Dealing with your dog’s diarrhea can be a stressful experience, but understanding when it’s a minor issue and when it requires veterinary attention is crucial for their well-being. Fortunately, most cases of diarrhea in dogs are mild and resolve on their own, especially if your dog remains otherwise active and normal. However, certain signs warrant a prompt call to your veterinarian.
“Many cases of diarrhea in dogs and cats are mild and self-limiting,” explains Dr. Meredith Miller, an associate clinical professor of small animal medicine. “If a pet stops eating, is lethargic, the diarrhea is black or tarry in quality, there is associated vomiting, or the diarrhea doesn’t resolve in 48-72 hours then veterinary care should be sought.”
Under normal circumstances, a dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract efficiently absorbs water. Diarrhea occurs when food and water pass too quickly, preventing proper absorption and leading to the expulsion of excess water along with waste. This can result in dehydration over time. When combined with vomiting, dehydration can accelerate, leading to electrolyte imbalances, placing a strain on the kidneys, and in severe cases, potentially causing organ failure and death. Symptoms like anorexia and lethargy can indicate your dog is not feeling well, which could be due to simple gastrointestinal discomfort or a more serious underlying illness. If your dog doesn’t quickly return to their normal self, seeking veterinary advice is recommended.
Black stool, medically known as melena, is a sign of partially digested blood in the feces. This bleeding can originate from the upper GI tract, mouth, or even the respiratory tract and may be caused by foreign bodies, infections, inflammation, trauma, tumors, or ulcers.
The Bland Diet Approach for Mild Diarrhea
For mild cases of diarrhea in both cats and dogs, a bland diet can often provide relief at home. “Mild cases of diarrhea in both cats and dogs can be treated at home by feeding a bland diet such as boiled chicken or low-fat hamburger, and white rice,” suggests Dr. Miller. Cooked pasta is another easily digestible option that can give your dog’s GI tract a much-needed break.
It’s important to note any known allergies or intolerances your dog has to these foods and avoid those ingredients. A common recommendation is to withhold all food for 12-24 hours before introducing the bland diet. However, these homemade bland diets are not nutritionally complete and should not be fed long-term.
If your dog experiences diarrhea shortly after a change in food, it might be due to transitioning too rapidly. Revert to their original diet until their stools firm up, then restart the transition process more gradually. For instance, instead of a rapid three-day switch, spread the introduction of the new food over one to two weeks, allowing your dog’s digestive system more time to adjust. “Owners should avoid excessive treats or rich food until the diarrhea resolves,” advises Dr. Miller. If diarrhea persists for more than a day or two, consult your veterinarian for appropriate treatment.
Potential Causes of Diarrhea
Diarrhea in dogs can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from simple dietary indiscretions to more complex health issues.
Transient Causes:
- Dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn’t have)
- Rapid food switching
- Stressful events (e.g., vet visits, boarding)
- Internal parasites
More Serious Potential Causes:
- Gastrointestinal infections or inflammation
- Viral infections, such as parvovirus
- Ingestion of foreign objects
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Cancer
- Toxicity
- Pancreatic disorders
- Addison’s disease
- Liver or heart disease
- Immune-mediated disorders
Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment
The appropriate treatment for diarrhea hinges on its underlying cause. When you take your dog to the veterinarian, bringing a stool sample can assist in the diagnostic process.
Diagnostic procedures may include:
- Fecal tests: To detect the presence of parasites.
- Radiographs (X-rays): To identify potential blockages.
- Bloodwork: To assess for systemic illness if the veterinarian has concerns.
If parasites are identified, deworming medications will likely be prescribed. For most acute diarrhea cases, a veterinarian will recommend a bland, digestible diet, often a prescription therapeutic veterinary gastrointestinal (GI) diet specifically formulated for easy digestion and gut support. Your vet might also prescribe a veterinary probiotic to help restore the balance of your dog’s gut flora. In some situations, anti-nausea medications, anti-diarrheal drugs, or gastroprotectants may be prescribed. If dehydration is a concern, intravenous or subcutaneous fluids may be administered.
What You Should Do at Home
- Ensure fresh water is always available.
- Take your dog outside frequently for potty breaks.
Seek veterinary attention when:
- A bland diet does not resolve the diarrhea within 2-3 days.
- The stool is black, tarry, or contains fresh blood.
- Vomiting also occurs.
- Your dog continues to lack an appetite.
What to Avoid
It is critical to never administer human medications like Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) or Imodium (loperamide) to your dog unless specifically directed by a veterinarian. These medications can be harmful to certain dogs and may interact negatively with other medications. For comprehensive guidance and tailored treatment plans, always consult your veterinarian. You can explore resources for canine digestive health, such as information on probiotics for dogs with diarrhea uk or specific veterinary diets.
This article has been reprinted with permission from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s DogWatch newsletter. Parts have been edited and updated by Riney Canine Health Center extension veterinarians. Consider becoming a member of the Riney Canine Health Center for a subscription to DogWatch.
