Dog Diarrhea Treatment Tips

Dr. Patrick McHale DVM on behalf of describes what to do for dog diarrhea. There are many causes for diarrhea. The most common cause is when dogs eat things that they shouldn’t. Also when dogs change diet this can cause a transitional diarrhea or a loose stool. This usually isn’t too big a deal. Keep an eye on it and go to a veterinarian if it lasts more than 24 hours. Healthy dogs usually have one episode of diarrhea and then they are done. If you begin to see fever or changes in your dog’s behavior or if the diarrhea doesn’t resolve, then see a veterinarian.

If your dog is acting fine, withhold food (not water) for 12 hours. Then provide cooked brown turkey (because it is fat free) and canned pumpkin or cooked sweet potato. Avoid boiled hamburger due to fat content and rice because it is fermentable which can cause gas. The rice can also be passed whole if their is another bout of diarrhea. If the diarrhea does not go away in 3 days on a bland diet then see a veterinarian.

When owners call about concerns with dog diarrhea, we get them into the office as soon as we can. With a good physical exam and an examination of the feces we can tell if there is an infestation of worm parasites or bacteria. Even food allergies can cause dog diarrhea (inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowl syndrome). These are easily handled. Sticks or bark can also cause canine diarrhea or a loose stool. Stress can also cause diarrhea.

There are some major diseases in puppies such as parvovirus, which occurs in unvaccinated puppies. This produces a very foul smelling diarrhea that contains mucus.

Other diseases such as pancreatitis, and other major diseases such as kidney issues and cancer can occur.

Constipation is also sometimes mistaken for diarrhea when a dog is hunched up. Owners are just not aware of a liquid diarrhea episode prior to the constipation.

If you visit the vet, but a small sample (the size of a quarter) in a ziplock bag. In the vet’s office blood work can tell if the diarrhea is caused by bacteria.

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