Dog diarrhoea refers to stools (faeces) that are loose, runny or watery. It’s a symptom of another health issue, rather than a condition in itself, and it can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. Although many cases of diarrhoea in dogs are mild and resolve by themselves, it’s important that you can recognise when diarrhoea is more serious and when to go to the vet. We’ll cover all that and more in our guide on what to do if your dog has diarrhoea.

Why does my dog have diarrhoea? 

As stools move through the digestive system, water is absorbed by the body through the walls of the intestines. This helps to firm up the stools and make them easy to pass. But if the stools move through the intestines too quickly, not enough water is absorbed. The result is loose, poorly formed stools, also known as diarrhoea. Here are some of the most common reasons this can happen. 

1.Dietary causes - Diet is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea in dogs. If your dog has switched to a new food suddenly or eaten something it shouldn’t e.g. non-food items, spoiled food, this can leave their stomach irritated and unsettled. If you suspect your dog has eaten something poisonous you must contact your vet straight way. 

Some dogs can also experience diarrhoea due to allergies or food intolerances, this is often associated with chronic diarrhoea and would require a vet appointment. If a food allergy or intolerance is suspected the vet will likely suggest an elimination diet trial using a diet that contains hydrolysed protein such as VETERINARY HPM®Dog Hypoallergy A2. These proteins have been hydrolysed to a level that is not detected by your pet's digestive system. 

2. Infections - Bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections can also cause dog diarrhoea, especially those that affect the digestive system. Diarrhoea can be the body’s way of flushing pathogens from the gut. It can also be a result of inflammation, irritation or direct damage to the lining of the gut, affecting how water is absorbed from the stool. Infections can also disrupt the gut microbiota, the delicate system of microbes that naturally live in the gut. If you suspect your dog has an infection it would be advisable to contact your vet for appropriate advice and treatment plan. 

3. Stress - 

Just like humans, dogs can experience physical symptoms like diarrhoea when they’re under stress. Stressors can include illness, pain, or changes at home, such as renovations or a new pet or baby. Identifying the stressor can be helpful to try to address the underlying cause of the diarrhoea. 

4.Other medical conditions - Many health conditions and medications can affect how the digestive system functions. Colitis is the most commonly reported cause of chronic diarrhoea, it is characterised by inflammation of the large intestine (colon) and usually presents as mucous or blood in the stool, usually the dog is also in some discomfort from the painful contraction of the guts. 

If your dog has a chronic condition such as liver or kidney disease, this can often be associated with episodes of diarrhoea, if there is any deterioration or worsening of symptoms it is best to update your vet so they can help manage the symptoms. 

Signs of diarrhoea in dogs: When is it serious? 

In the majority of cases diarrhoea in dogs is mild, resolves itself, and can easily be managed at home. However, it’s important to keep in mind that dog diarrhoea can indicate a more serious health problem. If it’s severe, lasts for more than 24 hours or is associated with other signs such as vomiting/ blood in the stool or your dog is not well in themselves it would be advisable to get them checked at the vets urgently. Diarrhoea can cause dehydration, mineral imbalances and nutritional deficiencies if left untreated. 

Look out for the following signs that your dog might be dehydrated:

• Lack of appetite
• Little or no urination
• Dark urine
• Dry/sticky gums 
• Unusually thick or stringy saliva
• A dry nose
• Dry, sunken eyes
• Rapid panting or heavy breathing
• Tented skin (doesn’t spring back to its normal shape when pinched) 

What to feed a dog with diarrhoea  

If your dog has diarrhoea the most important thing is to keep them hydrated. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water available and try to encourage them to drink.

Offer a highly digestible gastrointestinal food, such as VETERINARY HPM®Dog Digestive Support G1, little and often, initially split over about 4-6 meals. Once the diarrhoea starts to resolve, gradually reintroduce your dog’s normal diet over a period of a couple of days. 

Dog diarrhoea treatment

If your dog’s diarrhoea hasn’t resolved within 24 hours at home or your dog is unwell, it would be advised to get your dog 

checked at the vets. To determine the best treatment plan for your dog and to try to establish a cause the vet might ask you for a brief history.  Depending on what they find, they might recommend: 

• Probiotics to restore a healthy gut microbiome. 
• Blood tests. 
• Diagnostic tests such as ultrasound. 
• IV (intravenous) fluids to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes
• A specially formulated food to help manage digestive issues or as a recovery diet, for example VETERINARY HPM® Dog Digestive Support G1 or VETERINARY HPM ®Dog Hypoallergy A2 for dogs with food allergies or intolerances

FAQs 

1. How can I stop dog diarrhoea? Switch to a digestive food that contains highly digestible ingredients to aid recovery.  Initially it might be necessary to split the digestive support food into little and often meals around 4-6 times a daily. Avoid any treats or rich foods that might make the symptoms worse.
2. What medication can I give to my dog with diarrhoea? Probiotics might be useful in cases of acute diarrhoea but it is best to get advice from your vet before using any medicines. 
3. How long should I wait before visiting the vet? If your dog has mild diarrhoea and remains bright, active and still eating you can usually wait 24 hours to see if it resolves by itself. However, see your vet right away if your dog has several episodes of diarrhoea, if it lasts longer than 24 hours, or your dog also has other symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea, signs of dehydration, severe vomiting, unexplained weight loss, extreme weakness or lethargy. 

If in doubt, ask your vet!