What is diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is simply the frequent passing of loose or watery stools. For animals, it can vary in severity, ranging from mild, self-limiting episodes to more severe cases requiring medical intervention. In dogs, diarrhoea can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (lasting more than a few days or recurring often). It’s a condition that is not only uncomfortable for your dog but can also lead to dehydration and other health complications if not addressed.

What causes diarrhoea in dogs?

A number of factors can cause diarrhoea in dogs, some of which are minor, while others require immediate attention from a vet.

• Dietary indiscretion: Eating something they shouldn’t, such as spoilt food or foreign objects.

• Food intolerance or allergies: Certain ingredients in dog food, such as grains or specific proteins, can trigger diarrhoea.

• Infections: Bacterial, viral or parasitic infections can cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhoea.

• Stress or anxiety: Changes in their routine or environment, as well as separation anxiety, can cause stress-induced diarrhoea.

• Medications: Some drugs, especially antibiotics, can disrupt the gut flora.

• Chronic conditions: Diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colitis.

• Toxins or poisons: Consuming toxic chemicals or certain plants can cause severe diarrhoea.

• Medical conditions: Primary gastrointestinal causes are the most common cause of diarrhoea, however other disease, such as pancreatitis or liver disease can also cause diarrhoea.

Diarrhoea symptoms in dogs

Diarrhoea is often accompanied by other symptoms, which can help you – or your vet – determine the underlying cause.

• Frequent, loose, or watery stools.

• Straining during defecation.

• Blood or mucus in the stool.

• Vomiting.

• Loss of appetite.

• Lethargy.

• Abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort.

If your dog shows any of these symptoms along with diarrhoea, especially if they last for more than 24 hours, contact your vet immediately.

The perfect poo: What should a normal dog poo look like?

Knowing what a normal, healthy dog poo looks like can help you spot when something is wrong. A healthy dog’s poo should fall into the following categories:

• Colour: Should be a medium brown, indicating a healthy digestive process.

• Shape: Firm and log-shaped, easy to pick up without smearing.

• Consistency: Should be firm yet pliable.

• Size: Proportional to the size of your dog and the amount of food they eat.

• Content: Free of foreign objects, excessive mucus or blood.

Treating a dog with diarrhoea

Give your dog small, frequent meals of bland food – boiled chicken and white rice, for example. Another great option is veterinary gastrointestinal diets that are highly digestible and designed specifically to support gut health – your vet team can help you find the most appropriate option. Once the diarrhoea has resolved and your dog is well, gradually reintroduce their regular food over several days. Probiotics can also help restore the natural balance of their gut bacteria and improve digestion.

Keep a close eye on your dog’s condition and stool quality over the following days. If the diarrhoea continues or worsens, or if your dog shows signs of severe dehydration, go to your vet immediately.

How to prevent diarrhoea in dogs

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of diarrhoea in dogs:

• Diet management: Feed your dog a consistent, high-quality diet and don’t make sudden changes.

• No human food: Human foods can upset your dog’s stomach and cause diarrhoea.

• Regular deworming: Keep your dog on a regular deworming treatment to prevent parasitic infections.

• Vaccinations: Keep your dog updated with their annual vaccinations, as viral infections can cause diarrhoea.

• Supervised eating: Stop your dog from scavenging or eating foreign objects on walks or in the backyard.

• Stress reduction: Try to maintain a stable routine for your dog. A stress-free environment can work wonders for their physical wellbeing.

When to see a vet

While mild cases of diarrhoea can often be managed at home, there are times when veterinary care is crucial. If the diarrhoea persists for more than 24 to 48 hours or if there is a large amount of blood in the stool, it’s time to see your vet.

Also, if your dog is vomiting, lethargic, inappetant, has paler gum colour, bloating in the abdomen or showing signs of severe dehydration, it is cause for concern. Remember that diarrhoea can sometimes be accompanied by a fever, and if your dog is in obvious pain or discomfort, an emergency trip to the vet is recommended.

The AREN Network’s vet specialists are available 24/7 and have the equipment and expertise to treat diarrhoea in dogs. Find your closest vet emergency hospital to help get your furry friend back to their normal self.