August 2019
Audience:
Executive Leadership, Foster Caregivers, Public, Shelter/Rescue Staff & Volunteers, Veterinary Team
Some soft stool or diarrhea in dogs is common with dietary changes or the stress of adapting to a new environment. If your dog has had a small amount of diarrhea once or twice, and if no other symptoms are present (e.g., vomiting, lethargy, not eating) it is acceptable to be patient and continue to monitor him/her. Continued, frequent or large amounts of diarrhea can be a sign of something more serious and could lead to dehydration and weight loss.
Signs that Your Dog Needs to See a Veterinarian
- Diarrhea continues for more than a day or two
- Diarrhea becomes more frequent
- Large amounts of diarrhea
- Diarrhea is watery or has blood in it
- Diarrhea is accompanied by other signs of illness (e.g., vomiting, lethargy, not eating)
What You Can Do
- Closely monitor your dog for the frequency and amount of diarrhea, and whether or not it is bloody or watery.
- Observe your dog for other signs of illness.
- Save a fresh stool sample to take to your veterinarian.
- Give your dog a probiotic such as Fortiflora®, Proviable®, or Benebac®.
- Add a small amount of canned pumpkin to your dog's food twice a day. Be sure to use real canned pumpkin and not spiced pumpkin pie mix.
- Encourage your dog to drink more water by using water fountains and placing more bowls of fresh water around the house.
- Feed canned food, which has more water in it, or add chicken broth to your dog's food.
- If your dog is new to your home, minimize stress by providing a "safe zone" where your dog can retreat without being bothered by people or other pets.
Common Causes of Diarrhea
- Intestinal parasites
- Diet changes or dietary indiscretion
- Stress
- Infectious diseases like parvovirus
Treatment of Diarrhea
- If your dog is dehydrated, intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy will be given.
- If your dog has intestinal parasites, it can be treated with a de-wormer or an anti-protozoal medication.
- Medication to stop diarrhea may be prescribed.
- Prescription diets that are highly digestible or are higher in fiber may be helpful.
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