Diarrhea in Dogs

Diarrhea is the passing of loose or liquid stool, more often than normal. Causes of diarrhrea can be primary (diseases of the small intestine, large intestine) or secondary (diseases of organs other than the intestinal tract). Causes will also be different whether the small intestine or large intestine are involved.

Types of Diarrhea in Dogs

There are essentially two types of diarrhea based on the portion of the intestines involved: small intestinal diarrhea and large intestinal diarrhea.

Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment will differ between small intestinal and large intestinal diarrhea. Dogs wit small intestinal diseases will produce a larger amount of stool passed with a mild increase in frequency, about 3 to 5 times a per day. Bowel movement leaves your dog's body effortless, without straining. Dogs with small intestinal disease may also vomit and lose weight. You may hear the rumbling of gas in the belly, resulting in excess gas production. If there is blood in the stool it is digested and black in color.

Disease of the large intestine including the colon and rectum cause the dog to pass small amounts of loose stool very often, usually more than 5 bowel movements per day. The dog strains to pass stool. If there is blood in the stool, it is red in color. The stool may be slimy with mucus. Dogs with large intestinal diseases do not usually vomit or lose weight.

When to call your veterinarian

If diarrhea is accompanied by one of the following signs it is wise to consult your veterinarian immediately.

bloody in the diarrhea or black, tarry stools
diarrhea accompanied by vomiting
ingestion of a poison is suspected
fever and/or lethargy
diarrhea persists more than a day or two
your dog's gums are pale or yellow
your dog appears to be in pain
puppy has not received all his vaccinations
there is weight loss
dog is showing other signs of illness such as labored breathing or pain

Causes
Small intestinal disease

viral diseases, such canine distemper, canine parvovirus, canine coronavirus, in young poorly vaccinated pets
bacterial infections such as salmonella, clostridia or campylobacter.
Worms and giardia
Foreign bodies including bones (causing both diarrhea and vomiting)
a sudden change in diet (with or without vomiting)
Food allergies
poisonous products and toxins (usually with vomiting).
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD can be congenital in some breeds of dogs, for example Basenji dogs may develop a severe inflammatory bowel disease.
Tumors of the intestine (usually occurring in older pets).
fungal infections including histoplasmosis (in certain parts of the country).

Large intestinal diseases

whipworms
polyps,
inflammatory bowel disease
colonic ulcers or colonic cancer.
Stress (excitable dogs).

Non-intestinal Causes

kidney failure, liver failure,
pancreatic disease

Diarrhea in Dogs:

When to See Your Veterinarian

See also: Vomiting in Dogs

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