It is never nice when your dog is unwell, and diarrhoea in dogs can last anywhere from one day to several months.
However, how do you know if your dog simply has an upset tummy or if it is something more serious?
Take a look below at the top seven reasons why dogs get diarrhoea and how you can help them to feel better.
1. Change in diet
A sudden change in diet is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea in dogs as it can upset their stomach and intestinal tract.
If you are planning on switching to a different dog food brand, you should gradually increase the amount of new food you are giving to your dog while simultaneously decreasing the amount of their old food.
2. They ate bad food
If your dog is prone to eating food from the rubbish, it is possible that their diarrhoea has been caused by eating spoiled food. Fortunately, most cases of this type of upset stomach are mild, and they should recover fairly quickly.
To help your dog get over diarrhoea more quickly, you may want to purchase diarrhoea treatment for dogs online from Buddy & Lola.
3. A bacterial infection
Bacteria could cause your dog’s diarrhoea in raw or improperly cooked meats or meat that has been left sitting out for too long. If your dog has recently been in a kennel, it is possible that they have picked up a bacterial infection from another dog.
A bacterial infection can cause diarrhoea in dogs every 2 to 4 weeks and can go on for years if left untreated, so it is important that you take your dog to the vet if you think they may have one.
4. Intestinal parasites
Commonly found in water sources such as puddles, ponds, and stagnant water, intestinal parasites can cause diarrhoea that appears frothy, greasy, and containing a lot of mucus. It may also have a very strong odour.
If you suspect that your dog has an intestinal parasite, your vet will be able to diagnose and treat this.
5. Toxic substances
If your dog has eaten something poisonous or toxic, the first sign of this is often diarrhoea. The most common culprits for this are plants such as daffodils, holly, and mistletoe, as well as wild mushrooms, sun cream, vitamin D, chalk, and charcoal.
If you are not sure what your dog has eaten, you should take them to the vet as it could potentially be life-threatening.
6. An allergic reaction
When a dog has an allergic reaction to something, its body’s immediate response will be to try to flush it out, either through vomiting or defecating.
Other signs that your dog may be having an allergic reaction to something include sneezing, runny eyes, chewing or licking their paws, and increased scratching.
If you think your dog is having an allergic reaction, you need to try and determine what they have reacted to.
7. Side effect of medication
Certain medications such as NMDA receptor blockers and NSAIDS such as Rimadyl can cause diarrhoea in dogs. You can discuss any side effects of your dog’s medication with your vet, and they may be able to find you a suitable alternative.
