DIARRHEA IN DOGS

Diarrhea in dogs is characterized by loose, watery, or increased frequency of stools resulting from disturbances in the digestive tract. Diarrhea is among the
most common clinical issues veterinarians see and can vary from mild, transient gastrointestinal upset to a signal for an underlying problem that may be dangerous if left untreated.

Dietary indiscretion usually results in temporary and self-limiting diarrhea. However, consistent or severe diarrhea can rapidly result in dehydration, weakness and loss of nutrients and warrants early identification and treatment of the underlying cause.

Causes

Numerous types of digestive, infectious and systemic problems can result in diarrhea:

• The most commonly encountered reason for diarrhea is dietary indiscretion, such as consuming spoiled food, trash, table scraps or a sudden change in diet. Dogs frequently develop gastrointestinal upset because they are often less selective about what they eat and may consume inappropriate items.
•  Bacterial, viral and parasitic infections are all common reasons for diarrhea. Roundworms, hookworms and Giardia can all have significant effects on intestinal function. Parvovirus is a viral infection that can produce very life threatening diarrhea in puppies.
• Additional causes of diarrhea can be due to food allergy, adverse reactions to specific components of their diet, stress, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), drugs, particularly antibiotic medication and systemic diseases, including pancreatitis or liver dysfunction.

Signs

Digestive Symptoms

• Frequent loose or watery stools
• Urgent need to go to the bathroom
• Mucus or blood may be present in the stool, depending on the underlying cause
• Increase in stool volume or frequency
• Vomiting

General Symptoms

• Lethargic or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydrated (sunken eyes, dry gums)
• Abdominal pain and distension
• Weight loss during chronic episodes.

Risks

While many cases of diarrhea are mild and self-limiting, some can become serious if left untreated.

The greatest danger associated with dog diarrhea lies in the potential for rapid dehydration, particularly among younger, older or smaller dogs.

Once this occurs, the possibility of an electrolyte imbalance developing exists; a state that could eventually result in total body weakness. In rare cases of severe fluid loss, severe weakness, shock, or collapse.

Dog diarrhea caused by an infection (such as parvovirus) will necessitate immediate veterinary treatment and potentially be life-threatening.

Persistent diarrhea symptoms may also be indicative of chronic illness affecting the pancreas, liver, or intestinal systems. If left untreated, these illnesses will continue to worsen over time.

Diagnosis

Veterinary professionals combine the patient’s medical history, physical evaluation and laboratory diagnostics to determine what has caused the dog’s diarrhea.

To confirm the presence of worms or other infectious organisms causing diarrhea, veterinarians typically conduct a fecal exam. Blood tests are commonly conducted to assess the dog’s general health status, level of hydration and organ system functioning. Additional diagnostic procedures, including ultrasound and/or specific infectious agent testing, may be indicated in cases of persistent or severe diarrhea.

Treatment

Treatment will depend upon the reason your pet had diarrhea and the degree of its severity.

Supportive Care

Mild cases of diarrhea are usually treated through modification of your pet’s diet (e.g., feeding a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice, if recommended by your veterinarian). Your veterinarian may recommend feeding smaller, more frequent meals during recovery. Some veterinarians will also prescribe probiotics to help replenish good bacteria in your pet’s digestive tract.

Medical Treatment

• Anti-parasitic medication(s) to treat worm or protozoal infections
• Antibiotic(s) for bacterial infections
• Medications to stop diarrhea (must be prescribed by your veterinarian)
• Hydration support for pets showing signs of dehydration
• Pain/nausea relief medications (if necessary).

Prevention

Maintaining a healthy, stable gastrointestinal system means reducing your pet’s chance of developing diarrhea.

A constant supply of quality food reduces the opportunity for gastrointestinal upset. The potential for gastrointestinal upset is reduced if you keep your pet away from table scraps and trash, as well as making large dietary changes.

Deworming regularly and vaccinating your pet will help minimize the number of opportunities for infections that could potentially result in diarrhea.

Good hygiene practices, access to clean drinking water, and regular veterinary check-ups also help lower the risk of gastrointestinal upset, especially in young puppy populations and multi dog households.