Everything you need to know about diarrhea in dogs

Stopping to pick up your dog’s poop and finding a soft pile of stool is never pleasant. Diarrhea is a common complaint among dog owners and one of the most common reasons for canine veterinary appointments. It is important for dog owners to learn about canine diarrhea so they know when to turn to a vet for advice. Read on if you have ever wondered:

• How do I know my dog has diarrhea?
• Why does my dog have diarrhea?
• Does my dog need to see the vet for diarrhea?
• Can I prevent my dog from having diarrhea?

Diarrhea is very common in dogs and has many causes ranging from harmless to life-threatening. Most cases of canine diarrhea resolve on their own and are relatively harmless, but pet parents need to know what to do when their dog experiences diarrhea at home and when a vet consultation is needed.

Canine diarrhea describes watery, loose stools in dogs. This can range from completely liquid bowel movements to stools that are simply looser than normal. A fecal scoring chart can be helpful when describing your dog’s stools to your veterinarian. A dog with diarrhea may also experience:

• Increased urgency to defecate
• Unproductive straining to defecate
• Mucus or blood in stools
• Abnormally colored stools
• Abdominal discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Decreased water intake
• Flatulence
• Loud gastric noises (stomach growling)

Every case is different, so these other signs may or may not be present in dogs experiencing an episode of diarrhea.

Types of canine diarrhea

Canine diarrhea can be classified based on duration. Acute diarrhea has been going on for less than 24 to 48 hours. Meanwhile, chronic diarrhea recurs over at least two weeks. Most dogs have occasional bouts of acute diarrhea throughout their lives that resolve on their own with no further complications. Chronic diarrhea that frequently recurs should never be ignored, and both acute and chronic diarrhea can point to a serious underlying medical condition.

A dog’s diarrhea may also have different colors or consistencies depending on what a dog has eaten and where the diarrhea originates in the digestive tract. A few drops or a small streak of red blood in diarrhea can be normal due to increased straining and irritation of the lower gastrointestinal tract. In addition, a dog’s diarrhea may have mucus in it, which is not an indication of severity. A visit to the emergency clinic is needed if a dog’s diarrhea appears black and tarry or is extremely bloody. These colors and consistencies may indicate a major bleed in the gastrointestinal tract that needs immediate attention.

Other potential emergencies include:

• Passing large amounts of completely liquid diarrhea, which is associated with parvo
• Passage of multiple, small, jelly-like clots, which is associated with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

The origin and consistency of a dog’s diarrhea can sometimes help a veterinarian determine why it occurs. Diarrhea is a symptom rather than a condition itself, meaning the underlying cause of the diarrhea sometimes needs to be treated before the diarrhea will stop. It is a common symptom of many diseases, health conditions, and situations.

Dietary indiscretion

“Dogs tend to eat anything within reach, including some things they shouldn’t. Dietary indiscretion is one of the most common causes of diarrhea,” states Vetster veterinarian Jo Myers. Common items associated with dietary indiscretion include table scraps, garbage, another pet’s food, and random things found on the ground. Mild diarrhea caused by dietary indiscretion usually resolves on its own within a few days as long as the ingested item is not toxic. Overfeeding or too many treats can also cause diarrhea, even if the food is well-tolerated in small amounts. Likewise, a dog’s normal food can cause diarrhea if spoiled.

Poisoning

Ingesting toxins is a common cause of diarrhea seen in emergency veterinary hospitals. Dogs are naturally curious and eager to snack on things they shouldn’t. It is not unusual for dogs to ingest a bottle of medication, household chemicals, toxic human foods, or yard treatments. If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, it is best to get them veterinary care immediately, even if symptoms have not appeared.

Sudden dietary changes

Switching to a new food too quickly can upset the digestive tract, causing diarrhea. This does not necessarily mean the food is “bad” or nutritionally incomplete. The new diet may be tolerated when the transition is gradual. Some dogs have a more sensitive stomach and are more likely to experience an upset stomach if their diet changes suddenly. Nutrition consults are a great way to get veterinary guidance on what food is best for your individual dog and how to transition to a new diet safely and effectively.

Food allergies or sensitivities

Like people, dogs can be sensitive or allergic to specific ingredients in their food. If a dog has food sensitivities, they are likely to experience itching and skin inflammation, but food allergies may also lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Food allergies can develop in dogs at any age or time, leaving owners frustrated and constantly switching diets. Diagnosing food intolerances can be difficult and often involves a long-term food elimination diet under a veterinarian’s guidance.

Bacterial or viral infections

Many viral and bacterial infections cause stomach upset in dogs, leading to diarrhea as a common symptom. These diseases are most common in unvaccinated dogs and young puppies and include, but are not limited to:

• Parvovirus
• Canine distemper
• Canine coronavirus
• Leptospirosis
• GI bacterial infections such as campylobacter and SIBO

While not all communicable diseases can be vaccinated against, many of the most common and deadly diseases can be prevented. Keeping vaccinations up to date is the best way to prevent these diseases.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease and is especially common in puppies who have not been vaccinated or fully vaccinated. The most common and severe symptoms include severe vomiting and large volumes of completely liquid diarrhea, often with blood in it. Due to the highly contagious nature and high mortality rate of parvovirus and other diseases, such as distemper in puppies, it is crucial to vaccinate on time according to your veterinarian’s direction.

Intestinal parasites

Most of the time, intestinal parasites do not cause symptoms in healthy adult dogs. When symptoms are present, diarrhea is a common one. Internal parasites that can cause diarrhea include:

• Giardia
• Coccidia
• Tapeworms
• Hookworms
• Roundworms
• Whipworms

Young puppies, dogs with underlying medical conditions, and sick dogs are more likely to develop symptoms of intestinal worm infestations. Dogs with severe infestations may also experience diarrhea as a result. Keeping dogs on year-round broad-spectrum parasite prevention is the best way to prevent intestinal worms as well as protect against fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Regular fecal testing and worm treatment are also important in keeping intestinal parasites at bay.

Other health conditions

Other health conditions can negatively affect the GI tract, leading to diarrhea in dogs. Many of these conditions are not contagious between dogs but can develop based on an individual’s genetics, overall health, and age. They can include:

• Pancreatitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
• Liver or kidney disease
• Endocrine disorders such as Addison’s disease
• Various cancers

Acute pancreatitis resulting in sudden diarrhea commonly occurs around holidays when dogs receive extra human food and table scraps with high-fat levels, such as turkey trimmings and gravy. Sticking to an appropriate diet won’t prevent all types of diarrhea. Every type of illness has its own root cause, and diarrhea is a very common symptom of disease across multiple body systems. Routine wellness exams and testing are the best way to catch these conditions and receive treatment early. Note that elderly dogs require more frequent wellness checks and testing than younger dogs, as seniors are more likely to develop chronic conditions such as kidney or liver disease.

Side effects of medications

Most of the time, a dog taking medication won’t experience side effects. When side effects do occur, mild diarrhea is common. Antibiotics sometimes cause diarrhea as they can disrupt the natural gut flora as they may not distinguish between healthy and intrusive bacteria. An online veterinarian can help with questions about your dog’s medications and side effects.

If a dog develops diarrhea when taking a new medication, it may not have anything to do with the medication itself. Even though the timing is coincidental, the diarrhea may be caused by another factor. Connect with a veterinarian for advice and don’t stop your dog’s medication unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.

Mild diarrhea in an otherwise healthy dog usually resolves within a few days and is likely the result of dietary indiscretion. However, it’s best to consult a veterinarian if:

• Diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours
• Other symptoms are present, such as lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• The dog has an underlying health condition
• A young puppy or senior dog is experiencing diarrhea
• Your dog’s condition worsens
• You’re worried or just want to learn more

Young puppies, unvaccinated dogs, and immunocompromised dogs are more likely to catch infectious diseases that cause severe diarrhea, such as parvovirus and distemper. A puppy or small breed experiencing diarrhea is also more likely to become dehydrated than a large healthy adult dog. In severe cases of dehydration, medical care may be required even if the underlying cause of diarrhea is relatively harmless.

While most cases of dogs experiencing diarrhea are not emergencies, they can sometimes be.

Seek emergency care if:

• Your dog suddenly starts to frequently pass multiple jelly-like clots of blood
• A large amount of red blood is present in the stool
• The diarrhea is black and tarry
• There are other severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, pale gums, or collapse
• The ingestion of a toxin is suspected

It is not uncommon for dogs with diarrhea to have a small amount of blood in their stool, no more than a few drops or a small streak. A large amount of red blood or black and tarry digested blood is always an emergency. Likewise, if your dog is passing only blood clots, which often look like jelly clumps, the dog should receive veterinary attention right away.

Diarrhea in dogs often requires little to no treatment if it is mild. However, if you are worried about your dog, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can connect with a virtual veterinarian right away to help determine if your dog’s diarrhea needs medical attention or if it can be helped from home. If the diarrhea lasts longer than a few days, even if no other symptoms are present, a veterinarian should be contacted to investigate.

Mild diarrhea in otherwise healthy dogs often resolves on its own within a few days, so home remedies are rarely necessary or even helpful. Your veterinarian may recommend fasting or offering a bland diet such as white rice and boiled chicken or fish. Extra fiber can also help firm up stools with supplements or canned pumpkin. A dog’s response to various home remedies depends on the underlying cause of the diarrhea. It is possible that trying a bland diet, fasting, or giving canned pumpkin can make things worse. Talk to a veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet and never administer medications, including human medications, unless directed to do so by a vet.

A veterinarian can offer guidance and symptomatic treatment for diarrhea at their discretion. The specific treatment for diarrhea and its underlying cause varies based on a dog’s medical history, diagnostic test results, and other symptoms. Veterinarians often suggest symptomatic treatment for mild, uncomplicated diarrhea before performing diagnostic tests. Symptomatic treatment options can include:

• Fasting
• Dietary changes, including a bland diet or increased fiber
• Probiotics
• Fluid therapy

A brief fast, offering a bland diet of white rice and boiled chicken or fish, probiotics, or adding fiber with supplements or canned pumpkin can help “reset” a dog’s digestive tract and help their stools firm up. However, fasting your dog or changing a dog’s diet can be dangerous and make matters worse, so always consult a veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet, especially in dogs with underlying health conditions or food allergies.

Likewise, offering medications at home can be dangerous, especially medications intended for human use, such as Imodium® (loperamide) or Pepto Bismol® (bismuth subsalicylate). If you feel your dog may benefit from anti-diarrheal medications or if they are having severe diarrhea, it is best to consult with a vet first. Severe or complicated diarrhea may need supportive care such as fluid therapy, medications, and nursing care from a veterinarian.

Diagnostic testing may be needed to determine the underlying cause of the diarrhea. This can include blood work, fecal tests, urinalysis, and imaging. Reading diagnostic tests and understanding what they mean about your pet’s health can be confusing. If you want more information on how to read your dog’s diagnostic tests, a vet or vet technician can help.

Is bloody diarrhea an emergency?

Finding blood in your dog’s diarrhea can be alarming, but it’s not always an emergency. Diarrhea can cause increased straining to empty the bowels and irritation to the rectum and colon. This can result in a small amount of blood in the diarrhea or on the anus. However, diarrhea that contains large amounts of red blood or black and tarry digested blood is an emergency that requires immediate care.

A dog experiencing bloody diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Young puppies are more susceptible to parvovirus and other diseases that can cause severe bloody diarrhea that quickly becomes life-threatening. Not all puppy diarrhea is caused by parvovirus, but getting them tested and treated as soon as possible creates the best chance of a positive outcome.

Diarrhea can sometimes be prevented, but it depends on the underlying cause. Pet parents can take steps and utilize preventative care to help prevent a future episode of diarrhea. The risk of diarrhea can be limited by:

• Keeping tempting items out of reach, such as houseplants, table scraps, and another pet’s food
• Keeping human and animal medications out of reach
• Eliminating access to household cleaners and poisons
• Diligently storing fertilizers and other yard treatments away from pets
• Keeping vaccines and parasite control up to date
• Limiting table scraps and excessive treats
• Maintaining routine wellness checks and testing
• Only making dietary changes with veterinary guidance

Diarrhea is common in dogs and often short-lived, resolving on its own or with minimal intervention. There are also many ways pet parents can manage their dog’s diarrhea from home. Online veterinarians are an excellent resource for a dog experiencing an acute bout of mild diarrhea. An online vet can also provide teletriage services, which helps pet parents decide if they need to take further action or contact an emergency veterinary hospital. If you are unsure what to do about your dog’s diarrhea, you can book an appointment with a Vetster vet on demand from home.

What can you give a dog to stop diarrhea?

Most bouts of mild diarrhea will resolve on their own within a few days with minimal intervention. Talk to a vet for expert advice on whether home management strategies are appropriate for your dog. Do not attempt to treat your dog without first talking to a vet. Methods such as fasting, feeding a bland diet, or symptomatic medications can make the situation worse or even be dangerous for some dogs, and human medications can be toxic.

When should I worry about my dog’s diarrhea?

If the diarrhea is severe, has a large amount of red blood, appears black and tarry, contains jelly-like blood clots, or the dog has other symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or vomiting, you should seek emergency veterinary care. In addition, diarrhea in young puppies, elderly dogs, or dogs with underlying health conditions always must be addressed promptly. Even if your dog seems otherwise fine, contact a veterinarian if the diarrhea lasts for more than a couple of days.

Is bloody diarrhea in dogs an emergency?

A small amount of blood in diarrhea due to straining and irritation to the colon and rectum may not be a concern. A large amount of red blood, more than a few drops, or a small streak can indicate an emergency. Likewise, digested blood that appears black and tarry or the passing of blood clots is always an emergency. A puppy experiencing bloody diarrhea must be examined by a veterinarian, even if no other symptoms are present and they seem otherwise fine.

Does my puppy have parvo if they have diarrhea?

While one of the most obvious and common symptoms of parvovirus is severe, bloody diarrhea, it is not the only cause of diarrhea in puppies. Intestinal parasites, eating something out of the ordinary, or other diseases can all cause diarrhea in puppies. Lethargy, appetite loss, and vomiting usually also occur when a puppy has parvo. Being vaccinated does not rule out parvo, and the chances for a good outcome are better when care is sought sooner rather than later.