You may be worried to find your dog is experiencing diarrhea. In this blog post, our vets in New Hope will clarify some common causes of diarrhea in dogs, provide guidance on what to do if your pup's stool contains blood, and explain when it's necessary to bring your dog in for emergency care.
The Dog Days of Diarrhea
If a dog has diarrhea, that means their stool is runny and watery, rather than a solid shape. Unfortunately, our vets often see dogs dealing with diarrhea.
It's common for dogs to experience mild diarrhea due to mild intestinal distress. This stomach upset is often food-related and may be caused by something as simple as your pup eating something that doesn't agree with them or switching to a new brand of dog food.
However, diarrhea can also point to more serious health issues that require emergency care and/or a prompt diagnosis from your vet.
What are the common causes of diarrhea in dogs?
Below are some of the most common reasons for diarrhea in dogs:
- Stress or anxiety
- Change in diet or treats
- Eating garbage or spoiled food
- Ingestion of foreign objects such as toys, bones, and fabric
- Ingesting toxins or poisons
- Viral infections such as parvovirus, distemper or coronavirus
- Parasites - roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Coccidia, or Giardia
- Bacterial infections - such as salmonella
- Pancreatitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Colitis
- Liver or kidney disease
- Intestinal cancer
- Medications such as antibiotics
With such a wide array of potential causes, it can be difficult to know when your dog's symptoms are reasons to contact your vet. Read on for advice to help you decide when a case of diarrhea is worth visiting the doctor.
Is bloody diarrhea in dogs an emergency?
The most straightforward indication that you should consider contacting your vet is when your dog's diarrhea is bloody. There are two types of bloody stool to look out for when your dog is experiencing diarrhea.
Hematochezia results from bleeding in the lower digestive tract or colon. It is bright red in color and indicates certain potential medical complications.
Melena is blood that has been digested or swallowed. This dark, sticky, almost jelly-like blood indicates that a serious problem in your dog's upper digestive tract might be to blame.
Singular streaks of blood are often a fluke. However, if the bleeding is consistently present or in larger amounts, it is a clear indicator of a much bigger problem, such as a viral or bacterial infection, parvovirus, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, or even cancer.
If you find blood in your dog's stool, in any amount, it is always best to contact your vet. Bloody diarrhea in dogs can potentially be fatal if left untreated, so prompt emergency care is required.
Describing exactly what you have observed will allow your vet to give you detailed instructions on what you should be watching for and if it makes sense for your dog to come in for a visit based on their symptoms.
When is diarrhea a reason to contact an emergency vet?
If your dog has a single episode of diarrhea and is otherwise acting normal, it is likely not a cause for concern. Monitor your dog's bowel movements to see if things clear up. However, more than two episodes could indicate a problem, so it's a good idea to call your vet if your canine companion has two or more bouts of diarrhea.
If your dog is straining to pass a stool but only passing small amounts of watery diarrhea, it could be experiencing a painful blockage due to ingesting a foreign object such as a toy. This is a very serious concern and needs veterinary attention right away. Contact your vet or head to the nearest emergency animal hospital for care.
Recurring bouts of diarrhea over a short period could be a sign of a serious health issue, particularly if your dog is very old or very young or has a compromised immune system. Infections such as parvovirus are extremely serious, contagious, and life-threatening. Contact your vet immediately if your dog is experiencing repeated episodes of diarrhea.
A veterinarian should promptly see dogs with diarrhea that are also displaying other symptoms. If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms, contact your vet immediately to schedule an appointment:
- Blood in stool
- Unusual drooling
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Weakness
- Signs of dehydration (Sunken, dry-looking eyes, dry nose, or dry, sticky gums)
If your dog displays any symptoms that cause you concern, contact your veterinarian. Your vet will let you know whether your pet's symptoms indicate that an examination is necessary.
How is diarrhea in dogs treated?
Never give your dog human food or medications without consulting your veterinarian. Many foods that we enjoy and several over-the-counter medications that work well for people can be toxic to dogs.
If your dog has had one or two runny or soft stools, you may want to give it some time to recover by fasting for 12-24 hours. A bland diet for a day or two may help resolve the issue.
Plain-cooked white rice with a little chicken and some canned plain pumpkin (not pie filling) may help your dog's tummy feel better. Once your dog feels better, gradually reintroduce regular food.
Other things that might help to soothe your dog's upset tummy include natural yogurt, probiotics, peeled, boiled potatoes, cottage cheese, eggs with no added oil, specially formulated dog foods, and medications prescribed by your vet.
Regarding your dog's health, it is usually best to err on the side of caution. By taking your dog in for an examination, you allow your vet to determine the underlying cause of your dog's diarrhea and recommend the most effective treatment.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet to accurately diagnose your pet's condition.