My dog has diarrhea
Normal stool of a dog is firm, well-formed, and chocolate brown in color. With diarrhea, the stool is thinner than normal and watery. In many cases, diarrhea is not serious and nothing to worry about; this is often the case with acute diarrhea. With acute diarrhea, a dog experiences diarrhea for one day to a few days. Besides acute diarrhea, a dog can also suffer from chronic diarrhea, which is defined as diarrhea lasting 7 days or longer.
Causes of diarrhea in dogs
A dog can get diarrhea due to various conditions or 'actions.' Below you will find the most common causes of diarrhea:
- (Sudden) change of food
- Eating something wrong
- A parasitic infection
- A viral infection
- Giardia, especially in puppies
What can you do if your dog has diarrhea?
Diarrhea is not an immediate cause for panic. Often diarrhea resolves on its own, lasting about one to a few days. It is important to closely monitor your dog during this period; the animal should still be active and alert and continue to eat and drink well.
If your dog has diarrhea and also becomes lethargic, starts vomiting, has blood in the stool, has a fever, and/or is dehydrated, it is important to contact the veterinarian, as this indicates a severe form of diarrhea.
Furthermore, it is best to contact the veterinarian if the diarrhea is a recurring problem or lasts longer than a few days.
If your dog has diarrhea, there is a chance the animal may become dehydrated because it loses a lot of fluid through the stool. Therefore, make sure your dog continues to drink enough.
Want more information about diarrhea in dogs? Then read our extensive blog article: dog with diarrhea: causes & golden tips.
