Reasons for Diarrhea in Dogs

Diarrhea in dogs is a common symptom of a number of problems, some normal and some serious. Occasional diarrhea is treatable with bland food, but if your dog’s diarrhea is frequent and other symptoms are present, you should take your pet to a veterinarian for a checkup,

Stress

Minor or major life changes can have a stressful effect on some dogs. Dogs tend to vent stress through their intestines, causing diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite or blood in the stool, said veterinarian Ron Hines of 2nd Chance. Small breed dogs are more prone to stress, as are sensitive or shy dogs. Changes that could cause stress in dogs include the death of a family member or pet, moving to a different house, kenneling or adoption into a new family.

Bacteria

Certain types of bacteria can get into your dog’s intestine and cause diarrhea, dog trainer Norma Bennett Woolf says in the Dog Owner’s Guide. Bacterial diseases that cause diarrhea include Campylobacter jejuni, salmonella and Escherichia coli. Antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian can help cure bacterial infections in dogs. Some canine bacterial infections, such as salmonella and Campylobacter jejuni can spread to humans, so sick dogs should stay away from children, and owners should wash their hands after contact with a sick dog.

Viruses

Puppies and young dogs are especially vulnerable to certain diarrhea-causing viruses. These viruses include distemper, coronavirus and parvovirus, Bennett Woolf says. Viral infections are not treatable with antibiotics, so treatment is supportive. Intravenous fluids help if the dog is dehydrated and unable to keep down fluids. Keeping infected dogs warm and dry and away from other dogs helps prevent the spread of the virus and gives the dog’s immune system a chance to fight the illness. Regular veterinary checkups and vaccinations can prevent many canine diseases that cause diarrhea.

Parasites

Intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, whipworms and strongyloides can cause diarrhea in dogs, Hines says. Protozoan parasites such as coccidia and giardia are single-celled microscopic parasites of the intestine that also cause diarrhea. A veterinarian can pinpoint the type of parasite causing the diarrhea and the best course of treatment. Antiparasitic medications can help kill intestinal parasites and worms, and a bland diet and drugs such as sulfonamides and metronidazole help cure protozoan parasites.

Diet

Certain types of food cause diarrhea in dogs, according to the University of Missouri. Some dogs are sensitive or allergic to certain food types, such as dairy, wheat or certain meats. Changes in food types or brands can upset the dog’s stomach, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Feeding the same food brand helps prevent diarrhea. Dogs with allergies may require hypoallergenic diets.

References

• University of Missouri: Feeding the Dog
• 2nd Chance: Why Does My Dog or Cat Have Diarrhea?
• Dog Owner’s Guide: Intestinal Upsets