Having a dog can be one of the most fulfilling and exciting experiences, but it comes with its share of challenges. One of these challenges is when your beloved pup faces a tummy issue, and you’re suddenly dealing with explosive, liquid stool. So, what should you do if your dog has diarrhea?
The answer lies in understanding the form and color of the stool, as various factors could be contributing to the issue. Diarrhea in dogs isn’t always a sign of an upset stomach—it could point to a more serious health problem. Fortunately, most cases are mild and resolve within a day or two, but it’s crucial to know when a situation requires more attention.
Let’s dive into some potential solutions for handling your dog’s diarrhea:
1. Leave It Be: The Mild Case
If your dog’s diarrhea isn’t too frequent and he doesn’t seem distressed, you may simply need to wait it out. In many cases, diarrhea can clear up within a day or two. Just be prepared to clean up any messes and keep an eye out for accidents inside. If your dog can go outside, he might even munch on some grass for added fiber, which could help soothe his stomach.
2. Revert to the Old Diet
Sometimes, the cause of diarrhea could be a sudden switch in food. If your dog’s diarrhea started after introducing a new food brand, it might be because his digestive system is struggling to adjust. In this case, go back to the previous food to allow his stomach to settle. Once he’s feeling better, you can try the new food again—this time, gradually, to avoid upsetting his stomach further.
3. A Bland Diet for Digestive Relief
If the diarrhea isn’t related to food changes but could be caused by something your dog ate, consider switching to a bland diet. Just like we would eat plain food like rice or chicken when we have an upset stomach, dogs can benefit from simple, easily digestible options. Boiled chicken (without skin or bones), white rice, boiled potatoes, or pasta could help soothe his belly. Be cautious with potatoes, though, as they can be toxic to some dogs—always check with your vet first.
If your dog’s condition seems more severe, you may need to withhold food for a day and only offer water to allow his stomach to calm. Then, reintroduce food gradually.
4. Visit the Vet for Severe Cases
If diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours, or if your dog seems unwell—lethargic, in pain, or vomiting—it’s time to consult the vet. The vet might take X-rays to identify the cause of the issue and could prescribe medications or probiotics to help restore balance to your dog’s digestive system.
Describing the Diarrhea
When speaking with your vet, being specific about the diarrhea’s characteristics can make a big difference. Pay attention to the stool’s color, consistency, and any unusual contents, like bits of food, mucus, or blood. Also, note how often your dog is having diarrhea and whether he’s showing any other symptoms like lethargy or dehydration. This information will help the vet assess whether the issue is manageable at home or requires a clinic visit.
Common Causes of Canine Diarrhea
There are numerous potential causes of diarrhea in dogs, ranging from mild to severe:
- Milder Causes:
- Eating spoiled food
- Mild allergic reactions to food
- Stress
- Sudden changes in diet
- Eating non-food items (like sticks or trash)
These causes often resolve themselves within a few days. Dogs may even graze on grass to help stimulate digestion and relieve the problem. If you notice undigested grass in the stool, that’s probably the reason for the upset stomach.
- More Serious Causes:
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Severe food allergies
- Immune system disorders
- Poisoning
- Liver, gallbladder, or heart issues
- Colon cancer
- Upper GI tract bleeding
These conditions are rarer but require immediate veterinary attention. In addition to diarrhea, you might notice other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or vomiting. Stool color can also change depending on the cause. For example, issues with the gallbladder may turn the stool green or gray, while blood in the stool could indicate bleeding in the GI tract or even cancer.
Conclusion
Most cases of diarrhea in dogs are mild and resolve on their own, but it’s essential to monitor the situation closely. If the diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days, or if your dog seems seriously ill, it’s time to call the vet. Keep an eye on stool color, consistency, and any accompanying symptoms—this information will help the vet determine the next steps. And remember, while diarrhea is often a sign of a more significant issue, treatment for it is usually effective.
So, stay calm, take care of your pup, and everything should be back to normal soon—though your carpet might not be so lucky!
Until next time, pet parents, take care!
