Diarrhoea in dogs: what can you do?
You turn around for just a second during your walk and suddenly there's a complete disaster waiting for you on the grass. Yep... your dog has diarrhoea. Definitely not the highlight of your day. Fortunately, diarrhoea in dogs is usually nothing serious and often clears up on its own within a few days. Still, it's helpful to know what can cause it, what you should do and when it's time to give your veterinarian a call.
What is diarrhoea for dogs?
When a dog has diarrhoea, their intestines are less able to absorb water and nutrients. The result is loose, soft or even watery stools.
Some dogs continue running around happily as if nothing is wrong. Others may seem a little nauseous, tired or restless.
In short, your dog’s stomach isn’t feeling its best.
Diarrhoea is often a sign that the digestive system is temporarily out of balance.
What causes diarrhoea in dogs?
The list of possible causes is quite long. After all, dogs aren’t exactly known for being picky eaters.
Common causes of diarrhoea in dogs include:
And let’s be honest, some dogs see a muddy puddle, an old sandwich or a mysterious snack hiding in the bushes as a gourmet experience.
Fortunately, diarrhoea is often caused by nothing more than a temporary disruption of the gut microbiome.
What should you do if your dog has diarrhoea?
In many cases, your dog’s digestive system simply needs a little time to recover.
Here’s what you can do:
Many dogs recover on their own within one or two days.
The most important thing is not to panic after a single episode of loose stools. It happens more often than you might think.
What should you feed a dog with diarrhoea?
When a dog has diarrhea, simple, familiar food is usually the best option. Avoid giving snacks, long-lasting chews, or table scraps. Stick to your dog’s regular diet and avoid making sudden changes to their daily feeding routine.
If your dog normally receives supplements, it is best to skip them during the days they have diarrhea. Many supplements, particularly those containing healthy fats, help keep the stool soft, which is not desirable when your dog already has loose stools. Instead, add a little extra water to your dog’s food to help maintain hydration and reduce the risk of dehydration.
It is not advisable to switch your dog to a diet of boiled chicken and rice overnight. However, you can gradually introduce these simple, easily digestible ingredients by mixing them with your dog’s regular food over several days. Sudden dietary changes can actually increase the risk of diarrhea. That said, it is true that easily digestible ingredients such as chicken and rice can help support the recovery of an upset stomach and intestines.
Foods that are often suitable include:
The goal is simple: give the digestive system a chance to recover.
An easily digestible diet helps restore balance in your dog’s digestive tract.
When should you contact a veterinarian?
Most cases of diarrhoea resolve on their own. However, there are situations where it’s best not to wait too long.
Contact your veterinarian if:
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to call your veterinarian than to guess.
Is it normal for a dog to have diarrhoea regularly?
No. Recurring diarrhoea is not considered normal. If your dog frequently has loose stools, there may be an underlying cause, such as a food sensitivity, allergy or digestive disorder.
In that case, it’s a good idea to have your dog examined by a veterinarian.
Because let’s be honest, an occasional upset stomach happens to everyone, including dogs. A weekly sprint to the bushes is another story.
Summary: diarrhoea in dogs
Diarrhoea is common in dogs and is often temporary. With plenty of rest, adequate hydration, and easily digestible food, most dogs recover on their own fairly quickly. Avoid making any sudden or unusual changes to your dog’s diet, as this can actually make the diarrhea worse. If you do want to switch to a different type of food, introduce it gradually by mixing it with the current food for several days.
Keep a close eye on your dog and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns, especially if your dog appears unwell or if the symptoms persist.
Meer lezen
Dull Coat in Dogs: What Can You Do?
Normally your dog's coat shines as if they just stepped out of a shampoo commercial. Then suddenly it starts looking dry, dull or simply a little lacklustre. A dull coat is quite common in dogs and is often a sign that something is out of balance. Sometimes it's only temporary, such as during shedding season. But if the coat remains dull for a longer period, it may indicate nutritional deficiencies, skin problems or another underlying issue.
How much raw food does a dog need?
One dog looks at you as if they haven't eaten in three weeks. Another casually leaves some food behind as if it's no big deal. So yes, how much raw food a dog needs can vary quite a bit from one dog to another. Fortunately, there are some general guidelines that provide a good starting point.
Is tripe good for dogs?
Fair warning: tripe smells about as good as it sounds. It's definitely not something you'd want to eat yourself. But dogs? They usually go absolutely crazy for it. And to be fair, tripe is also a great addition to many dogs' diets.
