Of all the problems that dog owners contact me for, dog diarrhea is at the top of the list. An even bigger problem is trying to identify why the dog’s stool is so inconsistent on a regular basis.
Round worms which are common in puppies and hook worms which can be found in dogs of all ages are ruled out. The intestinal parasite Giardia (very hard to detect by the way) has also been ruled out.
The dog owner is left scratching wondering what to do now!
This is not working for me!
This isn’t how it’s supposed to work.
Getting a little diarrhea here and there is normal for our dogs just like it is for us. On the other hand, dealing with regular bouts of dog diarrhea and soft stool, and making reoccurring trips to the vet’s office for antibiotics to clear it up – isn’t!
Metronidazole – A Mixed Blessing for Dog Diarrhea
While prescription antibiotics such as Metronidazole might clear up the diarrhea, it’s typically short lived and the stool issues return not long after stopping the antibiotic. Furthermore, the over use of antibiotics such as Metronidazole weaken the dog’s immune system making the dog even more susceptible to continuous problems. It’s a catch 22 situation since the root of the problem is not being addressed.
Putting A Halt To The Dog Diarrhea Dilemma
- When I consult with dog owners, the first thing we discuss and work on is always diet. We discuss the dog’s entire menu along with any nutritional supplements included in the diet.
- We go over any allergies the dog has, whether he’s been diagnosed with allergies or it’s simply a suspicion. What’s the skin like and does he chew, scratch and bite at himself and if so, where?
- Does he lick his back end repeatedly?
- Are chronic ear problems an issue?
- Is the dog a fearful dog or suffer with any anxiety issues such as thunder phobia or loud noises, fear of other dogs or people?
- What kind of grooming does the dog receive?
- Do you kennel or take your dog to doggy day care or dog parks?
Assuming there are no underlying diseases and intestinal parasites and worms have been ruled out; these simple questions are how I often determine what the problem may be and how dog owners can successfully treat the problem at hand.
Here’s a message from just one of my clients who has a 12 year old German Shepherd that was suffering with chronic diarrhea. My client spent over $1,000 at the vet to no avail. Family and friends were telling her to put the dog down. I was her last resort:
9/9/11 “Mare (aka Janie) – Here’s a Princess Rose update! Doing very well. Her diet now consists of breakfast of Grandma Lucy, free feeding of Fromms during the day and dinner of 1/2 can of wellness. Of course biscuits during the day. She was very interested in breakfast this morning until she watched me add the arthritis stuff. Turned her nose up then! She is way too smart!!
Anyway – no accidents in the house for at least 3 days. Getting enough energy that she’s trying to take a walk around the neighborhood by herself! Looking for a garbage run!
We are definitely on the mend thanks to you!”
Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Dogs
Soft Stool and Dog Constipation.
How To Tell If Your Dog’s Anal Sac’s Need Emptied
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Great article! I find lots of dog owners are turning away from antibiotics these days unless they really, really need to use them.
Along with veterinarian prescribed treatments, my website actually has a few home remedies for dog owners dealing with diarrhea.
Feel free to have a look! dogdiarrheahelp.com
Ciara.
There was very little helpful information provded here on this page to treat the symptoms of dog diarrhea. Yes, treatment should be based on an accurate assessment of the source of the problem (either pathogenic, physiological or emotional) …IF the source can be diagnosed. I have had $500 lab results performed followed by a Vet scatching his head. However, while the diagnosis is being determined, steps can be taken to firm up stools with more fiber in the diet using food adjuncts such as canned pumpkin, over-cooked white rice, and small doses of Metamucil ( ones teaspoon per 15 lbs.). It’s not informative enough to only discuss outward appearances and what “grooming” (your list) has to do with intestinal diarrhea escapes me.
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