How To Stop Diarrhea In Dogs

Most animals experience the odd loose bowel movement, but if your canine companion is regularly suffering from episodes of diarrhea, it can be unpleasant both for your beloved pet and other people living in your home. Frequent diarrhea can also be an indication that there is an underlying health problem, affecting your furbaby. To stop your dog from the debilitating effects of diarrhea, it is necessary to understand what is causing it.

About diarrhea

When an animal or human being eats, the food that we consume is passed through our esophagus and into the stomach, where the acids break it down to release the nutrients contained within it. Anything that cannot be absorbed by the body eventually gets passed back out in the form of feces. The time it takes to digest food and excrete waste can vary, but typically wet, canned food can pass through faster than dry varieties. 
Properly processed waste products (feces) should be soft but solid, and easy to pick up. However, when a dog is suffering from diarrhea, their feces appear watery and not properly formed. There may also be minimal amounts of blood or mucus present. 
Although it is possible to have one, isolated incident of diarrhea, generally canines suffering from the condition will have multiple loose bowel movements over a period of hours or days. In many instances, owners will find that their furbaby isn’t able to make it outside before they need to ‘go’.

Causes of Canine Diarrhea and How to Treat Them

The digestive process is very delicate and can be affected by a wide variety of different things, from the foods that your pet eats, to stress or underlying illness. Some of the most common causes of dog diarrhea include:

Food intolerances

Animals are just as likely to develop food intolerances as we are, and although your dog may be unfussy about what she eats, canines often suffer from soy, grain, dairy and even meat allergies. Food intolerances can develop at any time, and even after years of eating something with no problem.
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from a food intolerance, you should speak to our veterinarian about the possibility of putting her on an elimination diet, which, as the name suggests, discovers the cause of the allergy through a process of elimination. Once the offending food has been cut out of her diet, you should find that the diarrhea stops. 

Changes To Your Dog’s Diet

Many pet parents underestimate the effect that sudden changes to the diet of their animal can have on their digestive system. If you need to switch up your pet’s food to a new brand or different variety, try and do so gradually as this will limit the likelihood of her experiencing digestive issues including constipation and diarrhea. 
If your canine companion decides to chow down on something that should be inedible, then chances are she will suffer from at least one episode of diarrhea. This could include eating garbage, rotten food, or the feces of other animals. To prevent your furbaby from eating something she shouldn’t, ensure that all garbage is well out of reach, and you keep a close eye on her when you are out and about. 

Internal Parasite Infestations

Parasites are an unfortunately common problem associated with pet ownership, and while there are many different types, internal parasites such as hookworms, whipworms or roundworms can all cause your dog to experience stomach problems, including diarrhea. The best way to prevent diarrhea as a result of a parasite infestation is to ensure that you get your pet fully protected against them. There are a range of preventative treatments available – speak to our vet to find out which is the right one for your furry best friend.

Underlying Illness

In some cases, diarrhea can be an indication that there is an underlying illness affecting your canine companion. Some of the most common conditions that have diarrhea as a side effect include:

• Infections (both viral and bacterial)

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)

• Colitis

• Kidney disease

• Liver problems

• Cancer

Chances are, if your dog’s diarrhea is the result of an underlying medical issue, she will probably also display a number of other symptoms. Nevertheless, if you believe that your dog’s diarrhea may be caused by illness, you should seek an immediate appointment with our veterinarian. For inquiries regarding this or any related concerns, please Contact Brekke Veterinary Clinic..