Every pet parent who cares about their pet’s welfare should be concerned about diarrhea in dogs. If your dog produces soggy or watery excrement that’s hard to pick up, it is most likely diarrhea. 

Diarrhea in dogs is common. There are various causes, and total complete prevention could be difficult. However, by learning more about the common triggers and treatments, you can do more to avoid or help your dog recover from a bout of diarrhea.

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Causes of diarrhea in dogs  

As we mentioned earlier, there are various causes of diarrhea in dogs. It could be minor issues like food intolerances or significant health issues like poisoning and diseases like cancer. The following are some of the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs:

  • Dietary causes like changing the dog’s diet and dietary indiscretion, or what vets call “garbage toxicosis” or “garbage gut”.
  • Food intolerance and allergies triggered by an additive or ingredient.
  • Psychological issues like anxiety and stress.
  • Ingestion of indigestible objects like toys.
  • Ingestion of poisonous substances like antifreeze.
  • Parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.
  • Viral and bacterial infections such as parvovirus, coronavirus, and salmonella.
  • Ailments like pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), colitis, and gastrointestinal cancer.
  • Side effects of some antibiotics and other medications.

Identification and treatment of diarrhea in dogs

As you can see, there are several causes of diarrhea in dogs. It explains why diarrhea is one of the most common health conditions that affect dogs. Whereas complete prevention of dog diarrhea might be an uphill or almost impossible task, treatment is not. 

You can learn to identify diarrhea in dogs and treat the condition. It is critical when preparing to adopt because swift action could save your dog’s life. 

Identification of diarrhea in dogs

Inspecting your dog’s poop may sound inappropriate. But it is your best bet at spotting unusual excrement. If the stool is not moist, log-shaped and compact, but is soggy or watery and has a weird color, your dog probably has diarrhea. 

The frequency also matters. If your dog has to go several times a day, it could be diarrhea.

Treatment of diarrhea in dogs

Depending on the severity, treatment of diarrhea in dogs will vary. Simple home remedies could cure diarrhea in your dog. However, sometimes, you will need a vet’s help to address the situation. 

The following are some home remedies you can administer:

  • Fasting for 12 to 24 hours can help clear the GI tract of any harmful substances the dog could have ingested. It is an effective way of dealing with diarrhea due to garbage gut, food intolerance, and psychological issues. Ensure that the dog is sufficiently fit and of an appropriate age and weight. Remember to give your dog plenty of water. Diarrhea dehydrates, so it’s critical to keep him hydrated. 
  • Feed the dog a plain diet like plain white rice, 100% pumpkin puree, boiled potatoes (without the skin), plain egg, and plain chicken. Other foods like cottage cheese, plain yogurt, herbs like fennel, and specially formulated commercial dog food could help also. But consult a vet before you feed it to your dog. 
  • Over the counter, antidiarrheals for dogs could help. However, we suggest a check with the vet before administering any medicine to your porch. 
  • A visit to the vet is perhaps the best way to deal with diarrhea in dogs. Visit the vet when your dog expresses other symptoms along with diarrhea or if it is prolonged. The vet will examine the dog, test for various causes of diarrhea, and administer appropriate treatment.

Photo by Matthew LeJune on Unsplash

A final word 

Diarrhea in pups is common, and many canine owners take it lightly just because it’s in the dog crate. But it can be life-threatening. You can help avoid contraction and alleviate suffering by learning about the common causes and treatment of diarrhea in dogs.