If your dog has been having bouts of diarrhea, it can be unsettling and frustrating. Not only is your dog uncomfortable, but you may also be struggling to figure out what is wrong. While there can be many reasons for a dog’s diarrhea, here are three of the most common ones. By understanding these causes, you can better treat your pet and help them get back to feeling normal again.
#1: Dietary indiscretion
Dietary indiscretion is fancy terminology for saying your dog ate something they shouldn’t have. Whether your pooch got into the cat food or ate half of your child’s Lego collection, dietary indiscretion can lead to a serious case of diarrhea. In addition, dietary indiscretion-induced diarrhea often is paired with vomiting, especially if whatever your dog ate caused an intestinal blockage. In some instances, your dog’s gastrointestinal tract may settle down on its own, but more serious cases require veterinary treatment.
#2: Intestinal parasites
Dogs can pick up intestinal parasites from a variety of places, including the local dog park, a trip to the lake, or your own backyard. Intestinal parasites are most commonly transmitted via contact with infective feces or contaminated surfaces, but your dog also can contract them from aquatic life. Intestinal parasites are notorious for causing diarrhea, and your dog also may have blood or mucus in their loose stool. Many intestinal parasites also can be transmitted to people, so use caution and good hygiene when cleaning up after your dog’s diarrhea episodes until you know the cause of the problem.
#3: Organ dysfunction
Dogs with organ disease commonly develop diarrhea as an additional health concern. Pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver disease, and other conditions can interfere with proper gastrointestinal function and may cause diarrhea. If your dog has a chronic condition, they can experience recurring diarrhea.
Although a bout or two of diarrhea may resolve on its own, do not let a case go on for too long, as chronic diarrhea can lead to systemic problems. Schedule an appointment with our team to resolve your dog’s diarrhea.