiber. The suitability of wet or dry food varies for each dog, and individual ingredients must be assessed.

What to Do if My Dog Suffers from Persistent Diarrhea?

If your dog experiences persistent diarrhea, it is crucial to seek veterinary examination. Diarrhea is considered chronic if it lasts longer than two weeks. Possible causes include intolerances or allergies (to food, treats, or medications), hypothyroidism, pancreatic insufficiency, stress, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Consult a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Quick Relief for Dog Diarrhea?

For acute diarrhea, fasting your dog for 24 hours can be beneficial in calming the digestive system. Ensure that your dog has access to water during this time. Offer a bland diet for the next 2-3 days. If these steps don’t bring relief, consult a veterinarian who can temporarily halt the diarrhea and investigate the cause.

Can Grass Eating Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?

Dogs often eat grass when they have an upset stomach, usually to induce vomiting and clear the stomach contents. This behavior doesn’t typically lead to diarrhea, unless the dog excessively consumes grass. If a dog with existing gastrointestinal issues eats grass due to stomach problems, both grass eating and diarrhea may occur simultaneously. However, the grass itself is not the cause of diarrhea. It is essential to determine the root cause of diarrhea in such cases.