Dog diarrhea symptoms are the most common sign of intestinal upset and disease. Diarrhea can have many forms and occur in vary severity, however it almost always is the most obvious symptom of an intestinal problem.
Diarrhea is the abnormal frequency or liquidity of feces. Diarrhea can be a symptom of many different pathologies, but is not itself a disease. Rather, diarrhea results when the normal function of the intestines is affected adversely. In most cases, diarrhea is the result when intestinal absorption decreases, or the intestines begin to work overtime and secretion increases, or a combination of both problems.
Diarrhea of varying severities is the most common dog diarrhea symptom. Diarrhea may vary in it’s consistency from soft and formed to being watery with only a small amount of fecal material present. The color and contents of the diarrhea is also important, as the presence of parasites, blood, mucous or an abnormal color may be a significant finding.
Other dog diarrhea symptoms may vary with the type and severity of illness. There are generally two types of dog diarrhea illnesses. In mild cases, the dog may appear bright, alert, active and by all accounts normal, except for having 2-4 episodes of diarrhea within the last 24 hours, with no blood present in the stool.
Dogs with a more moderate to severe illness may exhibit lethargy, unwillingness to eat or drink, depression, dehydration, vomiting, and frequent episodes of diarrhea with blood present in the stool.
Many cases of diarrhea are generally associated with a general intestinal upset, such as in the case of a sudden food change, table scraps, or dietary indiscretion (i.e. getting into the garbage). In dogs with mild diarrhea symptoms, with a known cause of food change, treating the diarrhea may be possible at home. By withholding food (but not water) for 24 hours, the dogs digestive system can be allowed to settle down. After this time, small amounts of a bland diet, such as white rice and chicken, can be offered in small amounts for the next 1-2 days. If the feces return to normal, you can gradually transition the dog back to his normal diet, or begin a slower transition to a new diet if needed.
When changing a dog’s food, the change should take place over several days, to allow the dog to adjust to the new diet. The first three days of the change, feed ¼ new food and ¾ old food. After three days with no problems, you can then go to half new diet and half old diet. After three days, reduce the old food again, and work your way up to 100% new food. Transitioning the food slowly may appear to be a chore, but it is far easier than treating (or cleaning up after) a preventable episode of diarrhea.
It is important to note that even seemingly mild causes and cases of diarrhea can, if left unchecked, become a medical emergency. Dehydration is a dangerous side effect of diarrhea, and a dog with severe diarrhea can quickly progress from being seemingly healthy to gravely ill within a relatively short amount of time.
In any case of diarrhea, even those that appear mild or self-limiting, a veterinary exam should be considered to help rule out other potential causes. Fecal screening to rule out parasites is an important step to take to determine if parasites are a possible cause, or to ensure proper treatment for the parasites.
In puppies with any episode of diarrhea or vomiting, canine Parvovirus must be considered as a possible cause. This viral form of gastroenteritis is most commonly found in young dogs that are either unvaccinated, or that have not yet completed their vaccinations. The virus attacks the cells that line the intestines, preventing the dog from absorbing nutrients or liquids into their body. The damage to the intestinal tract causes profuse, watery, malodorous diarrhea; and the dogs quickly develop a high fever, lethargy and vomiting. Dehydration is the most common cause of fatalities in dogs with parvo, as even with diagnosis and intense medical treatment the damage to the body is often too severe for dogs to survive. Puppies with symptoms of diarrhea of any duration should always have a parvo antigen test performed by a veterinarian to rule out parvo as a cause, or to begin treatment as quickly as possible to raise the chances of survival.
Fecal screening in the form of a fecal flotation is often utilized to screen dogs for internal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms and coccidia, while an antigen test may be performed to test for Giardia, common single-celled organism that lives in the intestines of affected animals. Giardia is transmitted from pet to pet, through contaminated food or water, as well as through the soil. It is most commonly seen in puppies, and often runs rampant through dog parks, doggy day care and kennel facilities. While the most common symptom of Giardia is diarrhea of varying severity, many dogs can be “carriers” of the parasite and pass it on to other dogs, without ever showing signs of illness themselves. In addition, Giardia is a zoonotic parasite that can be passed from animals to humans, especially children. For these reasons, annual screening is recommended to detect and treat Giardia.
Any time dog diarrhea symptoms appear with blood in the stool, lethargy, vomiting, or other symptoms, veterinary attention should be sought immediately. Other common causes of severe cases of diarrhea can include dietary indiscretion leading to Pancreatitis (a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas), signify a bacterial infection such Salmonella or Clostridium, be a sign of underlying liver or kidney disease, or indicate toxin exposure.
In any case of severe diarrhea, treatment will be aimed at correcting dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that may have occurred as a result, stopping the diarrhea and diagnosing and treating the underlying cause. In some cases 12 to 24 hours of IV fluids can help to support the dog through an episode of severe dehydration and recover quickly, while other times several days and intense medical therapy may be required.
The underlying causes of dog diarrhea symptoms ultimately determine whether or not a dog can be treated at home for a simple upset stomach, or if emergency medical care may be required to save a dogs life. Careful attention to your dogs’ symptoms can help you determine when a veterinarian’s advice should be sought.