Understanding Diarrhea in Dogs
Diarrhea in dogs is defined as loose, watery stools passed more frequently than normal. There are many potential causes of diarrhea, including:
- Parasitic infections like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, or giardia (VCA Animal Hospitals)
- Bacterial infections such as salmonella
- Pancreatitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Digestive enzyme deficiencies
- Reaction to medications or supplements
- Ingestion of toxins or foreign objects
- Stress
There are two main types of diarrhea in dogs:
- Acute diarrhea lasts for less than 2-3 weeks. It usually resolves on its own, but medications may help.
- Chronic diarrhea lasts for more than 3 weeks and requires diagnosis and treatment of the underlying issue.
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to contact your vet if it persists more than 24 hours or if your dog shows concerning symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, blood in stool, fever, or weight loss. Puppies with diarrhea are especially at risk for dehydration and need prompt veterinary attention (Cumberland Animal Clinic).
Dietary Changes for Diarrhea
When a dog has diarrhea, one of the first steps is usually to withhold all food for 12-24 hours to give the gastrointestinal tract a rest. According to PetMD, this fasting period helps reduce inflammation and gives the intestines time to settle[1].
After this brief fasting period, a bland diet can be slowly reintroduced. A bland diet for dogs with diarrhea often consists of boiled chicken or lean ground beef combined with plain white rice. The rice acts as a binding agent to firm up stools. Ensure the chicken or beef is cooked without any oil, salt, or other seasonings. Drain off any excess fat or broth before mixing the meat and rice together[2].
Other recommended bland foods include mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, yogurt, canned pumpkin (not pie filling), oatmeal, and bananas. These all provide fiber to bulk up loose stools. It’s best to introduce new foods one at a time in small amounts to see if the diarrhea improves or worsens[3].
Avoid giving any fatty, spicy, or highly processed foods during bouts of diarrhea. Do not offer dairy products if your dog is lactose intolerant. And refrain from sudden food changes or anything that seems to trigger diarrhea symptoms.
Probiotics and Supplements
Probiotics and supplements can be helpful for dogs with diarrhea by restoring beneficial bacteria to the gut. Studies show that certain strains of probiotics like Bifidobacterium can reduce the duration of diarrhea. Probiotics help repopulate the gut with good bacteria to prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria. They also support immune function and nutrient digestion and absorption.
Some of the top recommended probiotic supplements for dogs with diarrhea include Purina FortiFlora, Proviable DC, and Pet Ultimates Probiotics. Look for broad spectrum probiotic supplements with strains like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus. Follow label dosing instructions based on your dog’s weight. Give probiotics on an empty stomach about 1-2 hours before or after a meal for best efficacy.
Other supplements that can help firm stools include pumpkin purée, slippery elm bark, marshmallow root, and psyllium husk. Ask your veterinarian for dosage guidance on these supplements. Monitor your dog closely when introducing new supplements to watch for any adverse reactions.
Hydration
Hydration is extremely important when a dog has diarrhea. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other health issues if left untreated. Some ways to keep a dog hydrated include:
Offering a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice, as the rice has some carbohydrates and electrolytes. Dogs should avoid fatty foods, dairy, and other irritants when having diarrhea.
Making homemade broths or light stocks from chicken, beef or vegetable broth. Provide several small meals spaced throughout the day.
Giving Pedialyte, which is an oral electrolyte solution made for infants but can also hydrate dogs. Consult a vet on proper Pedialyte dosage.
Ensuring fresh water is always available. Opt for smaller, more frequent water breaks rather than large amounts of water at once.
Monitoring for signs of dehydration like lethargy, dry gums, weakness, and loss of skin elasticity. If dehydration occurs, contact a vet immediately.
Potty Breaks
When your dog has diarrhea, it’s important to take them outside more frequently for potty breaks. Diarrhea can come on suddenly, and you want to make sure your dog has quick access to go outside to relieve themselves. Take your dog out every 1-2 hours if possible, or immediately after eating or drinking. Watch for signs they need to go out, like restlessness, sniffing around, or heading to the door.
Since diarrhea is loose, watery stool, there’s a higher likelihood of accidents in the house. Be vigilant about cleaning up any messes promptly. Use an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet stains to fully remove traces of odor that might attract your dog back to the same spot. Stay patient during this time, and be ready to provide gentle encouragement and reassurance, as diarrhea episodes can be stressful or uncomfortable for dogs.
Sanitation
Properly sanitizing your home is important to prevent the spread of bacteria when your dog has diarrhea. Focus on disinfecting floors and bedding that have been soiled.
For hard floors, clean up any solid diahrrea with paper towels. Then use a disinfectant like diluted bleach or Lysol to sanitize the floors. Mix 1/4 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of cool water and apply it to the floors with a mop or sponge. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. This will kill any remaining bacteria (source).
For carpets, blot up any diarrhea with paper towels first. Then use a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner formulated for eliminating odors and cleaning up messes. Spray it on the soiled areas, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and blot it up with clean towels (source).
Thoroughly wash any bedding or blankets that get soiled in hot water with an enzymatic cleaner or baking soda. The heat will help kill bacteria, and enzymatic cleaners neutralize odors (source). Let bedding fully air dry before reusing.
Grooming
Keeping the hind end clean is important when a dog has diarrhea. The anal area can become soiled, leading to irritation or infection. Use a damp washcloth and gently wipe away any stool around the anus, being careful not to scrape the skin (PetMD, 2017). You may need to rinse the cloth several times. Using doggie wipes is another gentle cleansing option.
Trimming the fur around the anus can help keep the area clean when diarrhea is frequent. Long fur tends to trap stool. Use rounded tip scissors and carefully trim around the anal opening. Never shave the area, as this can cause razor burn. Go slowly and check the skin for any nicks. Keeping the fur short will help airflow and allow you to spot soiling right away (WagWalking, 2021).
Exercise
Light exercise can be beneficial for dogs with diarrhea. Going for short, gentle walks can help stimulate digestion and encourage normal bowel movements. However, too much strenuous activity can exacerbate diarrhea. As noted in this source: Dog Diarrhea: How to Know What’s Causing It and Help …, exercise-related diarrhea is common in dogs. The physical jostling and increased motility during intense exercise can upset the digestion process.
When a dog has diarrhea, it’s best to avoid highly active play or long durations of exercise. Gentle activity like light walks of 5-10 minutes can help provide fresh air and stimulate regular bowel movements without over-exerting the dog. However, strenuous running, jumping, and roughhousing is not recommended, as discussed in this source: Can Too Much Play Cause Diarrhea In Your Dog? This type of intense physical activity can stress the digestive system and make diarrhea worse. Moderation is key – provide adequate potty breaks and light activity, but avoid overdoing it.
Stress Reduction
Reducing stress is key to managing diarrhea in dogs. There are several ways to help relieve stress and anxiety in dogs:
Mental Stimulation – Providing mentally stimulating activities for your dog such as puzzles, snuffle mats, obedience training, and learning new tricks can help engage their mind and reduce stress. Rotate through different puzzles and games to keep it interesting. According to one source, “Engaging your dog’s natural behaviors helps them feel relaxed” (Fear Free Happy Homes, 2019).
Play Time – Make sure your dog gets adequate play time and exercise. Playing fetch, tug of war, or going for walks allows dogs to release pent-up energy and reduces stress. One source recommends “Increasing your dog’s playtime and exercise can make a big difference in their stress levels” (Raised Right Pets).
Comfort Anxious Dogs – Try anti-anxiety wraps, calming treats, pheromone diffusers, or ThunderShirts to soothe anxious dogs. Providing a safe space like a crate with blankets can also help dogs relax. As one source explains, “Consider spraying a bandana with Adaptil for your dog to wear or spritzing some Feliway on a towel to place in your carrier” (Fear Free Happy Homes, 2019).
When to See the Vet
Diarrhea that persists for more than 24 hours without improvement is a cause for concern and warrants a vet visit, according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-info/diarrhea). Severe dehydration from ongoing diarrhea and vomiting is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.
Additionally, the presence of blood in the stool, which is known as hematochezia or bloody diarrhea, is also an urgent reason to see the vet, according to the Veterinary Emergency Group (https://veterinaryemergencygroup.com/blog/dog-diarrhea-causes-and-when-to-go-to-the-emergency-vet/). Bloody stools may indicate a bacterial infection, parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, or other serious medical issues that need prompt veterinary attention.
In summary, diarrhea lasting over 24 hours, signs of severe dehydration, and the appearance of blood in the stool are all reasons to promptly consult a veterinarian regarding the dog’s condition.