Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhoea? Causes & What To Do

It’s distressing when your beloved dog is unwell, especially when they’re suffering from sickness and diarrhoea. As pet owners, we want to see our dogs happy and healthy, and it can be upsetting when they’re not feeling their best. Diarrhoea in dogs is a common issue, but there can be many reasons behind it. In this article, we’ll cover the potential causes of diarrhoea in dogs, what you can do to help, and when to seek professional advice. Read our article about sickness in dogs here.

Causes of Diarrhoea in Dogs

There are numerous reasons why your dog might experience diarrhoea. Understanding the cause is key to treating the issue effectively and preventing it from happening again. Here’s a list of common causes of diarrhoea in dogs:

• Eating Something They Shouldn't: Dogs are curious by nature and sometimes eat things they shouldn’t, such as rubbish, food scraps, or non-food items. This can lead to digestive upset and diarrhoea.
  
• Change in Diet: A sudden change in your dog’s diet can upset their stomach and cause diarrhoea. If you’re switching their food, it’s best to do so gradually over the course of a week to avoid digestive issues. For more tips on changing your dog’s diet, check out our Changing Your Dog’s Diet blog post.
  
• Stress or Anxiety: Dogs can experience stress or anxiety just like humans. Moving to a new environment, being left alone, or a visit to the vet can trigger digestive upset, including diarrhoea.
• Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to diarrhoea in dogs. Infections such as parvovirus, salmonella, or E. coli are common culprits.
• Parasites: Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, or giardia are all parasites that can affect a dog’s digestive system, causing diarrhoea. These can be picked up through contaminated food, water, or soil.
• Foreign Objects: Dogs sometimes ingest foreign objects, such as toys, clothing, or even rocks. This can cause blockages in the digestive tract, resulting in diarrhoea or more serious issues.
• Toxicity: Dogs are often drawn to foods, plants, or chemicals that can be toxic to them. Toxicity from foods like chocolate or grapes, or household chemicals can lead to digestive issues, including diarrhoea. For a list of foods that are poisonous to dogs, see our What Foods Are Poisonous to Dogs blog.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, can upset your dog’s stomach and lead to diarrhoea as a side effect.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and weight loss.
  

What To Do When Your Dog Has Diarrhoea

If your dog has diarrhoea, the first thing to do is stay calm and take action to help them feel better. Here are some tips for managing the situation:

Provide Water To Avoid Dehydration

Diarrhoea causes your dog to lose fluids, and dehydration can become a serious concern if not addressed. Make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. You may need to encourage them to drink more, especially if they’re reluctant. Dehydration can worsen their condition and lead to further complications.

Feed a Bland Diet

A bland, easily digestible diet is essential to help your dog’s stomach recover. Foods like boiled chicken mixed with cooked white rice or simple broths are easy on their digestive system. This will give their intestines time to heal while still providing necessary nutrients.

Add Fibre To Your Dogs Meals

Fibre is important for regulating your dog’s bowel movements and promoting a healthy digestive system. You can find fibre in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Adding small amounts of these ingredients to your dog’s meals can help firm up their stool over time.

Consider Probiotics

Probiotics can be beneficial for treating diarrhoea in dogs by introducing beneficial bacteria to their gut and preventing harmful bacteria from taking over. At Forthglade, our dog food is specially formulated with probiotics to support your dog’s digestive health. 

Split Your Dog's Meals

Rather than feeding your dog one or two large meals a day, try splitting their daily food requirements into four to six smaller meals. This allows their digestive system to process food more easily, reducing the strain on their intestines while they recover.

Is There Anything I Can Do To Prevent My Dog from Having Diarrhoea Again?

Preventing diarrhoea from happening in the first place is always better than treating it after the fact. Here are a few tips to help reduce the risk of diarrhoea recurring:

• Avoid Toxic Substances: Keep your dog away from potentially toxic substances, including harmful foods, plants, and chemicals. Educating yourself about the risks and taking precautions can go a long way in keeping your dog healthy.
• Scheduled Worming: Regular worming is essential to prevent parasitic infections that can lead to diarrhoea. Speak to your vet about a suitable worming schedule for your dog.
• Dietary Consistency: Try to avoid sudden changes in your dog’s diet. If you need to switch foods, do so gradually to allow their digestive system to adjust.
  

When To Seek Help From a Veterinarian For Diarrhoea in Dogs

If your dog’s diarrhoea persists and you are worried, it’s important to consult your vet. In some cases, diarrhoea can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, and a professional assessment is necessary.
Here are some red flags that indicate you should seek veterinary help immediately:

• Lethargy: If your dog is unusually tired, weak, or unresponsive, it could be a sign of dehydration or another serious issue.
• Blood in Stool: If you notice blood in your dog’s stool, this could indicate a gastrointestinal problem that requires immediate attention.
• Vomiting: If your dog is also vomiting alongside diarrhoea, it may suggest a more serious illness or infection.
• Loss of Appetite: If your dog refuses to eat for more than a day, it may be a sign of something more serious.
  

Always trust your instincts, if you’re worried, it’s better to consult your vet for peace of mind.

Conclusion

Diarrhoea in dogs is often temporary and treatable, but it’s important to identify the cause and take the appropriate steps to help your pet recover. Keep them hydrated, feed them a bland diet, and introduce probiotics and fibre to support their gut health. If diarrhoea persists or is accompanied by red flags like lethargy or blood in stool, don’t hesitate to seek help from your veterinarian.

To support your dog’s digestive health in the long term, consider switching to Forthglade’s range of dog food for sensitive stomachs, specially formulated to support healthy digestion.