Dog Diarrhea Temple City, California
How to Cure Dog Diarrhea
You should call your veterinarian for advice on how to handle the diarrhea if your dog:
Is very young or very old
Has a preexisting health condition
These pets can become severely debilitated , even when suffering from relatively mild diarrhea. Also call your veterinarian if your dog’s diarrhea :
Is frequent and/or very watery
Contains more than just a streak of blood
Is dark and tarry
OR if your dog is:
Vomiting profusely
Lethargic
Depressed
In pain These can be signs of potentially serious health conditions.
If your dog is an otherwise healthy adult, then it is reasonable to try some at-home treatments.
At-Home Treatment for Acute Diarrhea With Vomiting in Dogs
For dogs with diarrhea who have vomited only once or twice: Remove all food for 8-12 hours. To avoid dehydration, offer your dog small amounts of water frequently throughout the day. If needed, you can also offer some dilute, low-sodium chicken or beef broth or Pedialyte in addition to water. When your dog has not vomited for at least 8-12 hours, offer a small amount of boiled, white- meat chicken (no bones, skin or spices) and white rice. Wait two hours. If your dog has not vomited during this period, then you can offer another small meal of cooked chicken and rice. Continue this bland diet for 1-3 days, gradually increasing the amount of food offered at each meal and lengthening the time between meals until the stool consistency returns to normal.
You will need to do a gradual transition back to your dog’s typical diet in order to avoid another gastrointestinal upset. If the diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours or your dog’s condition worsens at any time, call your vet immediately.
Diagnosis for Dogs With Diarrhea
If your dog suffers from frequent liquid bowel movements, or the current attack is severe and/or associated with vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain or weight loss, make an appointment with a veterinarian. Diagnosing the cause of dog diarrhea can sometimes be as easy as running a simple fecal exam. But sometimes, it can be challenging and require different procedures such as blood work, abdominal X-rays or ultrasound, endoscopy, or exploratory surgery.
How to Prevent Diarrhea in Dogs
Here are several ways to reduce the occurrence of diarrhea in dogs:
Do not suddenly change your dog’s diet.
Do not give your dog bones as toys (firm, rubber chew toys are a better choice).
Do not let your dog play with small objects that could be swallowed.
Do not feed your dog table scraps.
Do not allow your dog to scavenge.
Always keep your dog up-to-date with deworming and vaccinations.
Learn how to properly use a bland diet to treat a dog with diarrhea .
What Causes Diarrhea
Several factors can ultimately lead to your dog’s diarrhea. Diarrhea itself is not an illness, but rather a sign of an underlying health issue. Most cases of diarrhea resolve within 48 hours. However, this depends on the underlying cause. The cause of diarrhea can be something as simple as an upset digestive tract. Or, it can be a sign of a more severe condition, such as a parasitic infestation or even cancer. For this reason, dog owners and vets must determine exactly what is causing the diarrhea to ensure that the underlying condition is treated appropriately and not masked by a quick fix.
How serious is diarrhea in dogs? The seriousness of diarrhea depends on how long the diarrhea has persisted and how many other signs accompany the diarrhea. If your dog has severe bloody diarrhea, or is showing more generalized signs of illness such as weakness, fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite, or if dehydration accompanies the diarrhea, the cause may be more serious. For example, diarrhea is one of the first signs seen in parvovirus, a viral infection that can cause life-threatening illness in susceptible dogs.
Recent Diet Changes
In dogs, dietary indiscretion (eating garbage or other offensive or irritating materials), or a change in diet is a common cause of acute (sudden) diarrhea. Stress, especially following travel, boarding, or other changes in environment, can also cause acute diarrhea. However, diarrhea can also be a sign of a more serious underlying disorder such as allergies, bacterial or viral infections, inflammatory intestinal disease, organ dysfunction, or other systemic illness.
Bad Eating Habits
Another extremely common cause of dog diarrhea is bad dietary habits. Most dogs enjoy eating just about everything, including things that they definitely shouldn’t be putting into their mouths. This includes garbage, spoiled food, and feces. Bad dietary habits also include overeating. All of these things can lead to an upset stomach, gas, or diarrhea. If your dog’s diet is full of processed chemicals, high sugar and salt content, and fatty foods, you’ll likely notice signs of a disruption in the balance of their digestive system. This disruption often leads to diarrhea. Additionally, dog owners must recognize when they are contributing to their dog’s bad eating habits. We all want our dogs to be happy, and when Fido gives you those big puppy eyes, it can be hard to say no. However, feeding your dog table scraps can quickly lead to a bout of diarrhea (or worse!). Feeding your dog table scraps can also lead to a number of behavioral issues, not to mention harmful side effects. For these reasons, among others, we recommend withholding table scraps and keeping your dog solely on a species appropriate diet .
Furthermore, too many commercial dog treats can also lead to diarrhea. Treats should be given sparingly, not multiple times a day. They should also be of high quality (i.e. all-natural, non-GMO, and soy-free.
Food Intolerance
For example, when your canine companion eats something that’s not part of his or her normal diet, the normal bacteria present in the intestines may be changed, which can lead to acute diarrhea. Diarrhea can also signal health problems such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), parvovirus infection and liver disease. In these cases, inflammation and/or damage to the intestinal lining are the mechanisms behind the diarrhea.
Chronic (or long-term) diarrhea and digestive issues can lead to further problems in the future. Therefore, pet parents should consider adding foods and supplements that will help to ease the digestive system such as increased fiber, probiotics, etc.
Parasites
Here is where things get a bit scary. While diarrhea can be the result of something relatively minor, it can also be an underlying sign of more serious conditions. Intestinal parasites like hookworms, roundworms, giardia, and coccidia can lead to severe stomach problems. Typically, dogs contract parasites by drinking contaminated water, or otherwise ingesting contaminated soil or stool. Puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems are also at a higher risk. In many cases, parasitic infestation can be difficult to detect. If for any reason you believe that your dog may have intestinal parasites, take them to the vet for a fecal exam and proper diagnosis. Only then can an effective treatment plan be implemented.
Consuming Foreign Objects
With small intestinal diarrhea , you’re likely to see large amounts of stool that range from very watery to semi-formed. Defecation frequency is often normal, but could be slightly increased. Stool that is extremely dark or black suggests bleeding may be occurring in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. Flatulence (gas), stomach or intestinal noises, or vomiting may occur at the same time.
Poisonous Substances or Toxic Plants
If you have not changed your dog’s food or dietary habits, unexplainable changes in your dog’s poop are typically the first symptoms of poisoning. Shortly after your dog has consumed a toxic substance, stomach pain and diarrhea may ensue. Ingesting poisonous substances is extremely dangerous and can cause severe conditions if left untreated. A detoxification process will need to be conducted ASAP. If for any reason you feel that your dog has ingested a toxic substance, such as lead-based products or poisonous plants, or even some household products, it is important to get them to the veterinarian straight away. Toxic substances also include things such as chocolate, mushrooms, human medications, laundry detergents, charcoal, as well as various types of plants.
When in doubt or when concerned about your furry friend’s diarrhea, give your veterinarian a quick call. Your veterinarian can determine whether the problem is urgent based on the history and description you provide. He or she can also provide the best advice on how you can manage your dog’s health.
Bacterial and Viral Infections
A single bout of diarrhea is generally not a cause for concern. In fact, many acute diarrhea cases will resolve on their own or with basic home care in one to two days. If your dog had one somewhat soft stool but is otherwise playful and eating normally, you can wait to see what the next bowel movement looks like before taking further action.
You don’t want to let diarrhea persist beyond two episodes if your dog has a preexisting health problem such as diabetes, kidney disease or Addison’s disease; is very young; is a very small or toy breed dog; or is well into his or her senior years. These dogs can quickly succumb to dehydration, so you’ll want to notify your veterinarian right away.
Illnesses or Disease
Additionally, many illnesses and diseases may cause diarrhea. These diseases include but are not limited to:
Cancer of the liver and kidneys
Tumors in the intestinal tract
Colitis
Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome
As you can see, a proper veterinary diagnosis is extremely important if the loose stool persists for an extended period of time (more than one or two bowel movements with a loose, watery consistency). Furthermore, bloody diarrhea is typically a symptom of a disease that is directly associated with the digestive tract and surrounding organs.
Antibiotics or Medications
While antibiotics treat infections, they’re can also lead to diarrhea in your dog. In fact, gastrointestinal (GI) issues are one of the most common side effects of many antibiotics. Antibiotics treat infections by killing the bad bacteria in your dog’s body. However, antibiotics are not able to differentiate between good bacteria and bad bacteria. Therefore, they, unfortunately, target both. Good bacteria are necessary for a proper balance in the digestive system and GI tract. Without good bacteria, your dog will likely experience abdominal pain and other stomach issues. If your dog has recently been put on antibiotics, their diarrhea may be linked to the new medication. Always follow the advice of your vet – many times, the medication should be given with food.
Anxiety, Stress, or Emotional Distress
Probiotics —living bacterial cultures intended to assist the body’s naturally occurring gut flora in reestablishing themselves—may also help speed recovery. These live microorganisms are found in yogurt, for example, and are also available from your health food store or your veterinarian as high-potency powdered acidophilus cultures, which are more effective than yogurt for diarrhea.
What Stools Can Tell You About Your Dog’s Health
The consistency and color of diarrhea reveal a lot about the cause of the problem and what is happening in your dog. Take very careful note of the color, consistency, and anything else that might help when you describe the symptoms to a vet. In many cases, diarrhea will resolve after a few days of home treatment, but it’s a good idea to give your vet a call if it continues for a long period or has any one of several signs that may point to a serious problem.
When to Go to the Vet
What is diarrhea? Diarrhea is unformed or loose stools, usually occurring in larger amounts and/or more often. Diarrhea is not a disease but rather a sign of many different diseases. Diarrhea associated with minor conditions can often be resolved quickly with simple treatments. “Diarrhea may be the result of serious or life-threatening illnesses.” However, diarrhea may be the result of serious or life-threatening illnesses such as organ system failure or cancer. Even diarrhea caused by mild illnesses may become serious if treatment is not begun early enough to prevent severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
At one point or another, every dog could experience a bout of diarrhea. In most cases, it isn’t a cause for total panic. If you have recently changed Fido’s diet, or if your dog has been getting extra treats from the dinner table, these factors might be clues to the culprit. However, there are certain things that you, as a pet parent, need to be aware of and keep an eye on. A great many cases are mild and, with your vet’s advice, may be treated without a trip to the office. There are many at-home remedies including rice water and pumpkin. You may need to consult a vet if your dog exhibits other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea does not stop, the dog is on a new medication, or things just don’t seem right. You know your dog, and only you know the subtle signs that something is wrong. Respect your instincts and if you think you need veterinary guidance, pick up the phone.
If any of the following circumstances apply, contact your vet immediately: Episodes of diarrhea are frequently repeated over several hours. Your dog shows extreme lethargy or lack of responsiveness. You suspect your dog has ingested a toxin. You see excessive amounts of blood in the stool (light spotting isn’t necessarily an emergency, but call the vet if it continues). Stool is black and/or has a tarry appearance. Your dog is on medication that may cause diarrhea (stop giving the medication and call your vet). You suspect your dog ingested a foreign body, such as a toy or clothing. Your dog’s gums are pale, white, bluish, or gray in color. Your dog’s abdomen seems painful and/or distended. You see worms in the stool (not an emergency, but a dewormer will be needed). Diarrhea occurs for more than 24 hours. If you’re in doubt, just call the vet. Diarrhea means “flow-through” … from the Greek dia meaning through, and rhein meaning to flow . It’s the body’s way of getting rid of toxins.
Using drugs to suppress this natural flow-through won’t cure your dog of his diarrhea in the long term.
Now … there are times you’ll want to consult a vet to be safe. For example, if your dog is:
Lethargic
Bloated
Vomiting repeatedly
Has a large amount of blood in his stool
Has eaten something dangerous like rat poison
But most acute diarrhea episodes last less than a day or two.
In order to prevent the development of serious conditions, familiarize yourself with the warning signs below.
Warning Signs Include:
Diarrhea that lasts for over 48 hours
Black tarry stool or bloody diarrhea
Loss of appetite Increased lethargy Vomiting
Fever
Dehydration
Abdominal discomfort and/or increased sensitivity in the abdominal region (often seen as whining, panting, excessive drooling, or a distended abdomen –
Note well: If you notice these signs of bloat specifically, please consider this an emergency and take your dog to the vet as quickly as possible, as the condition can be potentially life-threatening.) If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it is time to see a vet.
How to Stop Diarrhea
A great many cases are mild and, with your vet’s advice, may be treated without a trip to the office.
There are many at-home remedies including rice water and pumpkin. You may need to consult a vet if your dog exhibits other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea does not stop, the dog is on a new medication, or things just don’t seem right. You know your dog, and only you know the subtle signs that something is wrong. Respect your instincts and if you think you need veterinary guidance, pick up the phone.
A home-cooked bland diet may also be recommended by your veterinarian that often contains a combination of cooked rice or pasta and boiled chicken. This may be more tempting to your dog initially, but is not generally as therapeutic as the veterinary diet. This conservative medical approach allows the body’s healing mechanisms to correct the problem. As the stools return to normal, you can gradually reintroduce your dog’s regular food by mixing it in with the special diet for several days.
Medication for Dog Diarrhea
There are some probiotics and supplements that can be very helpful for dogs experiencing diarrhea. As the quality and effectiveness of probiotics and supplements are not always known, it is always recommended to ask your veterinarian before giving your dog anything of this nature.
Natural Home Remedies for Diarrhea
After a fast, food is usually introduced slowly and many people start with binders, which can normalize stool consistency. Some tried-and-true methods include: Rice water : Boil high-quality rice in a lot of water, remove the grains, and offer the dog the creamy white soup that’s left. A splash of broth or a bit baby food will make it more palatable. White rice Canned pumpkin (plain, not prepared pie filling) has the odd distinction of being effective for diarrhea and constipation . Yogurt , which has beneficial bacteria, can help in dogs who can tolerate milk and milk products. Probiotics , live bacteria that aid digestion (these are also found in yogurt) Boiled potatoes , without skin Cottage cheese Plain protein sources such as egg (prepared with no butter or oil) or chicken (without skin) Herbs , such as fennel, have gut-soothing properties.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is another great option for easing an upset stomach while simultaneously hydrating your dog. Dehydration is commonly associated with diarrhea, and chronic dehydration will only exacerbate the issues already present. Easing your pup’s stomach upset with a product that will also help with dehydration can prove to get Fido back on track ASAP. Dog owners can purchase bone broth or make it ahead of time. The bone broth can be frozen and stored for emergency situations. To make bone broth, simply simmer a whole chicken in a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar in a crock pot until the meat falls off the bone. We want you to note that if you are purchasing bone broth, we recommend purchasing a brand that is specially formulated for dogs. This way you’ll be able to ensure that there are no additives and nothing included that could cause further irritation and prolong the episodes of diarrhea.
If diarrhea is the only sign, a minimum number of tests are performed to rule out certain parasites and infections. If diarrhea is severe or associated with several other clinical signs, your veterinarian will perform a series of tests in order to reach a diagnosis and to determine how sick your dog has become as a consequence of the diarrhea. These tests enable your veterinarian to treat your dog appropriately. Diagnostic tests may include microscopic fecal evaluation, X-rays with or without barium (a liquid given to dogs that shows up on X-rays and can highlight abnormalities in the intestine), blood tests, fecal cultures or DNA tests, biopsies of the intestinal tract, endoscopy, ultrasound, and exploratory abdominal surgery.