Diarrhea is a common health problem that can affect any puppy at any time in its life. It's an uncomfortable condition for both dogs and their owners, as it can be unpleasant, smelly, and sometimes even dangerous if not treated properly. As an owner, it is important to be informed about the causes of diarrhea, the symptoms to watch for, and the preventative and treatment measures that can be taken to help your dog overcome this condition. In this blog, we'll explore everything you need to know about diarrhea.

Causes of diarrhea in dogs

There are many different causes that can lead to diarrhea in dogs, and it can often be difficult to determine the exact cause. Here are some of the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs:

Diet change

The digestive system can take a few days to adjust to your new foods. Therefore, it is advisable to change dog food gradually. You can try the barf diet .

Eating too much spoiled or toxic food

Especially if the dog has eaten something decomposing or has drunk contaminated water, it can cause diarrhea.

Bacteria and parasites

Most of them cause disease in puppies or in adults with weak immune systems.

Medications and antibiotics

Some medications can irritate the stomach and intestines of dogs, which can lead to diarrhea.

Various diseases

Dogs can suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases, such as colitis.

Stress

Emotional or physical stress can affect the digestive system of dogs and lead to diarrhea.

Types of diarrhea in dogs

Depending on the duration, diarrhea can be classified as acute or chronic. If it lasts less than three weeks it will be acute diarrhea and if it persists for more than three weeks it will be chronic diarrhea. We leave you the types of diarrhea in more detail:

Acute diarrhea

This type of diarrhea starts suddenly and can last from a few days to a week. It is usually caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, dietary changes, food allergies, or eating spoiled food.

Chronic diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea in dogs lasts longer than three weeks and can be related to chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease, food allergies, food intolerances, hormonal problems, and other disorders.

Osmotic diarrhea

This type of diarrhea occurs when there are too many solutes in the intestine, causing water to move into the intestine, causing diarrhea. Osmotic diarrhea can be caused by foods high in fiber, such as vegetables and some fruits. It is advisable that you find out about the fruits that dogs can eat

Secretory diarrhea

This type of diarrhea is caused by excessive production of fluids in the intestine. It can be caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli, viruses, parasites, diseases of the small intestine or colon, and tumors.

Weeping diarrhea

This type of diarrhea occurs when there is inflammation in the lining of the intestine, which causes loss of protein and blood in the stool. It can be caused by inflammatory bowel diseases or infections.

Symptoms of diarrhea in dogs

Depending on the type of diarrhea, the dog will feel more or less sick, that is, if the diarrhea is from the large intestine, it will generally feel less affected and will not lose much appetite or lose much weight, as occurs in small intestine diarrhea. where the dog will feel more affected, with less appetite and if it is prolonged, we will notice a significant loss of weight.

In addition, it is not uncommon to find fresh blood in large intestine diarrhea, while in small intestine it will be already digested blood and we will notice this in the color of the feces, which will be black.

Foods that cause diarrhea in dogs

Keep these foods completely out of their reach:

Chocolate, grapes, avocado, onion and garlic.

Treatment for diarrhea in dogs

Rest

Like us, rest is important. Provide him with a comfortable place to recover. Ideally, it should be a place close to a door to go outside and be easy to clean for those unfortunate accidents.

Fast

Ideally, you should fast for 12 hours to allow your GI tract to rest and recover. Therefore, DO NOT give them sweets, or any type of food.

Hydration

It is essential that you stay well hydrated. Once the 12-hour fast has passed, you can begin feeding small amounts of low-fat, easily digestible food.

Diarrhea with blood in dogs: should I worry?

Bloody diarrhea in dogs is often a symptom of a more serious condition, such as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. This disease is identified by blood in the vomit or stool, which may be due to a foodborne pathology.

Since it is a serious disorder and can be life-threatening, immediate veterinary attention is required. Although gastroenteritis is not specific to any breed or gender, small breed dogs are more prone to it.

How do I know when to take my dog ​​to the vet?

It is important to take your dog to the vet if you notice any of the following situations:

• Persistent diarrhea for more than 24 hours
• If your dog strains to defecate but only passes small amounts of watery diarrhea, he could be experiencing an obstruction due to the ingestion of a foreign object.
• If you present symptoms such as vomiting, weakness, bloody stools, unusual drooling and lack of appetite and signs of dehydration.

These visits usually cause stress and anxiety in dogs , this state can lead to aggressive anxiety where the puppy's behavior is difficult to cope with. That's why at Waggy's we offer a variety of CBD products for dogs that will help him get back to his calm state again.

 

How to prevent diarrhea in dogs?

To prevent diarrhea in dogs it is important to provide a balanced diet and avoid giving them human food or cooked bones. Also, you need to maintain good hygiene and ensure that your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times.

It is also important to avoid spoiled foods and make gradual changes to the diet. Lastly, it's critical to keep your dog up to date with vaccinations and regular vet checkups to ensure he's in good health and prevent disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, diarrhea in dogs is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including dietary changes, infections, illnesses, medications, and more. It is important to take preventative measures to reduce the risk of your dog developing diarrhea, such as providing an adequate diet, maintaining hygiene, and avoiding spoiled food.

If your dog develops diarrhea, it's important to seek veterinary attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Most cases of diarrhea in dogs are treatable and recovery can be quick with proper treatment. With good care and prevention, you can keep your dog happy and healthy while avoiding digestive problems and other health problems.

I invite you to continue reading by visiting the articles: Distemper in dogs , Leishmaniosis in dogs and Parvovirus in dogs