Triggers and Treatment of Diarrhea in Dogs

Diarrhea is a common issue in dogs that can range from a minor inconvenience to a sign of a more serious health problem. While occasional diarrhea is not unusual, frequent or severe episodes can indicate underlying issues that require attention. Understanding the causes of diarrhea in dogs can help you identify potential triggers, provide effective treatment, and know when to seek veterinary care. This guide will explore the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs, how to manage it, and preventive measures to keep your dog healthy.

What Cause Diarrhea In Dog?

Improper diet

Sudden change of dog food, consumption of spoiled food, over-eating or food containing ingredients that are harmful to your dog.

Parasite infection

Such as hookworms, coccidia, whipworms, etc. These parasites can destroy the intestinal immunity and lead to diarrhea.

Also Read: Unveiling the Invisible Threat: Signs of Parasites in Dogs

Viral or bacterial infections

Such as canine poliovirus, canine distemper virus, coronavirus, salmonella, etc. These pathogens can cause intestinal inflammation.

Digestive system diseases

Such as enteritis, pancreatitis, etc. These diseases can affect your dog's digestion and absorption.

Infections

Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi can lead to diarrhea in dogs. Common infectious agents include:

• Bacteria: Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter are common bacterial culprits that can cause gastrointestinal issues.
• Viruses: Parvovirus, distemper, and coronavirus are some of the viral infections that can result in severe diarrhea, especially in puppies.
• Fungi: Though less common, certain fungi can also infect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea.

Environmental factors

Such as cold abdomen, environmental changes, etc. These factors may lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction in dogs.

Chronic diseases

Such as liver and kidney diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, etc. These diseases may be accompanied by long-term or recurrent diarrhea symptoms.

Food intolerance or allergy

Dogs may be intolerant or allergic to certain food components, leading to diarrhea.

Stress and emotional upset

Travel or changes in the environment may lead to acute diarrhea in dogs.

These causes may work alone or in combination to cause diarrhea in dogs. When dealing with diarrhea in dogs, treatments should be tailored to the specific situation and consult a veterinarian if necessary. 

How to Know if My Dog is Infected with Diarrhea Caused by Parasites?

To determine if your dog is infected with diarrhea caused by parasites, you can observe the following symptoms.

• Frequent diarrhea

The presence of parasites can irritate your dog's intestines and cause diarrhea. 

• Vomiting

Parasites may cause your dog to vomit, especially those tiny parasites that lurk in the intestines. 

Related:  How to Make A Dog Vomit with Fingers

• Loss of appetite

Parasites infest the dog's digestive system, leading to a loss of appetite. 

• Weight loss

Parasites can suck nutrients from your dog's body, leading to weight loss.

• Coat Roughness

Parasites may interfere with your dog's normal absorption of nutrients, leaving the coat undernourished. 

• Swelling of the abdomen

The presence of parasites may cause swelling in the dog's abdomen. 

• Lethargy

Parasite infection may cause the dog to become lethargic. 

• Worms visible in feces

Worms that are visible to the naked eye in your dog's vomit or feces are a sign of a serious infection. 

• Blood in the stool

Certain parasitic infections may cause your dog to have blood in the stool. 

• Anal itching

Dogs may exhibit frequent grinding of the buttocks, which can be caused by internal parasites, such as tapeworms. 

If your dog exhibits one or more of these symptoms, it is advisable to take your dog to the veterinarian promptly for an examination and deworming treatment accordingly. Regular deworming and good hygiene practices can help prevent parasitic infections. 

What to Do When Dog is Infected with Parasite Diarrhea?

When a dog is infected with parasites that cause diarrhea, the following steps should be taken immediately.

• Seek prompt medical attention

Take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup to diagnose the specific type of parasite and get a professional treatment plan. 

• Deworming treatment

Give your dog the appropriate deworming medication as recommended by your veterinarian. Deworming medication can help kill the parasites and reduce the parasite burden in the intestines. 

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• Supportive Treatment

Your veterinarian may recommend antidiarrheal medications, rehydration and electrolyte balancing medications to treat symptoms of diarrhea and dehydration. 

• Dietary management

During your dog's recovery, it may be necessary to provide easily digestible food and temporarily restrict food intake to reduce the burden on the intestinal tract. 

• Environmental Hygiene

Keep your dog's living environment clean, clean and disinfect it regularly to reduce the risk of parasite re-infection. 

• Regular deworming

Even after your dog recovers, it should be dewormed both internally and externally on a regular basis to prevent recurrence of parasitic infection. 

Please monitor your dog's symptoms closely and follow your veterinarian's instructions. Timely treatment and management is crucial for your dog's quick recovery.

How to Adjust Dog's Diet in the Event of Diarrhea?

Adjusting your dog's diet in the event of diarrhea is an important measure to help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.

• Temporary fasting

First, you can allow your dog to fast for 6-12 hours to reduce the burden on the stomach and intestines. During the fasting period, make sure your dog has adequate water intake by providing water or ice for your dog to lick. 

• Provide easily digestible food

After fasting, feeding can be resumed gradually. Start by offering easily digestible food such as boiled white rice and cooked skinless chicken. These foods are low in fat and fiber and will help your dog's stomach and intestines absorb them. 

• Smaller and more frequent meals

During your dog's diarrhea, you should practice small, frequent meals and avoid overfeeding at one time, as this will help your dog's intestines better adapt to and digest the food. 

• Avoid specific foods

During your dog's recovery, avoid feeding dairy products, high-fat foods, raw meat or fish, and any foods that may irritate the gut. 

• Supplement with Probiotics

Pet probiotics can be added to the food to help restore the normal balance of flora in the intestines and promote gut health. 

• Monitor your dog's response

During the process of adjusting the diet, you should closely observe your dog's reactions, such as the condition of feces and changes in appetite. If your dog's diarrhea symptoms do not improve or show signs of worsening, you should contact your veterinarian promptly. 

How to Prevent Diarrhea in Dogs?

The key to preventing diarrhea in dogs lies in providing proper dietary management, maintaining environmental hygiene, and regular deworming and vaccinations.

• Dietary management

Keep your dog's diet regular, feed regularly and avoid sudden change of dog food or overfeeding. Do not feed raw meat, spoiled food or food that is not suitable for dogs. 

• Environmental Hygiene

Clean your dog's living environment regularly, including food bowls, water bowls and kennels, to minimize the breeding of pathogens. 

• Deworming and Vaccination

Deworm and vaccinate your dog regularly as recommended by your veterinarian to prevent parasitic infections and infectious diseases. 

• Pay attention to keep warm

During seasonal changes, especially in winter, pay attention to keep your dog warm to avoid diarrhea caused by cold. 

• Avoid stress

Reduce your dog's stress response, such as avoiding frequent environmental changes and excessive training, to maintain the health of its digestive system. 

By taking the above measures, you can effectively reduce the risk of diarrhea in dogs and keep them healthy.

When to Take Dog to the Veterinarian?

• Persistent Vomiting and Diarrhea

If your dog has not only diarrhea but also frequent vomiting and the symptoms persist for more than a day, this may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and require veterinary intervention. 

• Bloody or black feces

Blood or unusual colors in feces can be a sign of a serious health problem and should be treated immediately. 

• Behavioral or mental status changes

A dog that seems unusually tired, lethargic or shows signs of pain may indicate a serious health problem. 

• Loss of appetite

If a dog refuses to eat or drink, this could be a sign of illness and requires veterinary evaluation. 

• Difficulty breathing or coughing

Any breathing problems require an urgent veterinary examination as this could be a sign of a respiratory infection or other serious illness. 

• Abdominal swelling or sensitivity to touch

This may indicate problems with internal organs, such as a dilated twisted stomach or damage to internal organs. 

• Red, swollen eyes or increased discharge

Eye problems may lead to vision problems and require prompt treatment. 

• Unexplained Lameness or Pain

If your dog suddenly develops a limp or shows unusual sensitivity to a body part, there may be a fracture or soft tissue injury. 

• Abnormal body temperature

The normal temperature range for adult dogs is 37.5-38.5°C. If the temperature is above this range, it may indicate an infection or other health problem. 

• Any Symptoms That Don't Look Right  

As a pet owner, you know your dog best. If you feel that there is anything unusual about your dog's behavior or health, it is best to consult your veterinarian. 

Remember, prompt veterinary examination and treatment is vital to your dog's health. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

FAQs

When Can I Start Reoffering Food to My Dog?

The timing of re-offering food to your dog during diarrhea should be determined by your dog's specific condition and your veterinarian's recommendations. Typically, a temporary fast of 12-24 hours may be necessary to relieve the gastrointestinal burden during the initial stages of your dog's diarrhea. During the fasting period, you should ensure that your dog has adequate water intake to prevent dehydration. Once the fasting is over, easily digestible food such as cooked white rice and cooked skinless chicken can be started and normal diet can be resumed gradually with small and frequent meals. 

After your dog's diarrhea has improved, food can be gradually reintroduced. This process should be gradual, starting with a small amount of the new food mixed in with the dog's accustomed food and gradually increasing the proportion of the new food. This transition period is usually recommended to last for 7-10 days to ensure that your dog's stomach and intestines are able to adapt to the new food and avoid causing diarrhea again. 

Monitor your dog's reaction to the new food closely. If your dog develops vomiting, diarrhea or other signs of indigestion after the food is re-offered, stop increasing the proportion of the new food immediately and consult your veterinarian. Remaining patient and attentive throughout the process, and adjusting your dog's diet according to your veterinarian's instructions and the above suggestions will help your dog recover smoothly.

How to Deworm a Dog Infected with Hookworms?

Deworming treatment for hookworm infection in dogs should follow your veterinarian's instructions and use the appropriate deworming medication. According to the latest information, the medications used to treat hookworm infection include ivermectin, milbemycin, albendazole and mebendazole. For treatment, dosage should be calculated and administered according to your dog's weight and the drug's instructions. Due to the short life cycle of hookworms, re-worming may be required 2-4 weeks after initial treatment to remove newly hatched larvae. 

During treatment, the dog's health should be closely monitored and nutritious and easily digestible food should be provided to help the dog regain strength. If the dog develops severe anemia, blood transfusions or iron and vitamin B12 supplements may be needed to improve nutritional status. 

Preventive measures include regular internal deworming of the dog, usually every 3 months, as well as keeping the dog's living environment clean and cleaning up the feces on a regular basis to avoid the breeding of hookworm eggs. Newly introduced dogs should be isolated for observation and deworming to prevent introduction of infection sources.

What are Some Common Foods or Items That May Cause Diarrhea in Dogs by Poisoning?

Chocolate: contains caffeine and theobromine, which may cause symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. 
Onions and garlic: contain disulfides that may destroy your dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia, jaundice, and other symptoms. 
Grapes and raisins: contain unknown toxins that may cause acute kidney failure in dogs even in small amounts. 
Xylitol: commonly found in sugar-free gum and candy, it is toxic to dogs and may cause a sharp drop in blood sugar and liver failure. 
Macadamia nuts: may cause vomiting, elevated body temperature, muscle weakness, lethargy and other symptoms in dogs, and in severe cases can damage the nervous system. 
Avocado: The pulp, leaves, seeds, and skin of untreated avocados are toxic to dogs and may trigger vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory distress. 
Alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol can cause serious harm to dogs, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, coma and even death. 
Coffee and tea: contain caffeine, which may cause vomiting, rapid heartbeat and seizures in dogs. 
Raw meat and fish: may contain parasites and bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli, that can cause gastrointestinal disorders. 
Human medicines: such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which are extremely dangerous for dogs and can cause serious gastrointestinal problems or liver and kidney damage. 

All of these foods and items are potential poisoning risks for your dog and you should make sure that your dog does not have access to these substances. If your dog accidentally ingests any of these, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment.

Why Dogs Need to Avoid Dairy Products When They Have Diarrhea?

Dairy products need to be avoided when your dog has diarrhea because your dog may be lactose intolerant. Lactose is a sugar found in milk, and as dogs age, their body's ability to produce the enzyme lactase decreases, resulting in an inability to effectively digest lactose, which can cause diarrhea, bloating, and other digestive symptoms. In addition, the fats and proteins in dairy products may also burden your dog's intestines and liver, especially when your dog has diarrhea and intestinal sensitivities, which may exacerbate the symptoms of diarrhea. Therefore, for the sake of your dog's health, you should avoid feeding dairy products to your dog, especially during diarrhea.

Why is It Important to Worm and Vaccinate Dog Regularly to Prevent Diarrhea?

Regular deworming and vaccination of your dog is an important step in preventing diarrhea and other health problems. Deworming removes parasites from inside and outside your dog's body, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and heartworms, which can damage your dog's intestinal health and lead to malabsorption of nutrients and diarrhea. Vaccinations, on the other hand, are designed to prevent infectious diseases caused by viruses, such as canine microvirus and canine distemper virus, which can likewise cause severe diarrhea and other health crises. 

Regular deworming reduces the number of parasites in your dog's body, thereby reducing the risk of diarrhea caused by parasitic infections. Vaccinations, on the other hand, prevent diseases caused by specific pathogens by activating your dog's immune system and helping it to develop resistance to these pathogens. 

Therefore, in order to maintain your dog's intestinal health and overall well-being, and to avoid diarrhea caused by parasites and infectious diseases, pooper-scoopers should follow their veterinarian's recommendations for a proper deworming and vaccination program for their dogs!

Conclusion

Diarrhea in dogs can have many causes, ranging from minor dietary indiscretions to serious health conditions. Understanding the potential triggers and knowing how to manage mild cases at home can help your dog recover quickly. However, persistent or severe diarrhea requires veterinary attention to ensure there are no underlying health issues. By taking preventive measures and monitoring your dog’s health, you can reduce the risk of diarrhea and keep your dog happy and healthy.