What is diarrhea in dogs?
When we talk about diarrhea, we refer to an increase in the frequency, fluidity, or volume of stools. In dogs, this can be a sign that something is not right in their digestive system. Diarrhea is often the body’s response to intestinal irritation and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as gas, abdominal pain, or general discomfort.
Although diarrhea is not a disease in itself, it is a sign that something is not right. Therefore, it is important to know what the cause is and how we can help our dog feel better.
Why does diarrhea occur in dogs?
Diarrhea can have multiple causes, and while in many cases it may be an isolated episode, it is important to understand what may be causing it. Some common reasons include:
- Improper nutrition or dietary changes.
- Stress and anxiety.
- Bacterial, viral or parasitic infections.
- Food allergies in dogs.
- Ingestion of toxic or inedible substances.
Types of diarrhea in dogs
Diarrhea in dogs can be classified into two main types: acute diarrhea and chronic diarrhea.
Acute diarrhea
Acute diarrhea is diarrhea that appears suddenly and usually lasts a short time, usually less than two weeks. This type of diarrhea is common and is often due to temporary factors. Some of the most common causes of acute diarrhea include:
- Sudden changes in diet: Introducing new foods too quickly can upset your dog’s digestive system. We recommend you take a look at our post on how to change your dog’s food correctly.
- Eating inappropriate foods: Eating junk food, leftover food, or inedible substances can trigger a rapid response from the body.
- Stress: Situations such as traveling, moving or the arrival of new members in the family can trigger diarrhea. If you suspect that stress could affect your dog, we recommend reading our post “ Signs of stress in dogs ”.
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause acute diarrhea.
Chronic diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea is diarrhea that lasts longer than two weeks or occurs regularly. This type of diarrhea may be a sign of a more serious underlying health problem and requires a detailed veterinary evaluation. Some common causes of chronic diarrhea include:
- Food allergies.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases.
- Pancreatic problems.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Persistent parasites.
What do I give my dog if he has diarrhea?
If your dog has diarrhea, it’s important to act quickly to help him feel better and avoid complications. Here are some recommendations to handle the situation, but always remember to consult your veterinarian first.
Probiotic supplements
Probiotics can be a great help in restoring your dog’s intestinal health. One recommended product is Entero-Chronic Antidiarrheal. This food supplement is specifically designed to treat chronic and recurrent intestinal disorders.
Here we explain its benefits:
- It promotes the growth of bacteria that benefit the intestine, helping to improve intestinal flora .
- Strengthens the mucous layer that protects the intestinal surface, providing an additional barrier against irritation.
- Helps restore intestinal function in cases of chronic or recurrent diarrhea.
- It has no interactions with other drugs or side effects, making it safe to use alongside other treatments.
Soft and easily digestible diet
In addition to probiotic supplements, a soft, easy-to-digest diet is essential to help your dog recover from diarrhea. However, remember that it is always important to consult a professional before making any changes to your pet’s diet. Sometimes, your vet may recommend a homemade soft diet or specific dietary feeds.
Stay well hydrated
It’s essential to make sure your dog stays well hydrated. Diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration, so provide fresh, clean water at regular intervals . You can also offer a little unsalted chicken broth to encourage your dog to drink more.
Treatment for chronic diarrhea in dogs
To treat chronic diarrhea, it is necessary to perform some veterinary tests to find out the cause. A stool and blood test is usually performed. And, sometimes, an ultrasound or X-ray is also performed to check the condition of the intestine and to see if there is any obstruction or foreign body.
Through these tests, the veterinarian will be able to detect why your dog has diarrhea and will administer the most appropriate treatment depending on what is causing it.
Care to help prevent diarrhea in dogs
Here are some tips and precautions to help prevent diarrhea in dogs:
- Quality food : Provide a balanced diet according to your dog’s age and size and use high-quality foods. Change food gradually to help avoid digestive problems.
- Avoid inappropriate foods : Do not give your dog toxic foods such as chocolate or onions and keep garbage and small objects out of his reach. Here is a list of foods that are prohibited for dogs .
- Parasite Control : Follow a regular deworming schedule and perform periodic veterinary checkups to detect problems early.
- Proper Hydration : Provide fresh water constantly and change the water in the water bowl frequently.
- Avoid stress : Maintain regular feeding, walking and resting schedules, and provide a safe and calm environment.
- Hygiene and cleanliness : Keep your dog’s bed and toys clean and wash your hands before and after handling his food. Check out our post “ how to clean my dog’s bed ” for more information.
- Keep vaccinations up to date : Follow the canine vaccination schedule and make sure your dog is up to date on all of its vaccinations to prevent diseases.
