The most common causes of diarrhoea in dogs:
Diarrhoea in dogs can have various causes, the most common being:
- spoilt food - your dog may eat something that should not enter its digestive system, such as carrion, rubbish from the bin or out-of-date food (meat, bones),
- poor nutrition - eating seasoned food, dairy products or unsuitable foods such as onions, tomatoes or avocados; diarrhoea can also result from low-quality dog food,
- food allergies - intolerance to certain food ingredients such as wheat, proteins in particular meats or preservatives,
- sudden dietary changes - switching abruptly to a new type of food, for example from dry to wet, can often cause diarrhoea.
- toxic substances - contact with poisons, chemicals, poisonous plants or fertilisers can be dangerous and cause diarrhoea,
- medication - antibiotics and other medicines can cause diarrhoea as a side effect,
- bacterial and viral infections - conditions such as pancreatitis, bacterial and viral infections, and parasitic infections involving worms or protozoa,
- chronic diseases - diarrhoea may result from autoimmune conditions, kidney or liver disease, or hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism.
What should you do if your dog has acute diarrhoea?
If your dog's diarrhoea is mild and there are no other dangerous symptoms, consider the following steps:
- A strict diet - Withhold food for 12-24 hours to allow your dog's digestive system to recover. During this time, your dog should have constant access to fresh water to prevent dehydration.
- Monitor your dog's condition - Watch for other symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, fever or loss of appetite. Diarrhoea causes fluid loss, so check the mucous membranes: pale or dry membranes indicate dehydration.
- An easily digestible diet - After the fasting period, introduce easily digestible meals such as boiled chicken and rice. Feed small portions several times a day to avoid overloading the digestive system.
How long does diarrhoea in dogs last?
Diarrhoea usually resolves within 1-3 days. However, if your dog's condition does not improve after this time or symptoms worsen, a veterinary visit is necessary. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to dehydration, so diarrhoea in young dogs should be discussed with your vet on the first day.
When should you see a vet?
Symptoms indicating more serious problems and requiring immediate veterinary intervention include: blood in the stool; very frequent, watery diarrhoea; a fever above 40°C; vomiting; lethargy and refusal of food and water; severe abdominal pain, for example adopting the 'prayer position'. In these cases, visit your vet or an emergency veterinary service as quickly as possible, because serious illness or poisoning may be responsible.
Treating diarrhoea in dogs
Treatment depends on the cause. Mild gastrointestinal problems usually need only a suitable diet and hydration. In more serious cases, your vet may prescribe appropriate medication such as antibiotics, probiotics or rehydration products.
A diet for dogs with gastrointestinal problems
During recovery from diarrhoea, an easily digestible diet is recommended to support intestinal repair. An example recipe for a dog weighing 10 kg: 125 g boiled chicken (white meat, boneless); 300 g soft, cooked rice; 125 g curd cheese (optional, if your dog has no food intolerance). Feed this diet for a few days, then consider dietary supplements to replenish vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Prevention - how can you prevent diarrhoea in dogs?
To minimise the risk of diarrhoea, provide a suitable diet, avoid sudden food changes and ensure access to fresh water. Regular worming and veterinary check-ups also help prevent digestive problems. Consider adding products that support digestive health to your dog's diet, such as TRM Canigest. This veterinary supplement contains probiotics and prebiotics that help restore gut flora and support digestion, particularly beneficial during recovery from diarrhoea.
