Diarrhoea in dogs – what to do?

The gut is an important part of our dogs' immune system. Here, “good” bacteria ensure that harmful substances are excreted from the body. If the intestinal flora and gastrointestinal tract become unbalanced in dogs, it can lead to diarrhoea.

Similar to vomiting, diarrhoea is not an illness in itself, but a symptom. If the consistency of the faeces is mushy, slimy or runny, it is important to identify the cause. Every dog suffers from diarrhoea at some point in their life, whether it is caused by nausea, abdominal pain or stomach problems. Whether you can help your pet with home remedies or need veterinary medical attention depends on the cause of the diarrhoea.

My dog has diarrhoea – do I need to take him to the vet?

In general, a distinction is made between acute and chronic diarrhoea. Acute diarrhoea occurs suddenly and lasts for a short period – usually only a few days. Chronic diarrhoea can last for weeks or months.

You should always contact a vet if the diarrhoea lasts for more than two days. You should seek veterinary help immediately for puppies, as the fluid loss associated with diarrhoea is particularly dangerous for them. Weakened senior dogs and animals with pre-existing conditions are also more at risk and need support quickly.

Even if the diarrhoea is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, excessive scratching, shivering, apathy, reduced appetite or bloody, watery stools. When in doubt, it is better to take your pet to the vet once too often than not enough!

Possible causes and triggers of diarrhoea in dogs

If your dog has diarrhoea, it is a sign that the digestive system is out of balance. There can be many causes for this:

Incompatible food – some foods can even be toxic for dogs and must not be fed under any circumstances!
Too sudden a food change – read here how a food change can be successful.
Ingestion of snow or unclean water – cold temperatures, bacteria and germs can affect and attack the intestinal flora, leading to diarrhoea in dogs.
Side effects of medication – some medications are very stressful for the gastrointestinal mucosa and damage the microbiome.
Food allergies or intolerances – dogs can have allergic reactions to certain ingredients in their food, usually proteins or grains. These allergies can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and thus cause diarrhoea.
Stress: whether caused by changes in the environment, travelling or loud noises, stress can affect digestion and cause diarrhoea. Stress hormones can disrupt the balance of the intestinal flora.
Parasite infestation: worms and other parasites can severely affect a dog's health and cause diarrhoea. These organisms deprive the dog of nutrients and irritate the intestines.
Viral or bacterial infections: infections caused by viruses (such as parvovirus) or bacteria (such as salmonella or E. coli) can damage the gastrointestinal mucosa and cause severe diarrhoea.
Ingested foreign bodies: Dogs that have a tendency to eat objects can ingest foreign bodies into their gastrointestinal tract, causing blocked areas of the bowel and diarrhoea. In severe cases, surgical removal may be required.
Poisoning: Contact with toxic substances, whether from plants, chemicals or certain foods, can cause acute gastrointestinal problems and diarrhoea. If poisoning is suspected, immediate veterinary attention is required.
Physical illness (e.g. inflammation of the pancreas): Conditions such as inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe digestive problems that manifest as diarrhoea. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid complications.

Dogs often suffer from diarrhoea after eating something unusual – it's a natural reaction of the body. Nevertheless, caution is advised. Pay close attention to your dog's behaviour and general health. Careful observation can help you to recognise possible complications early on and take action if necessary.

What are some common digestive problems in dogs?

Many dogs experience digestive problems at some point in their lives. The most common ones are:

Diarrhoea: This can take many forms, from mushy to watery, and is often a sign that the gastrointestinal tract is struggling to cope with unwanted substances.
Stomach ache: Signs such as curling up or licking the abdominal area can indicate pain caused by a variety of things.
Flatulence: Excessive gas can cause discomfort in dogs and often occurs after eating certain foods or eating quickly.
Vomiting: This symptom can range from occasional gagging to frequent vomiting and can indicate a variety of problems, such as stomach irritation, eating unsuitable foods or stress. Pay attention to the frequency and content of the vomiting, as this can provide important clues to the cause.

How can I help my dog with bloating and diarrhoea?

Observation is key: has your dog eaten something ‘wrong’? Does your pet seem healthy and alert? For mild symptoms, it often helps to rest your dog's intestines for 12 to 24 hours and follow a nil diet. This allows the intestinal flora to regenerate.

Morosche Organic Carrot Soup is an excellent choice in this context. It is named after Dr Ernst Moro, a former paediatrician, and contains oligosaccharides that help the intestines to expel harmful substances. Our DOG'S LOVE Carrot Soup is made from 100% organic food, perfect for an irritated gastrointestinal tract.

Which home remedies help with gastrointestinal problems?

There are some tried and tested remedies that every dog owner should have at home to alleviate gastrointestinal problems in their four-legged friend.

Carrot soup: aids digestion and helps to settle the stomach. Immediate relief for diarrhoea.
Rice with chicken: an easily digestible light diet to gently ease your dog back to a normal diet after diarrhoea.
Herbal mixtures: Our DOG'S LOVE herbal mixture Super Digest can help to harmonise the gastrointestinal flora and aid recovery.
With VITAL STOMACH powder, the intestinal flora is gently supported with natural active ingredients.

Tip: Perfect for when you're on the go! Our Smart Snacks Stomach help your dog's digestion with chamomile, fennel, psyllium husks, parsley and flaxseed, supporting the digestive process and relieving discomfort naturally.

Back to normal

When the diarrhoea has stopped, a bland diet of rice and cooked chicken will help your dog gently transition back to a regular diet. Start with small portions and observe your dog's reaction. You can then gradually switch back to your dog's usual food. Our Intestinal Light Chicken is a complete and balanced food that can be fed over a long period of time.

Conclusion

Diarrhoea in dogs is a common problem, but it is a serious one. The right observation and early intervention can help to promote your dog's well-being. Our DOG'S LOVE Smart Snacks Belly are specially formulated to support digestion and promote your dog's gastrointestinal health.

Do something good for your dog's health! Discover our Smart Snacks now and help your dog with his discomfort!