What is diarrhea in dogs

The many and varied causes of diarrhea Dogs develop diarrhea for many different reasons. What does the stool look like? What color is it? Is there any blood or mucus? Has your dog gotten into the garbage or compost recently? Not all cases of diarrhea require a trip to the veterinary clinic A single bout of diarrhea is generally not a cause for concern. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Find Us On. Where to Buy. Find Diamond. Other components of treatment may include a bland prescription diet, a high-calorie diet, or a hypoallergenic diet. Remember that our pets can't talk to us to tell us how bad they feel. When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian.

Jan S. Markel , 1 Jose F. Heilmann , 1 Scot E. Steiner , 1 Audrey K. Volkmann, J. Steiner, G. Fosgate, J. Zentteak, S. Hartmann, B. Ives, Gemma. Groves, Ellie. Home Dog Emergencies Common Emergencies. Published: February 07, Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Yes No. Share this article. What did you find helpful? What was not helpful? Say more Formed but soft? Is there blood present? Do you see pieces of toys, clothing, or other inedible material in it?

Make a note of this, because your vet will ask. If lethargy, vomiting, or other signs of illness accompany the vomiting, make a note of this too. If you can't take the stool sample to the vet right away, store it in the fridge in a sealed bag or container.

Many people prefer to double-bag it because it is poop, after all. One or two episodes of diarrhea are not necessarily reasons to become alarmed. Some cases of diarrhea are self-limiting meaning they resolve on their own. If your dog is still eating and drinking, that's a good sign. Never give over-the-counter or prescription medications without your vet's advice. If you're that concerned, it's best to just to take your dog to the vet.

Continued diarrhea can lead to dehydration or weight loss and could be a symptom of an underlying illness. It's important not to ignore symptoms when your dog is sick. Dogs often hide their illnesses for as long as possible, acting as if they feel normal when there's really something more serious going on.

If any of the following circumstances apply, contact your vet immediately:. If your dog has diarrhea one time and otherwise acts completely normal, you can probably continue with its normal routine and feeding.

Just keep watching for diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and signs of illness. Note that dogs with diarrhea may strain to defecate with little or no stool production.

Three or four times, with large volume, suggest small bowel disorder. Oddly shaped or colored solid objects can tell you what your dog has gotten into. Several small white rice-like shapes, for example, may signify a tapeworm infestation. Consistency: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets developed this well-illustrated chart that shows how vets score canine fecal consistency on a scale of one to seven.

They may respond to a regimen of very basic treatments, including: Over-the-Counter Dog Diarrhea Treatments These treatments are good to have on hand and can be ordered online for quick delivery. Fasting Withholding food for 12 to 24 hours, and providing water in small amounts frequently, can clear the cause of the upset and allow the gastrointestinal tract to settle.

Kitchen Cures for Dog Diarrhea After a fast, simple foods are usually introduced slowly. A splash of broth or a bit baby food will make it more palatable.

Plain yogurt with active cultures can help dogs who can tolerate milk and milk products. Probiotics to promote live bacteria that aid digestion these are also found in yogurt Boiled potatoes without skin Cottage cheese Plain protein sources such as egg prepared with no butter or oil or chicken without skin Herbs , such as fennel, may have gut-soothing properties Specially-formulated dog foods : Some manufacturers offer sensitive stomach dog foods that can soothe stomach problems.

You may need to obtain some of these from your vet. Over-the-counter medications for humans may also be effective for doggie diarrhea, but should be given with caution, and you should always consult with your vet before using them.

There are, however, benchmarks that can suggest that you should at least consult with your vet: Other physical symptoms, such as lethargy, fever, vomiting, dry, tacky or pale gums, or weakness; Diarrhea that does not stop despite home remedies that worked in the past; Dehydration; Long duration Some say a few days, others give more time.

This all depends on what is normal for your dog. You know your dog, and only you know the subtle signs that something is wrong. Respect your instincts and if you think you need veterinary guidance, pick up the phone. Tips for Responsible Dog Owners This e-book is a great resource for anyone who's considering dog ownership or already owns a dog.