Help! My Puppy Has Diarrhea: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

If your puppy has been growing well without any problems and suddenly starts to have diarrhea and loses its appetite, you may become very concerned. As dogs cannot communicate verbally, owners often feel anxious and frustrated. However, closely observing the pattern of diarrhea can be valuable in assessing your puppy’s health. Therefore, it’s important to pay attention when your puppy experiences diarrhea. Diarrhea is characterized by the loss of firmness in the stool, leading to a lack of form or a softer texture. Let’s explore the potential causes of puppy diarrhea and possible solutions.

Types of Puppy Diarrhea

Small Intestine Diarrhea

A puppy’s internal organs include the small intestine and large intestine. An issue with the small intestine can lead to impaired food absorption, resulting in weight loss and a significant decline in overall health. Additionally, there may be an increase in bowel movements, leading to watery stools or diarrhea. The causes of small intestine diarrhea are diverse and may include viral diseases, foreign bodies, tumors, intestinal intussusception, and metabolic disorders.

Large Intestine Diarrhea

Now, let’s discuss large intestine diarrhea. Large intestine diarrhea occurs when the large intestine cannot perform its role effectively. One of its key characteristics is that the amount of stool excreted at once doesn’t change significantly, but there’s typically an increase in the frequency of bowel movements. Moreover, a substantial amount of mucus is often secreted in cases of large-intestine diarrhea. Fortunately, large intestine diarrhea is usually manageable unless it progresses to a chronic condition, and weight loss is typically not severe. It commonly arises due to sudden dietary changes, feeding of new or old food items, or parasitic infections.

What is the standard for puppy diarrhea?

If a puppy’s condition is not good or its immune system is weakened, it can also experience diarrhea, so it’s not always a serious concern if your puppy has diarrhea. Generally, we define ‘diarrhea’ as observing loose stools more than three times a day. Diarrhea can be categorized as either acute or chronic, with most cases initially presenting as acute and progressing to chronic if they don’t improve within about ten days. As diarrhea involves the loss of fluids, it’s crucial to carefully monitor your puppy’s water intake when it has diarrhea.

What is the remedy for diarrhea?

If your puppy’s overall condition is normal but experiences diarrhea once, it can often be managed and treated effectively. Monitor the situation and refrain from feeding regular food or snacks for approximately 12 hours; instead, provide water only during this time. After fasting, gradually introduce easily digestible foods like rice porridge, soaked kibble, bananas, or boiled chicken, and closely observe your puppy’s condition. If there is no improvement or the diarrhea persists, there’s a heightened risk of a potentially life-threatening illness, and you should promptly seek veterinary care for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.

Reasons for Diarrhea

Food or Medicine

Puppies can experience diarrhea for various reasons, but some of the most common causes include sudden changes in diet, overeating, ingestion of foreign objects, and food allergies. Additionally, medications that a pet is taking can also lead to diarrhea. If your puppy develops diarrhea suddenly, the first step is to check whether there have been any recent changes in its diet or if it may have consumed foreign objects during outdoor activities.

Infection

Infections can be another significant cause of diarrhea in puppies. These infections may be due to parasites, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. To identify the specific causative agent, microscopic examination of feces and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are often necessary. Treatment should then be administered accordingly. It’s important to note that viral infections, in particular, are challenging to treat because there is no fundamental cure to eradicate the virus. As a result, the mortality rate for viral infections is often higher than infections caused by other bacteria or parasites. Regular vaccinations are essential to prevent viral infections.

Inflammation

Inflammation can also be a cause of diarrhea in puppies. Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, antibiotic-reactive diarrhea, lymphangiectasia, and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis fall into this category. Among these, inflammatory bowel disease and lymphangiectasia are particularly challenging to diagnose and treat compared to other diseases. Diagnosing these conditions typically requires a combination of blood tests, imaging studies, and tissue analysis obtained through endoscopy. It’s worth noting that these diseases can also lead to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites), and in severe cases, thrombosis may result in sudden respiratory paralysis.

Tumor

Intestinal tumors and adipose cell tumors can also lead to diarrhea in puppies. While tumors in the small or large intestine are more commonly seen in elderly pets, they can occasionally occur in younger ones as well. Adipose cell tumors, on the other hand, can cause diarrhea even if they develop in areas outside the intestines. The treatment approach and prognosis depend on the specific type of cancer, making it essential to conduct blood tests, imaging studies, and cytology tests for an accurate diagnosis.

Problems with organs other than the intestine or hormones

Issues with organs other than the intestines or hormonal imbalances can also lead to diarrhea in puppies. Pancreatic disease, liver disease, kidney disease, uterine disease, peritonitis, and hormonal disorders are among the potential culprits. Diagnosing these conditions may necessitate blood tests, ultrasound examinations, and hormone-level assessments. For hormonal disorders, ongoing medication may be essential as part of the treatment regimen.

The first step to recovering from diarrhea is fasting

The first step in recovering from diarrhea is fasting. It is crucial to fast your puppy for 12 to 24 hours following the onset of diarrhea. As time passes and your puppy’s condition improves, introduce a bland diet that is easy on the stomach. However, if your pet’s condition does not show significant improvement, it is essential to seek immediate veterinary attention.

By. Hye In Oh