Dog Diarrhea: Symptoms & Causes Plus Remedies

This article on dog diarrhea is 2 pages. Please see page two at the bottom for treatment options.

Common explanations for diarrhea in dogs include eating garbage or spoiled food, drinking stagnant water, overeating, table scraps that are too rich for a dog, diet change, nervousness, toad licking and disease.

Unfortunately, diarrhea is all too common and can be triggered for many different reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons and treatment options.

Each of these can cause an episode of  short term diarrhea.  However, if the dog diarrhea is caused by something more serious such as disease, the episodes can be on and off and last longer.

Eating Garbage

While many dogs still have to scavenge for food to survive, most domesticated dogs and family pets typically get into the garbage for other reasons.  Something smells good and when it smells good, dogs want  to eat it.  It could be last nights dinner or spoiled food from two weeks before.  Consuming foods or other items that are not part of the dog’s regular diet can cause dog diarrhea.

It’s a good idea to keep the kitchen garbage out of the dog’s reach (maybe in a cabinet, etc.) to avoid any future scavenger hunts.  Keep in mind that many dogs will get into the garbage simply because they’re still hungry and not getting enough to eat.

If your dog is constantly getting into the garbage and you’re sure that there is no underlying illness such as Cushings Disease, then it might be time to re-evaluate his diet.  It’s very possible that he’s not getting enough to eat either because he’s simply being underfed or the quality of the food isn’t giving him what he needs nutritionally. 10 Best Dog Foods

Drinking Stagnant Water

If your dog drinks from any stagnant water source such as streams or ponds, then chances are he’s going to develop a case of dog diarrhea.  The are are quite a few different water borne parasites living in these water sources and most will cause stool problems for your dog.  

Here’s a list of the parasites found in stagnant water:

Giardia – Can live a very long time in stagnant water and is often hard to detect on a fecal float (the vet might want additional testing).  It causes a watery diarrhea void of blood.  It lives in the intestines of the infected animal and dogs diagnosed with Giardia can be contagious to humans.  Good sanitary practices are very important and you must wash your hands after handling the animal.  Keep the dog clean and his environment dry. Most vet’s will prescribe Metronidazole (Flagyl) or Fenbendazole.

Coccidia – Typically found in puppies under six months or adult dogs who are stressed or have a weakened immune system. Coccidia is spread when it is passed in the stool of one animal and ingested by another.  It causes large amounts of watery dog diarrhea with or without blood.  As a rule, Coccidia is treated with Sulfa or Albon prescription drugs.

Leptospira - Of all the parasite infections, this one has the worst prognosis if it progresses to the liver and kidneys.  Found in warm stagnant waters such as a marsh or a muddy territories.  This infection spreads rapidly through the bloodstream.  With an acute infection the first signs are fever, muscle tenderness as well as shivering.  Rapid dehydration and vomiting may follow.  An acute or severe infection will cause hypothermia, depression and even death.  Lepto is often included in annual vaccinations.

Symptoms of a subacute infection include fever, dehydration, vomiting, anorexia and increased thirst.  The dog might not want to move due to kidney and muscle pain. If the infection has spread to the liver, the dog may develop jaundice.  Lepto is contagious to humans and every effort should be made to handle an infected dog carefully.  Treatment includes antibiotics, fluid support and vomit control.  Prevention is critical; avoid wildlife reservoirs, contaminated water sources or infected animals or carriers.

Campylobacter – Puppies under the age of 6 months are typically affected.  This parasite is usually found in water with feces. Adult dogs aren’t usually affected, but puppies can develop a high fever, diarrhea with or without blood and mucous.  Treatment includes antibiotics.

Cryptosporidia – Also affecting puppies less than six months old.  Again, hard to detect on the fecal float (vet might want additional testing).  Symptoms include watery diarrhea, nausea, gas, bloating and weight loss.  Treatment consists of a bland diet.  Depending how bad the diarrhea is, the vet might recommend IV fluids.

Over Eating

When a dog eats too much, he almost always develops diarrhea.  This is one area where the owner has complete control. 

Don’t over indulge  your dog with food.  Feed him a healthy all natural diet whether home cooked or commercial.  When dogs are satisfied nutritionally, they’re content.  Remember, a treat is a treat.  Don’t grab a handful for him, count them out and stick to it. 

My own dogs weigh 75-80 pounds and they get seven little crunchy bones daily.  Two after their two walks and three in the evening.  Even though I have large dogs, I give them the smaller bones and spread them out through out the day. To satisfy that need to chew, I give them a sweet potato chew or a bully stick.  That’s it.

Table Scraps

Believe it or not, but table scraps are actually not bad for dogs.  Most holistic Veterinarians will recommend including table scraps in your dog’s diet.  The problem is that we want to feed our dog’s everything that we eat ourselves and this is where the problem comes in.

While feeding table scraps aren’t necessarily bad, there are certain foods that should be avoided such as rich foods that include sauces, gravies and heavy cheeses.  Avoid fried foods completely.  Stick with low sodium or salt free meats and include veggies.  It’s also best to avoid carbs or give VERY LITTLE.  Table scraps aren’t necessarily the problem, it’s what is included in the table scraps that can cause problems such as pancreatitis and dog diarrhea.

Diet Change

Sudden changes to the diet can also problems.  When changing your dog’s food, it’s best to do it slowly over a weeks time.  Each day you want to take away a little more of the old food and add a little more of the new.  Do this over seven days to avoid a stool problem.

Nervousness/Anxiety

Nervous dogs or dogs that suffer with anxiety disorders such as thunder phobia or separation anxiety often develop soft stool or diarrhea. Dogs who are fearful of loud noises or who live in a dysfunctional home with frequent fighting and arguing are also candidates. These dogs are uncertain as to what will happen next. It’s important that dog owners understand that these dogs require patience and a kind hand.

Toad Licking

Dogs are curious and unfortunately toads often peak this curiosity. There are two toads in the U.S. that are highly toxic including the Colorado River toad (Southwestern U.S.) and the Marine toad (South Texas and Florida) which if licked or eaten can cause death if left untreated. If you live in these areas, it’s a good idea to monitor your dog and not leave him outdoors alone. Diarrhea is just one of the many symptoms of toad poisoning especially for the Colorado River and Marine toads.

While most toads are harmless, they can discharge a fluid that isn’t toxic, but will cause some oral irritation such as mouth foaming, head shaking and pawing at the face. Hold your dog’s head down and rinse your dog’s mouth out immediately with a hose. Avoid allowing the water to run down the throat or down the nose. Again, monitor your dog when outdoors and toads are around.

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