Diarrhea in dogs is a common occurrence that, despite its frequency, is sometimes underestimated. This article focuses on the key aspects of this ailment, including recognizing the symptoms, understanding the causes and dealing with the problem effectively. The different types of diarrhea that can afflict a dog are discussed, as well as home methods for dealing with diarrhea and dietary tips following the onset of this ailment.
What do you find in the article?
- Diarrhea in a dog – how to recognize the ailment in a dog?
- Why is diarrhea in dogs dangerous?
- Possible causes of the ailment – where does diarrhea in a dog come from?
- Different faces of the problem – the types of diarrhea that can affect a dog.
- Acute vs chronic diarrhea – how to tell them apart?
- The key role of the veterinarian – what is the diagnosis?
- How to react quickly and stop diarrhea in a dog?
- Home remedies for dealing with diarrhea in your dog
- Diarrhea medications available for dogs
- How to deal with chronic diarrhea in a dog?
- Diet after diarrhea – what foods are suitable for your dog?
- Caring for a dog with an ailment – how to keep it comfortable during diarrhea?
- Summary
Diarrhea in a dog – how to recognize the ailment in a dog?
The first sign that will betray us that our dog is suffering from diarrhea is the frequent and sudden passing of loose or watery stools. The dog usually shows a strong urge to go outside immediately, even if this is unusual for his routine. The dog may also show signs of discomfort, such as restlessness or scratching in the anal area. Sometimes diarrhea can be combined with other symptoms, such as vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, fever, or weight loss. When these additional symptoms are noticed, it is essential to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Why is diarrhea in dogs dangerous?
Diarrhea in itself is not usually a dangerous situation for a dog, but its side effects, such as dehydration, can pose a serious threat. Too much fluid and electrolyte loss, especially with intense and prolonged diarrhea, can lead to energy deficiency, metabolic disorders and even death. Another danger can be the cause of diarrhea. Diarrhea is often a symptom of another, more serious illness, such as bacterial, viral or parasitic infections, digestive problems or food allergies. In such cases, untreated diarrhea can lead to worsening of the dog’s health.
Possible causes of the ailment – where does diarrhea in a dog come from?
Diarrhea in a dog can have many causes, and some of them can be serious. Below are the most common factors that can lead to this unpleasant condition.
Change in diet: A sudden change in a dog’s diet is one of the most common causes of diarrhea. This ranges from changing the type of food to giving the dog new foods, such as leftovers from our table.
Stress: Dogs, like humans, can react to stress with gastrointestinal complaints, including diarrhea. A move, a trip, a new family member or even a visit to the vet are all situations that can cause stress in a dog.
Bacterial or viral infections: Infectious diseases, such as parvovirus or salmonellosis, can cause diarrhea in dogs. They usually also manifest with other symptoms, such as vomiting, fever or listlessness.
Parasites: Parasites, such as tapeworms, roundworms or giardia, are another common cause of diarrhea in dogs. This is why regular deworming is so important for the health of our four-legged friends.
Gastrointestinal diseases: Diarrhea can also be a symptom of more serious health problems, such as pancreatitis, liver failure or intestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Food allergies: Some dogs may have food allergies or intolerances that can lead to diarrhea. In addition to diarrhea, a typical symptom of a food allergy in a dog is itchy and red skin.
Different faces of the problem – the types of diarrhea that can affect a dog.
Diarrhea in a dog is not a uniform ailment. Depending on the cause, there can be different types of diarrhea, which can have different symptoms and require different therapeutic approaches.
Osmotic diarrhea: This is a type of diarrhea that occurs when there are too many non-absorbable substances in the intestine that attract water. An example would be diarrhea caused by too much salt or sugar in a dog’s diet.
Secretory diarrhea: In this case, diarrhea results from excessive activity of fluid-producing intestinal cells. This can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
Motility-related diarrhea: This type of diarrhea occurs when the passage of food through the intestines is too fast or too slow. It can be caused by diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome or stress.
Diarrhea associated with damage to the intestinal epithelium: In this case, damage to the intestinal surface, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, drugs, food allergies or inflammatory diseases, leads to diarrhea.
Bloody diarrhea: Bloody diarrhea, also known as dysentery, is characterized by the presence of fresh blood in the stool. It is a serious condition that always requires immediate veterinary attention.
The variety of types of diarrhea shows the importance of consulting a veterinarian if your dog is suffering from this ailment. Each type of diarrhea may have a different cause and require different treatment.

Acute vs chronic diarrhea – how to tell them apart?
Recognizing the difference between acute and chronic diarrhea in your dog is key to understanding how serious the problem may be and what steps should be taken to resolve it.
Acute diarrhea in a dog is a sudden onset condition that usually lasts several days. It is characterized by frequent, loose, watery stools that may be accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, listlessness, refusal to eat or fever. The cause of acute diarrhea can be a change in diet, a bacterial or viral infection, stress or even poisoning. In the case of acute diarrhea, it is important to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible, especially if the dog is young, old, immunocompromised or has other worrisome symptoms.
Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, lasts longer – usually for three weeks or more. This is a condition that usually requires a more detailed examination, as it can indicate more serious health problems, such as gastrointestinal diseases, food allergies, metabolic diseases or even cancer. Chronic diarrhea can have different symptoms, depending on the cause. This can include changes in appetite, weight loss, behavioral changes and even bloody stools. Chronic diarrhea always requires consultation with a veterinarian, who may order a series of tests to identify the cause.
The key role of the veterinarian – what is the diagnosis?
In diagnosing the cause of diarrhea in a dog, the veterinarian plays a key role. He usually begins with a detailed history of the dog’s diet, routine, health status and any changes in his behavior. The veterinarian may then choose to perform a physical examination and laboratory tests, such as a fecal examination, blood test, ultrasound or endoscopy. These tests will help identify the cause of the diarrhea, which is key to choosing the right treatment.
How to react quickly and stop diarrhea in a dog?
The response to diarrhea in a dog should be immediate, as untreated diarrhea can lead to serious complications, such as dehydration. The first step is to assess your dog’s health. If your dog is lively, drinking water and has a good appetite despite the diarrhea, we can observe his condition for 24 hours. In some cases, the diarrhea resolves on its own.
However, if other symptoms appear, such as vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, blood in the stool, or the dog is a puppy, elderly, immunocompromised, we should immediately contact the vet. The same applies if the diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours.
During diarrhea, it is important to provide your dog with constant access to fresh water to prevent dehydration. We can also temporarily change the diet to a more easily digestible one, which can help calm the digestive tract. However, all decisions regarding dietary changes should be made after consulting a veterinarian.
Diarrhea in a dog is not an ailment that can be ignored. That’s why it’s so important to react quickly and take the right steps to stop diarrhea and keep our dog comfortable and safe.

Home remedies for dealing with diarrhea in your dog
Remember that no home remedies are a substitute for professional veterinary care, especially in cases of severe, chronic or bloody diarrhea. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog is suffering from diarrhea. However, here are some home remedies that can help relieve symptoms and promote healing.
An easy-to-digest diet: Feeding your dog a light diet can help calm his digestive system. Cooked turkey or chicken meat, rice, pumpkin or potatoes are well tolerated by most dogs.
Feeding water: Diarrhea leads to fluid and electrolyte loss, which can lead to dehydration. Therefore, it is important that your dog always has access to fresh, clean water.
Probiotics: Probiotics, which are available as dietary supplements, can help restore healthy intestinal microflora that may have been disrupted by diarrhea.
Prohibit giving leftovers from our table: Avoid tempting your dog with food from our table. This can only make the diarrhea worse.
Calm and relax: Stress can aggravate diarrhea symptoms, so it is important to provide a calm environment for your dog and avoid over-exertion.
Remember that these home remedies should only be used as a supplement to professional veterinary care, not as a substitute for it. If diarrhea symptoms persist, are severe, or are accompanied by other symptoms, always contact your veterinarian.
Diarrhea medications available for dogs
Diarrhea medications available for dogs vary depending on the cause of the ailment. Depending on the diagnosis, your vet may prescribe antibiotics, antivirals, parasite medications, probiotics, or medications to reduce intestinal spasms. It is important to always follow your vet’s advice and never give your dog human medications unless specifically prescribed by your vet. Human medications can be harmful and even fatal to dogs.
How to deal with chronic diarrhea in a dog?
Chronic diarrhea in a dog is a problem that definitely requires consultation with a veterinarian. Since it can be a symptom of many different health problems, it is important for the vet to perform a full examination and diagnosis to determine the cause of the problem.
Treatment of chronic diarrhea depends on the cause. It can include a change in diet, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, probiotics and even surgery for some more serious health problems.
When treating chronic diarrhea, one of the most important factors is keeping your dog hydrated. Diarrhea leads to fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration. To prevent this, make sure your dog always has access to fresh water. If your dog won’t drink, we can try offering a meat-based broth without added salt, which is often more appealing to your dog.
In addition, diet can play a key role in managing chronic diarrhea. Your vet may recommend a special diet that is gentle on your dog’s digestive system. Typically, these diets are protein-rich, low-fat and easily digestible. Sometimes, depending on the cause of the diarrhea, specialized diets such as hypoallergenic or low-residue diets may be required.
Diet after diarrhea – what foods are suitable for your dog?
Choosing the right foods for your dog after diarrhea is key to supporting the healing process. It is important that the diet is gentle on the dog’s digestive system, while providing the necessary nutrients. Below are foods that are often recommended after an episode of diarrhea.
Cooked meat: Mild, white meat, such as turkey or chicken, is easily digested and usually well tolerated by dogs. It should be fed without added spices, salt or fat.
Rice: Rice is another easily digestible food that is often recommended after diarrhea. We can choose white rice, which is less rich in fiber and easier for the dog to digest.
Pumpkin: Cooked or roasted pumpkin is rich in fiber, which helps regulate bowel function.
Potatoes: Boiled potatoes, served without the skin, can also be a good option. Potatoes provide easily digestible carbohydrates and can help strengthen a dog after diarrhea.
Probiotics: Supplements containing probiotics can help rebuild healthy intestinal microflora after diarrhea.
When preparing your dog’s diet after diarrhea, be sure to introduce new foods gradually. Sudden dietary changes can trigger diarrhea again. All decisions about diet after diarrhea should be made in cooperation with the veterinarian.
Caring for a dog with an ailment – how to keep it comfortable during diarrhea?
Caring for a dog with diarrhea can be a challenge, but there are several steps we can take to help our four-legged friend feel comfortable and safe.
First and foremost, make sure your dog has constant access to fresh, clean water. Diarrhea causes fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration. Remember to check the water bowl regularly and refill it if necessary.
The next step is to make sure your dog is calm and comfortable. Stress can worsen diarrhea symptoms, so it’s important to provide a calm environment for your dog. You can prepare a comfortable place for him to sleep, avoid loud noises and excessive activity.
Monitor your dog’s health. Regularly check his stool, observe his behavior, appetite and energy level. Any changes, such as loss of appetite, apathy, blood in the stool, should be reported to the vet immediately.
For dogs that have difficulty keeping clean due to diarrhea, regular cleaning of the coat around the anus may be necessary. Use soft, non-centered baby wipes or wet towels.
Summary
Diarrhea in a dog can be worrisome, but with proper care, most dogs recover from it quickly. The key is to contact your vet at the beginning of the problem to diagnose the cause of the diarrhea and provide appropriate treatment. Remember that our dog deserves the same care and attention we expect for ourselves when we are sick.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.