Recognizing and resolving diarrhea in dogs

How do you recognize diarrhea in dogs?

A healthy dog normally has well-formed stools once or twice a day. If the stool is softer, thinner, or mushy, this is considered diarrhea. It is also considered diarrhea when a dog needs to defecate more often per day, or when there is mucus and/or blood in the stool.

What causes diarrhea?

Diarrhea in dogs can have many causes. The most common causes are:

• Viral infection (including parvovirus)
• Bacterial infection
• Parasites (including worms or giardia)
• A change in food
• Contaminated water or spoiled food
• Food allergy or food sensitivity
• Poisoning

What types of diarrhea are there in dogs?

Diarrhea complaints are common in dogs. It is therefore important to distinguish between the type of diarrhea and its severity. This is needed to determine whether, and which, tests the dog needs, and which treatment should be started if necessary. The types of diarrhea are:

• Acute diarrhea in dogs: the diarrhea lasts less than 3 weeks.
• Chronic diarrhea in dogs: lasts longer than 3 weeks and returns regularly.
• Small intestine diarrhea: usually watery, sometimes accompanied by vomiting. There is usually no increased urgency, and no fresh blood is visible in the stool.
• Large intestine diarrhea: increased urgency, often frequent stools in small amounts. The stool is often mucous and mushy, and may contain blood.

For acute diarrhea, the distinction between small and large intestine diarrhea is not very important. When it comes to chronic diarrhea, this distinction matters for determining the right tests. In many cases we see so-called mixed patterns. This means that both the large intestine and the small intestine are inflamed.

When should you go to the vet if your dog has diarrhea?

Acute diarrhea in an otherwise healthy dog often resolves on its own. You can help your dog by taking them out a bit more often, making sure they drink well, and giving easily digestible food. It is also best to give several small portions per day.

We recommend contacting your veterinarian if:

• The dog becomes sicker, or the symptoms do not improve after a few days
• The dog has bloody diarrhea
• The dog is unable to keep down water or fluids. See also “How do you recognize dehydration in dogs?”.
• The dog stops eating or is vomiting
• The dog has a fever
• You suspect the dog has eaten something toxic
• You suspect your dog has swallowed a foreign object

Diarrhea in puppies

Be extra alert with diarrhea in puppies. Because a puppy’s intestines are not yet used to much, they can develop diarrhea more quickly. However, puppies are also more prone to dehydration and can deteriorate quickly. If the puppy remains cheerful and playful, and continues to eat and drink, you can wait and see. If the puppy stops eating or drinking, or becomes lethargic, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How do you recognize dehydration in dogs?

If your dog has diarrhea, it is important to keep an eye out for dehydration. You can recognize dehydration by:

• Lethargy and not wanting to eat
• Sticky mucous membranes. You can check these on the inside of the cheek or the gums. If your dog is dehydrated, these will feel sticky. Check this occasionally when your dog is healthy too, so you can notice when they are abnormal.
• If you gently pull up the skin, it takes longer than normal to return to its original position.
• The heart rate is often higher than normal

Do you suspect your dog is dehydrated? Contact the veterinarian immediately.

Dog with diarrhea? Tips!

Is your dog suffering from diarrhea? There are a few things you can do yourself that can help.

• Make sure your dog keeps drinking
• Give easily digestible food (such as Hill’s I/D Biome or Royal Canin Gastro Intestinal, available from the vet) and give several smaller portions per day. It is important that your dog keeps eating.
• If your dog is unable to keep food down, you can give an electrolyte drink (e.g. Oralade®). These contain salts, which help against dehydration.
• In case of frequent urgency, you can give an anti-diarrheal medication, such as Finidiar® / Alfadiar®. These do not speed up recovery, but do reduce urgency.
• Probiotics can support the recovery of the gut.
• Make sure you treat your dog regularly for worms.
• Take hygiene precautions for both the dog and yourself.
• Make sure you walk your dog regularly.

Still have doubts about your dog’s diarrhea? Feel free to contact us.