While there’s plenty to love about dog ownership, there’s one fundamental truth to acknowledge: poop happens. And sometimes, diarrhoea happens. You already know that this is an expected part of being a pet parent, but when should You actually be concerned? 

While broaching the subject with your veterinarian can be less than pleasant, there may be times when you'll need to bring it up. Fortunately, we've decided to do some of the dirty work (no pun intended) work for you by consulting with Trupanion veterinarian Dr. Sarah Nold. Here, Nold goes over what's normal, what's not, and tips for dog diarrhoea treatment and prevention.

What causes dog diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea can be a symptom of many different things, but common causes include:

• Sudden change in diet
• Food intolerance or allergic reaction
• Ingestion of garbage or spoiled food
• Ingestion of poisonous substances or plants
• Ingestion of foreign material (e.g., toys, plastic bags, socks)
• Certain medications
• Bacterial infections, such as Clostridium perfringens, E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Spirochetes
• Internal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms,  whipworms, coccidia, Giardia  and tapeworms
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Kidney or liver disease
• Cancer or other tumours of the digestive tract
• Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis
• Stress

Dog diarrhoea treatments — and when to visit the veterinarian

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment to stop dog diarrhoea. Before you give your dog  Pepto-Bismol  or  cottage cheese, we recommend checking with your veterinarian, as your pet may be experiencing a health issue that requires medical intervention.

Sometimes the underlying cause is obvious, such as when diarrhoea occurs after your dog eats a new food. Other times, your veterinarian may need to dive into the issue.

Nold recommends taking your dog to the veterinarian if:

• You’re unsure of the cause.
• Their diarrhoea continues for more than a day, happens frequently, or if they produce an alarming amount.
• They experience other gastrointestinal (GI) signs such as vomiting, decreased appetite, or lethargy.
• You notice dark-coloured, black, or bloody stools.
• Your dog may have eaten something toxic. In this case, contact a pet poison control or take him to your nearest veterinary hospital immediately, as this can help minimise risk of absorption of the toxin.

Your veterinarian may:

• Recommend a physical exam and diagnostics (such as a faecal test, blood work and/or X-rays).
• Give your dog fluids under the skin (subcutaneous).
• Deliver a more specific treatment, such as a dewormer or antibiotics.
• Recommend hospitalisation for more serious cases so your dog could receive more intensive therapy such as intravenous (IV) fluids and medications.
• Recommend withholding food for a short period of time to allow your dog’s gastrointestinal tract to rest and recover, followed by a few days of a bland diet, such as cooked chicken and rice. This is often beneficial when GI upset is due to eating a rich meal or a sudden diet change.
• Withholding food should not be performed without veterinary advice, as it may not be appropriate for puppies, elderly dogs, and smaller breeds as they require more nutrients. Also, puppies and small dogs can become dehydrated and hypoglycemic very quickly. Please do not withhold food from your dog without veterinary advice.

8 tips to prevent diarrhoea in dogs

Although you can’t always avoid the dreaded dog diarrhoea, you can take steps to help prevent it from happening again.

We recommend that you:

1. Provide your dog with a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise.
2. Make sure your dog is up to date with vaccinations.