Acute Sudden Diarrhea in Dogs

Diarrhea can last for several days to several weeks, and can even last a month without proper veterinary care. If your dog has diarrhea for under a day, there may be no cause for concern, but it will be important to watch over your dog to see if other symptoms develop. 

Canines can get this illness from time to time, and it might last two to four days. If it persists and becomes a chronic condition, contact the veterinarian to see precisely what is causing your furry companion's digestive trouble.

The condition of abnormally frequent loose and runny stools is known as diarrhea, and acute diarrhea is characterized by one cause with a sudden onset.

Symptoms of diarrhea are straightforward and common at times; however, if your dog has black diarrhea, then there could be internal bleeding and your dog must be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Symptoms of acute (sudden) diarrhea include:

• Very loose stools, almost liquid-like
• Flatulence
• Mucus in the stool
• Straining when defecating
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Malaise 
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of weight

Types

In some cases of diarrhea, the underlying cause may be parasites. Dogs can get parasites from eating things they shouldn’t eat, such as soil or feces. They can also get parasites if they accidentally eat food or drink water that is contaminated. Puppies can become infected from their mother. Parasites that can give your dog diarrhea are:

• Roundworm
• Whipworms
• Hookworms
• Giardia
• Coccidia
• Salmonella
• E.Coli

What gives dogs diarrhea? Certain types of breeds can come down with diarrhea more than others. Also, young puppies are more likely to get diarrhea due to parasites than adult dogs. Acute dog diarrhea can be caused by several factors. These causes can be:

• Sudden dietary changes
• Intolerance to certain foods
• Eating spoiled food
• Parasites
• Poisonous substances that are ingested
• Ingestion of an object
• Reaction or allergy to a substance
• Infection, either bacterial or viral
• Inflammatory bowel disorder
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Cancer of the digestive area
• Medication
• Digestive area tumors
• Colitis
• Stress
• Gastrointestinal disorder or stress

If your dog has diarrhea for more than 24 hours, if there is blood in the stool, or if your dog is lethargic or also vomiting, it is time to take them to the veterinarian. Be sure to provide easily accessed, fresh water so your pet does not become dehydrated. When you take your dog to the veterinarian, the doctor will ask you when the onset was, or whether your dog consumed anything different or something they should not have, such as garbage. A generalized history of the last few days will be helpful.  

The veterinarian will then assess your dog for underlying medical disorders or abnormalities. Blood work can indicate irregularities in digestive function. If possible, a fecal sample will be analyzed. The vet may perform imaging tests like an ultrasound of the abdomen and lower intestines, a biopsy, or endoscopy.

Many acute and sudden dog diarrhea episodes can be monitored by you at home. Observing your companion during the time they have the loose and runny stools is crucial; you must be sure they are drinking water to avoid becoming dehydrated. In terms of eating, it is a good idea to withhold food for twelve hours to allow the GI tract to rest and heal. Gradually add boiled white chicken and rice to the diet, and if you prefer, you can give them a probiotic supplement. The bland diet should be fed for a few days. Avoid all medications or over-the-counter drugs unless they are on a prescribed medication.

If the sudden onset diarrhea does not resolve within a day or two, or if the episodes are continual, consult the veterinarian without delay. If your pup is dehydrated, they may be hospitalized and fluids will be given intravenously. Antidiarrheal products may be prescribed to regulate the system again and reduce inflammation in the intestines.

In terms of recovery, once the veterinarian has made an accurate diagnosis, they will instruct you on what to do at home. If the diarrhea is caused by a more serious, underlying disorder, recovery and management may vary depending on what the diagnosis is.

Your pet may need medication and require a follow-up visit to the clinic. Home care may involve easing your dog back into their regular feeding routine. Discuss temporary solutions like bone broth or chicken and rice. It may help your dog to have pumpkin or sweet potato as a remedy for diarrhea. Full of fiber and vitamins, small servings can work toward bulking up the stool. 

For the future, prevention of diarrhea can be quite successful. In order to help keep diarrhea at bay, your pup should be up-to-date with vaccines.  Keep them away from trash, spoiled food, or from eating dirt and soil. Do not allow your dog to eat feces of any kind or drink dirty “puddle” water, and if you plan on changing your dog’s diet, always do so very gradually. 

A high-quality diet is essential for keeping your dog happy and healthy. Digestive problems and food allergies can be expensive to treat. Compare pet health insurance plans to save more than $270 a year on vet care.