Tummy issues, such as diarrhea, can be a normal and common occurrence in dogs; however, this can also cause discomfort for both pet owners and the dog. Diarrhea in dogs can happen because of numerous reasons, so it’s important to understand the cause before treatment.
Diarrhea in dogs is caused by the buildup of bacteria and toxins in a dog’s gastrointestinal tract.
It can cause discomfort and distress for your pet and might require medical treatment.
Dietary Causes:
One of the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs occurs when their dietary needs are not being met. A sudden change in diet or snacks not suitable for canine consumption can commonly lead to a bout of diarrhea. Your pup may also be sensitive or allergic to certain ingredients contained within their food which could lead to sensitive stomachs or digestion issues that may last over an extended period of time.
Intolerance & Allergies
Intolerance and allergies are also possible causes for diarrhetic episodes with symptoms resonating within their digestive system (e.g loose stools). Like people, some dogs suffer from sensitivity towards food types like dairy products - something that should definitely be taken into account when purchasing meals specifically designed for your pet type/breed size.
Dietary Indiscretion
Dietary indiscretion – eating something they shouldn’t – is the most common cause of diarrhea in dogs. When dogs eat something that doesn’t agree with them, it can create an imbalance in their digestive system which will result in occasional bouts of diarrhea. Some foods that may trigger diarrhea include those high in fat or fibre content, spoiled food items, or foods containing additives or preservatives.
Parasites & Infections
Diarrhea is also a common symptom associated with worms or other parasites and infections in dogs, such as giardia, salmonella, coccidia and colitis. In these cases, your veterinarian will need to diagnose any underlying problems via fecal exams before they advise the appropriate medications and treatments.
Stress & Anxiety
Just like humans, dogs can experience stress from new environments or changes within their daily routine which often results in bouts of diarrhea that can be more frequent than normal. Signs of stress include hiding away, excessive barking or licking etc., all possible indications that your dog could present with upset stomachs/digestive illnesses as a result of anxiety-based physical responses.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occurs when excess lymphocytes accumulate inside a dog’s intestines causing inflammation and disrupting the digestive process. Other signs of IBD include constipation, vomiting or blood stains in the stool due to persistent inflammation associated with this condition. Symptoms vary depending on where the inflammation occurs in the GI tract but it can often be resolved with diet adjustments on long-term steroid therapy prescribed by your veterinarian.
Ingestion of Foreign Objects
If you suspect that something foreign was eaten, which can sometimes happen even if you think you’ve taken all necessary precautions against it, bring your pup to a veterinarian as soon as possible for an X-ray. It's important to identify the object early before the digestion process complicates matters further.
At-Home Remedies:
Start by Offering Bland Foods
One of the first steps in treating your dog’s diarrhea is to offer them bland foods such as white rice, boiled chicken, and plain yogurt. These foods are easy on their tummy while providing vital nutrients that help their body recover from the illness quicker. Avoid giving them their regular food until they’re fully recovered, as it can make things worse and prolong recovery time.
Pumpkin Puree - Pumpkin is an excellent source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals including iron, vitamin A, potassium, copper, manganese, zinc and more, all of which support digestion. Serve up canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) straight from the jar or mix it into soups or stews for an extra dose of vitamins and minerals for a balanced diet!
Plain Oats - The high levels of insoluble fibre found in oats stimulate movement in the intestinal tract helping reduce digestive abnormalities like constipation and diarrhea caused by too little dietary fibre. Feed them cooked oats as-is or add them to your pup’s meal to add extra nutrients while also assisting with digestion.
White Rice - White rice is known as one of the best home remedies for a dog's upset stomach because it's easy on their system while also providing fast relief from nausea. Boil 1/3 cup white rice with 2/3 cup beef broth using 3 cups of water until fully cooked, then let cool before serving slightly warm – never hot –to your pup as its own meal or mixed into their regular meal later on.
Offer Probiotic Supplements
Probiotics help recolonize your dog’s stomach with beneficial bacteria to help them digest their food more efficiently and reduce the risk associated with bad bacteria usually found in cases of diarrhea in pets.
Yogurt - Unsweetened plain yogurt contains probiotics — helpful bacteria that help break down food easier while restoring healthy bacteria in the gut. Yogurt is usually well-received by pups and can be served plain or blended into smoothies or oatmeal. The probiotics found in unsweetened plain yogurt will help restore digestive balance quickly and naturally after an upset stomach caused by diarrhea.
Bananas - Bananas are packed with prebiotics that nourishes good bacteria in the gut and helps restore digestive balance. Cut up a ripe banana into small pieces and feed it to your pup as-is or mix it in with their food. Consider blending the banana into smoothies or adding it to oatmeal. Avoid feeding unripe bananas as they contain starch, which can worsen symptoms of diarrhea.
You can find several probiotic supplements formulated specifically for dogs online or at pet stores near you.
Reduce Stress
A stressful environment can lead to a variety of health issues in puppies and older dogs alike, including digestive issues such as diarrhea. If you suspect your pup’s stomach troubles may be due to recent changes or life circumstances, take some extra time to understand how your pup is feeling about the situation and see if there are ways you can offer comfort and support during these times (like a new toy or taking extra long walks).
Dehydration
One of the common problems that pet owners face when dealing with canine diarrhea is dehydration. This condition occurs when your furry friend loses more fluids than they're taking in. Dehydration can be caused by several factors, including vomiting, diarrhea, excessive panting, and fever.
Dehydration can worsen the symptoms of diarrhea and make your pet feel uncomfortable. It's important to keep your dog hydrated to avoid further complications.
The Role of Dehydration in Canine Diarrhea
When your dog is suffering from diarrhea, it's essential to keep them hydrated to prevent the toxins from staying in their body for longer than necessary. The toxins are flushed out naturally with ingested fluids or water from licking ice cubes during hotter days of summertime playtime.
Dehydration can also lead to other problems such as kidney damage, urinary tract infections, and even death if left untreated. It's crucial to monitor your dog's water intake and ensure they're drinking enough water to avoid dehydration.
Symptoms of Dehydration in Dogs
It's important to recognize the signs of dehydration in dogs to prevent further complications. Some common symptoms of dehydration in dogs include:
Loss of skin elasticity
Dry and sticky gums
Increased heart rate
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
Preventing Dehydration in Dogs
Preventing dehydration in dogs is relatively easy. Ensure your dog always has access to clean, fresh drinking water. You can also add wet food to their diet to increase their water intake.
If your dog is suffering from diarrhea, ensure you give them electrolyte solutions or water with added electrolytes to help replenish the fluids they've lost.
Consult Your Veterinarian
If none of these home treatments provide relief after 24 hours then it might be time to schedule an appointment with your vet so they can evaluate what other treatments they might need like special medications prescribed just for their particular case; antibiotics if there is an infection present; or even IV fluids which increase hydration levels.