Diarrhea in Dogs: Causes, Treatments and Natural Home Remedies

June 1, 2010 | Dog Health | Leave a Comment |

Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs

  • Diarrhea in dogs can occur suddenly and last a few days to a week, or can be a chronic condition that lasts over 3 weeks. The first step is to determine the reason for the diarrhea.
  • Many times the cause of diarrhea in dogs is something as simple as a recent change in dog food.
  • Once the dogs system gets accustomed to the new diet, the diarrhea generally resolves itself.
  • Sometimes, diarrhea in dogs is caused by eating garbage or old food.
  • Viruses, bacteria, and parasite infections can cause diarrhea in dogs.
  • Toxin ingestion can cause diarrhea in dogs.
  • Systemic illnesses related to liver, kidney, or pancreas functions can cause diarrhea in dogs.
  • The main concern with diarrhea in dogs is with preventing dehydration.

    Treatments and Home Remedies for Diarrhea in Dogs

    • If the dog is mildly ill and has diarrhea, but is not vomiting, many times a bland diet for 24 hours will resolve the issue.
    • Prepare boiled rice and chicken or ground meat. This will provide the needed protein and some binding action from the rice to form the stool.
    • If the dog has diarrhea AND is vomiting, this could be a sign of a possible obstruction or blockage of the intestines. If the dog had been eating garbage, there could be a bone lodged in there.
      In this case, a professional should be contacted. Xrays may be necessary to determine the problem.
    • If the diarrhea in dogs is a chronic issue, lasting 3 weeks or more, this could signify disease or infection. Measures to prevent dehydration are critical. Give sports drinks to replace electrolytes and minerals lost through the diarrhea in dogs. Give 2-4 milliliters per pound of your dog’s weight every couple of hours.
    • If the origin of the diarrhea in dogs is in the small intestine you will notice frequent stools with large amounts of feces that are black and tarry. The dog will have an increased appetite because he is not digesting or absorbing the food. There will be weight loss.
    • If the diarrhea in dogs originates in the large intestine, you will observe, more frequent, smaller stools that may have bright red blood or mucous in them. The dog will have urgency and will appear to be straining to defecate.
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