The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Your Dog's Loose Motion

Today, dogs are known by their other name, “stress relievers.” This is because they bring us immense happiness and love. However, like humans, dogs can also have health problems, which is concerning for dog owners. Why not? Dogs grow just like children.

And like children, they also go through the same problems, such as diarrhoea. So it becomes crucial for pet owners to be aware of the causes, symptoms and treatments for this issue so they can care for their furry companions properly. 

Sometimes, diarrhoea can be a normal way for the body to rid itself of toxins or pathogens in dogs and humans. However, if diarrhoea persists for more than 48 hours, it may indicate an underlying health issue. It can be difficult to determine whether a dog’s loose stool is a normal reaction or an emergency, so it is important to monitor the situation closely.

Let's dive deep into this most common issue prevalent in dogs and learn about it in detail.

The Common Causes Behind Dog’s Diarrhoea

There are many factors on which the causes behind a dog’s diarrhoea depend. These are:

• Bacterial or Viral Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can cause diarrhoea, which can be contracted through exposure to contaminated food, water or environments.
• Toxins: Consuming toxins like chocolate, alcohol, and certain essential oils can cause digestive issues in dogs, such as diarrhoea.
• Food Allergies: There can be some sensitivities or allergies that can cause digestive issues in dogs due to reactions to certain ingredients in their diet, such as proteins or grains.
• Colitis: It refers to inflammation of the colon, which can be caused by factors such as stress, infections from bacteria like Clostridium perfringens and Campylobacter, or inflammatory disorders.
• Chronic Illness: Chronic illnesses can lead to prolonged diarrhoea in dogs. If diarrhoea persists for more than a week despite treatment, it may be a sign of a chronic condition.
• Stress and Anxiety: Stress can lead to diarrhoea in dogs of any age, with the severity and frequency of the symptoms varying depending on the level of stress the dog is experiencing.

It's not exactly a disease, but if your dog gets diarrhoea, it will resolve after 24 hours. But if the problem continues after that, it can be a sign of a serious issue.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Dogs with diarrhea may be experiencing discomfort due to certain symptoms. These are:

• Frequency and Consistency of Stools:

Monitoring your dog’s bowel movements is important to detect early signs of diarrhoea. Look for signs such as an increase in frequency and changes in consistency, such as loose or watery stools. Soft stools may indicate a less severe issue but should still be monitored.

Blood or Mucus in Stool:

Any presence of blood in your dog’s stool must be taken seriously, as it can indicate different levels of bleeding in the digestive system. Similarly, an excessive amount of mucus in the stool may suggest inflammation in the intestines. The mucus typically appears as a jelly-like substance covering the stool.

• Vomiting:

If your dog experiences both vomiting and diarrhea, it could be a sign of a serious issue, such as an infection or the ingestion of something harmful. 

• Lethargy:

If a dog is unusually tired or inactive, it may indicate a more serious issue than just a stomach problem. Lethargy could be a sign of dehydration or an underlying health problem.

• Loss of Appetite:

If your dog is not eating properly, it may be because it may be unwell.  Loss of appetite, along with diarrhoea, can result in weight loss and a lack of essential nutrients.

Taking a close look at these symptoms suggests whether it is normal diarrhea that can be treated at home or requires a vet’s assistance. 

Diagnosing Diarrhea: Immediate Steps to Take

If you find out your furry companion has diarrhoea, there are certain steps that you can take without wasting any time. These are:

• Temporary Fasting: It involves not eating food for 12 to 24 hours while still being able to drink water. This gives the digestive system a break and allows it to recover.
• Use Fluid Therapy: Fluid therapy may be necessary in cases of moderate to severe diarrhoea to replace lost fluids and correct electrolyte imbalances.
• Bed Rest: Just like humans, your furry friends also need rest. So allow them to live in the most comfortable place, preferably with hard flooring for easier cleanup.

Note: These are just immediate steps, we think you can take to relieve your furry friend from the discomfort of diarrhoea. 

Home Remedies and Treatments

Besides the above, there are certain home remedies and treatments that you can consider to treat diarrhoea or loose motion in your dogs.

• Add Some Fibre:

Adding some fibre to your dog's food, such as inulin or psyllium husk powder, can help improve stool consistency and support digestion by nourishing beneficial bacteria in the colon. FOS is another prebiotic that can enhance gut health and immune functions by feeding beneficial bacteria in the gut.

• Pumpkin Puree:

Pumpkin puree can be used to help firm up loose stools in dogs due to its high fibre content. You can use plain, canned pumpkin puree and add a small amount to the dog’s food. The soluble fibre in pumpkin helps absorb excess water in the stool, which can help normalize bowel movements.

• Reintroduction of Regular Diet:

To prevent stomach upset, slowly transition your dog back to its regular diet after its diarrhoea improves. Mix small amounts of its regular food with a bland diet over a few days, gradually increasing the regular food and decreasing the bland diet until it is eating normally. This process helps prevent a recurrence of symptoms by allowing the digestive system to adjust.

• Introduction of Medications & Supplements:

There are many over-the-counter medicines that you can give to your four-legged friend, but ask your vet for expert advice as they can guide you better. Supplements also play a key role in ensuring the overall health of animals. Consider multivitamin syrup for dogs, which can address many nutritional deficiencies. In this case, too, you must always consult your vet before adding supplements, especially during illness, to ensure your dog receives essential nutrients and promotes recovery and general health.

Ending Note

We do understand that it can be upsetting for pet owners to see their beloved furry friends sick or in pain. It is crucial to stay alert and monitor your pet's activities, seek advice from a vet and other pet owners, and educate yourself on home remedies to provide the best care for your pet. 

We hope that no pet owner has to endure the distress of seeing their pets in pain. A content pet leads to a joyful life for both the pet and its owner.