Has your dog been leaving behind runny poops? They aren’t pleasant to clean or for your dog to experience. What’s causing your dog’s diarrhea, and what should you do about it? Here are the most common causes of diarrhea, potential remedies, and when to reach out to your vet.
1. Food Changes
Most commonly, dogs get diarrhea when their food is changed. If you’re feeding your dog something new, they should adjust to it in a few days. You can limit their upset by mixing in their old and new food for a few days before making the switch.
2. Unusual Foods
Dogs may overeat or ingest foods that they should not eat. If they have snatched something from the fridge or eaten something out of the garbage, it makes sense that they’d get some stomach upset afterwards. Some foods may be dangerous, so it’s wise to determine what your dog has gotten into.
3. Allergies
Dogs can be allergic to a wide range of foods, and they may develop allergies later in life just like humans. Before you cut something out of your dog’s diet, talk to your vet and test your dog to make sure that is what is going on.
4. Parasites
Several parasites may cause dog diarrhea or vomiting. It is uncommon for parasites to make adult dogs sick, but young and old dogs are more vulnerable. If your otherwise healthy dog is reacting to parasites, it may be a sign that they have another illness.
5. Toxins or Poisons
Dogs may get diarrhea if they ingest a toxic or poisonous substance. Of course, if you know that your dog has eaten something dangerous, it is important to get them to a vet’s office right away. Household chemicals, plants, and even some human foods may cause serious illness and death in dogs.
6. Medications
Certain medications and known to give dogs some tummy upset, such as antibiotics. Still, side effects are worth noting with your vet. Sometimes they can be dangerous and, if not, there are still things you can do to help manage the symptoms. Often giving food with the medication can help ease their pain, but it depends on the specific medication.
7. Stress
When dogs are stressed, some get upset stomachs. Just like with people, reliving the source of the dog’s stress will help to settle them. If this is a common problem for your dog, your vet may have solutions to help reduce their anxiety.
8. Disease
Sometimes diarrhea can be a sign of an infection or chronic disease. Many bacteria and viruses can cause diarrhea, as can other conditions.
When Should You Call the Vet?
You know your dog best, so anytime you’re concerned, you should reach out to your vet. You should talk to your vet if your dog has other symptoms along with diarrhea, like blood in the stool, lack of appetite, or dehydration. Or, if the diarrhea lasts for more than a day, it’s a good idea to reach out to your vet.
