My dog has diarrhoea, what should I do?

Most dogs will get diarrhoea from time to time, so it’s important to understand how to handle it. The good news is that mild cases of diarrhoea in dogs often resolve easily with the right care. But it’s important to know when to seek veterinary advice.
 
We’re going to look at common causes of diarrhoea, how you can support your pet, and when to get professional help. Read on to find out more!

What causes diarrhoea in dogs?

Here are some of the most common causes of loose stools in dogs –

• Dietary indiscretion – Consuming things like rubbish or spoiled food
• Sudden change in diet – Switching to a new food or eating something outside of their normal diet (like leftovers and table scraps) can cause digestive upset. For this reason, a gradual transition to a new diet is always recommended.
• Infections or parasites – Bacterial infections like Salmonella or Campylobacter, or viral infections like parvovirus can lead to diarrhoea in dogs. Parasites can also cause problems, including worms and protozoa like Giardia.
• Inflammatory conditions – Diarrhoea can occur in conditions like chronic enteropathy, also referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or neoplasia (cancer).
• Food allergies and sensitivities – Some dogs are allergic to certain proteins in their diet, which can result in diarrhoea and/or cause itchy, inflamed skin. Beef, chicken, and dairy are the most diagnosed triggers for allergic dogs. Other pets have ‘sensitive stomachs,’ and while they don’t have a true immune response to certain ingredients, they can still suffer from unpleasant side effects like increased gas and loose faeces. Read more about food allergies in dogs. 
• Metabolic causes – Examples include disorders of the pancreas such as pancreatitis or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), or liver disease may cause stomach upsets.
• Endocrine disorders – Hormonal (endocrine) issues like Addison’s disease or hypothyroidism can affect digestion.
• Toxins – Consumption of a toxin could lead to gastrointestinal symptoms in dogs. There are many toxins that could do this, including chocolate, cleaning products, or certain plants. Toxins can also cause other issues like vomiting, seizures, and collapse, so always call your vet straight away if you think your dog has eaten something poisonous.
• Obstruction – Socks, bones, corn-on-the-cobs, and broken toys are all examples of foreign bodies that could obstruct your dog’s digestive system. This will lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, and abdominal pain

What is the most common reason for diarrhoea in dogs?

The most common reason for diarrhoea in dogs is thought to be dietary indiscretion. Due to their ancestry, dogs are scavengers and opportunistic feeders. Sometimes they just can’t resist eating something they shouldn’t! Symptoms can often be managed with care at home, but it’s always worth speaking to a vet if you aren’t sure.

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How do you settle a dog's stomach from diarrhoea?

If your dog has loose stools, but is otherwise well, you could try some homecare for their diarrhoea. This includes:

• Feeding bland, highly digestible food – Sticking to food that is easy-to-digest is a good idea while your dog’s stomach is unsettled. Use a vet-approved prescription diet, feeding small amounts at a time. Plain boiled white rice with cooked chicken breast or cooked white fish can be offered as an alternative (if your pet isn’t allergic) for a few days. However, this isn’t the most nutritionally complete diet for long-term feeding.
• Giving a probiotic – Probiotics help supplement your dog’s normal gut bacteria. These ‘good bacteria’ can help compete with ‘bad bacteria’ in your dog’s digestive system, and improve digestion.
• Ensuring they stay well-hydrated – Dehydration is a risk for pups with loose stools, so make sure they have plenty of fresh drinking water available. You could also mix a few spoonfuls of water in with their food for an extra boost.
• Rest – Make sure your dog has plenty of opportunities for rest and avoid activities that are too energetic
  

However, if your dog is not improving or they have other symptoms alongside their diarrhoea, then a call to your vet is recommended.

When should I call the vet?

You must contact your vet if your dog shows any of the following symptoms –

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea that lasts more than 24-48 hours
• Large amounts of blood in the stools – this could be either fresh red blood or black, sticky digested blood (‘melaena’)
• Vomiting
• Pale gums
• Abdominal pain
  

You should also give your vet a call if your dog is well but has ongoing loose stools. Even if these loose stools are intermittent or sporadic in nature, they could still be a sign something’s not right.

How will my vet diagnose and treat my dog’s diarrhoea?

To understand the cause of your dog’s diarrhoea, your vet may suggest running some tests. These could include -

• Blood samples – Biochemistry and haematology can identify some abnormalities, but more specific tests can be needed, especially if pancreatic disease, chronic enteropathy, or hormonal conditions are suspected.
• Faecal samples – Stool samples can help to rule out parasite issues, as well as other infectious diseases.
• Diagnostic imaging – Ultrasound and radiography (X-rays) are commonly performed to rule out foreign bodies, and check organ size and shape. Endoscopy or CT scans may be recommended in some cases.
• Food trials – Performing a strict dietary trial using a hypoallergenic diet can help to diagnose food allergies and improve diarrhoea symptoms in dogs.
  

Treatment will depend on your vet’s diagnosis, but could include a change in diet, supplementation with probiotics or B vitamins, fluid therapy, anti-parasite treatments, antibiotics, or other medications. Surgery may be indicated if your pet has a foreign body or a suspected tumour. Your vet will be on hand to discuss things further with you.

Frequently asked questions

What can I give my dog to stop diarrhoea fast?

Most cases of diarrhoea are self-limiting, but symptoms are often improved by offering a highly digestible diet, supplementing with probiotics, and keeping your pet hydrated. Always seek veterinary advice if your pet isn’t improving.

How long will my dog's diarrhoea last?

There is no straightforward answer to this! It will depend on a variety of factors including the underlying cause of your dog’s diarrhoea, their age, diet, and overall health. Some mild cases may last a day or less, whereas others can experience issues lasting many weeks.

Is scrambled egg good for a dog with diarrhoea?

Scrambled egg can be helpful for some dogs, provided it is served plain and unseasoned. However, veterinary prescription diets are the most nutritionally complete choice. These are specifically formulated for dogs with gastrointestinal disorders and come with accurate feeding guidelines.

What if my dog has diarrhoea but is still eating and drinking?

Mild cases of diarrhoea may be managed at home with digestible food, probiotics and monitoring. However, if the diarrhoea doesn’t resolve after a day or two or if your pet shows more concerning symptoms like bloody stools, vomiting, abdominal pain, or lethargy, then you should call your vet for advice.

Conclusion

With so many different causes of diarrhoea, it’s important to closely monitor your dog. Many mild stomach upsets can be successfully treated at home with the right food, probiotics, and care. However, if your pet is showing concerning symptoms alongside their diarrhoea, like loss of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy, then you must get them checked by a vet in case they need additional support.
 
Remember, it’s always best to seek help promptly if you have concerns about your dog.