Dogs are prone to a variety of health problems, and diarrhea is one of the most common. If your dog has diarrhea, it can be both frustrating and worrisome. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs and how to treat it. We’ll also provide some tips for preventing future episodes. So please keep reading!
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10 MOST COMMON CAUSES OF DIARRHEA IN DOGS
1. DIETARY INDISCRETION
One of the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs is dietary indiscretion. This can occur when a dog eats something that is not part of its normal diets, such as garbage, table scraps, or other food it should not have. If your dog has eaten something it shouldn’t have, the best course of action is to bring them to the vet so it can be assessed and treated accordingly.
2. CHANGE IN DIET
Another common cause of diarrhea in dogs is a change in diet. If you’ve recently changed your dog’s food, its digestive system may not have had time to adjust. This can cause diarrhea. To avoid this problem, make sure you slowly transition your dog to its new food over a period of 7-10 days.
Read More: Dangerous Dog Treats and How They Could Make Your Dog Sick
3. PARASITES
Parasites are another common cause of diarrhea in dogs. Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, can cause inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract, leading to diarrhea. If you suspect your dog has parasites, take them to the vet so they can be diagnosed and treated.
Read More about roundworms in dogs.
4. INFECTIONS
Infections, both viral and bacterial, are another common cause of diarrhea in dogs. Infections can cause vomiting and diarrhea by irritating the stomach and intestines. If you think your dog may have an infection, take them to the vet so it can be properly diagnosed and treated.
5. ALLERGIES
Allergies are another common cause of diarrhea in dogs. Allergies can be caused by food, environmental factors, or even medications. If you think your dog may have allergies, take them to the vet so it can be properly diagnosed and treated.
Read More: Common Skin Allergies in Dogs
6. STRESS
Stress is another common cause of diarrhea in dogs. Dogs can experience stress from a variety of things, such as changes in their environment, loud noises, or even being left alone. If you think your dog’s diarrhea may be due to stress, try to identify the source of the stress and remove it from their environment. You may also want to consider using a calming supplement to help reduce your dog’s stress levels.
7. EXCESSIVE INTAKE OF WATER
Another common cause of diarrhea in dogs is the excessive intake of water. This can happen if your dog drinks from a puddle or eats snow. It can also happen if they drink too much water too fast. If you think your dog has consumed too much water, take them to the vet so they can be properly treated.
8. TOXINS
Toxins, such as poisons and medications, are another common cause of diarrhea in dogs. If you think your dog may have been exposed to a toxin, take them to the vet immediately so they can be treated accordingly.
9. CANCER
Cancer is another common cause of diarrhea in dogs. Cancer can cause inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract, leading to diarrhea. If you think your dog may have cancer, take them to the vet so it can be properly diagnosed and treated.
10. OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS
There are a variety of other health problems that can cause diarrhea in dogs. These include liver disease, kidney disease, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. If you think your dog may have any of these health problems, take them to the vet so they can be properly diagnosed and treated.
Read more about: Why Is My Dog Limping?-Causes And Treatment
HOW TO TREAT DIARRHEA IN DOGS AT HOME?
Many dogs experience diarrhea at some point in their lives. Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of things, including a change in diet, stress, or an underlying health condition. While diarrhea is usually not serious, it can be uncomfortable for your dog and lead to dehydration if left untreated.
There are a few simple things you can do at home to treat your dog’s diarrhea and get them feeling back to normal again.
1. Make sure they’re drinking enough water
One of the most important things you can do for a dog with diarrhea is to make sure they’re staying hydrated. Dogs with diarrhea can easily become dehydrated, so it’s important to offer them fresh water throughout the day and encourage them to drink.
You can also try adding a little bit of water to their food to help them stay hydrated.
Similar: The Best Drinking Bowls for German Shepherds
2. Feed them small, frequent meals
When your dog is experiencing diarrhea, it’s best to feed them small, frequent meals rather than one large meal. This will help prevent further upsetting of their stomach and allow their digestive system to rest.
offer your dog several small meals throughout the day rather than one large one. You can also try feeding them smaller amounts of food more often throughout the day.
3. Avoid fatty and spicy foods
Fatty and spicy foods can make diarrhea worse, so it’s best to avoid them while your dog is recovering. Stick to bland, easily digestible foods like rice, boiled chicken, or plain yogurt.
More: What Are the Best Veterinarian-Recommended Dog Foods?
4. Add probiotics to their diet
Probiotics are live bacteria that can help restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in your dog’s digestive system. Adding probiotics to your dog’s diet can help relieve diarrhea and promote a healthy digestive system.
You can find probiotics for dogs in powder form that can be added to their food or water, or in chewable tablets that can be given directly to your dog.
PetMed explains how probiotics work for dogs in their article here: Probiotics for Dogs: Do They Work?
5. Give them plenty of rest & avoid stress
Your dog will need plenty of rest while they’re recovering from diarrhea. Make sure they have a quiet, comfortable place to sleep, and take it easy on them for a few days until they’re feeling better.
Read More: How I Helped My Pet Overcome Anxiety and Depression
WHEN TO SEE A VET? – DIARRHEA IN DOGS
Most cases of diarrhea are mild and will resolve on their own with home treatment. However, there are a few times when you should see a vet, such as:
-Your dog has had diarrhea for more than 24 hours
-Your dog is showing signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, dry mouth, or excessive thirst
-Your dog is showing other signs of illness, such as vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite
-Your dog’s stool contains blood or mucus
-You’re concerned about your dog’s health or well-being
Treating diarrhea at home is usually fairly straightforward, but it’s always best to consult with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s health. They can help you determine the cause of your dog’s diarrhea and provide you with tips on how to treat it effectively.
Read More About Common Dog Diseases & Their Prevention in our Ultimate Guide here.
CONCLUSION
Diarrhea is a common problem in dogs, but it’s usually not serious and can be easily treated at home. Make sure your dog stays hydrated and avoid giving them fatty or spicy foods while they recover. Probiotics can also help relieve diarrhea and promote a healthy digestive system. If your dog has diarrhea for more than 24 hours or is showing other signs of illness, see your vet.
FAQS
1. What are some common causes of diarrhea in dogs?
There are a number of things that can cause diarrhea in dogs, including a change in diet, stress, an underlying health condition, or ingestion of something they shouldn’t have. If your dog has recently started eating a new food or had a stressful event, such as a move to a new home, this could be the cause of their diarrhea.
2. How can I tell if my dog is dehydrated?
Dehydration can be serious, so it’s important to know the signs to look for. Dogs that are dehydrated may have sunken eyes, dry mouths, or excessive thirst. They may also be lethargic or have a loss of appetite. If you think your dog is dehydrated, see your vet immediately.
3. What is the best way to treat diarrhea in dogs?
The best way to treat diarrhea in dogs is to focus on rehydration and feeding them small, frequent meals. You can also add probiotics to their diet to help relieve diarrhea and promote a healthy digestive system. If your dog has diarrhea for more than 24 hours or is showing other signs of illness, see your vet.
4. How can I prevent my dog from getting diarrhea?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your dog from getting diarrhea, such as feeding them a high-quality diet and making sure they’re well hydrated. You can also add probiotics to their diet to help promote a healthy digestive system. If your dog is prone to stress, try to keep their environment calm and relaxed.
5. When should I see a vet for my dog’s diarrhea?
Most cases of diarrhea are mild and will resolve on their own with home treatment. However, there are a few times when you should see a vet, such as if your dog has had diarrhea for more than 24 hours or is showing signs of dehydration. Your vet can help you determine the cause of your dog’s diarrhea and provide you with tips on how to treat it effectively.
