Dog Diarrhea: Causes, Home Treatment & When to See a Vet

Diarrhea is one of the most common health issues in dogs. While often mild and self-resolving, it can sometimes indicate serious illness requiring veterinary attention. Knowing when to treat at home and when to seek professional care is essential for your dog's health.

Types of Diarrhea

Acute Diarrhea

• Sudden onset
• Lasts less than 2 weeks
• Most common type
• Often resolves on its own or with simple treatment

Chronic Diarrhea

• Lasts more than 2-3 weeks
• May come and go
• Requires veterinary diagnosis
• May indicate underlying disease (IBD, parasites, food allergies)

Large Bowel vs. Small Bowel

Large bowel diarrhea:

• Frequent small amounts
• Straining, urgency
• May see mucus or fresh blood
• Indicates colon issue

Small bowel diarrhea:

• Large volumes, less frequent
• May see weight loss
• Black tarry stools if bleeding (digested blood)
• Indicates small intestine issue

Common Causes

1. Dietary Indiscretion (Most Common)

• Eating garbage, table scraps, spoiled food
• Sudden diet changes
• Food intolerance
• Eating non-food items

2. Parasites (Common in Mauritius)

• Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms
• Giardia, coccidia
• Year-round risk in tropical climate
• Puppies especially susceptible

3. Infections

• Viral: Parvovirus (puppies), coronavirus, distemper
• Bacterial: Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter
• Require veterinary treatment

4. Food Allergies or Sensitivities

• Chronic diarrhea
• May also cause skin issues, ear infections
• Common allergens: beef, dairy, chicken, wheat

5. Stress and Anxiety

• Changes in routine, travel, new pets
• Boarding, vet visits
• Cyclones in Mauritius can trigger stress diarrhea

6. Medications

• Antibiotics (disrupt gut bacteria)
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Some dewormers

7. Serious Medical Conditions

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Pancreatitis
• Liver or kidney disease
• Cancer
• Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE)

8. Foreign Objects or Toxins

• Swallowed objects causing obstruction
• Poisoning (rat poison, toxic plants, chemicals)
• Toxic foods (chocolate, grapes, onions, xylitol)

Warning Signs: When to See Vet

Emergency (See Vet Immediately)

• Bloody diarrhea (especially bright red or large amounts)
• Black, tarry stools (digested blood - serious GI bleeding)
• Diarrhea with vomiting
• Severe lethargy, weakness, or collapse
• Pale gums
• Puppy with diarrhea
• Rapid, severe, explosive diarrhea
• Suspected poisoning
• Abdominal pain, bloating

Call Vet Same Day

• Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
• Multiple episodes in 24 hours
• Decreased appetite or not drinking
• Fever
• Senior dog or dog with health conditions

Monitor at Home (But Call If Worsens)

• Single episode of mild diarrhea
• Dog otherwise acting normal
• Eating and drinking normally
• No blood, no vomiting, no lethargy

Home Treatment for Mild Diarrhea

ONLY for adult dogs with mild diarrhea, acting normal, no concerning symptoms:

1. Fasting (12-24 Hours)

• Adults: Withhold food for 12-24 hours
• Puppies: 4-6 hours max (risk of low blood sugar)
• Continue offering water
• Allows GI tract to rest

2. Hydration is Critical

• Ensure constant access to fresh water
• Diarrhea causes rapid fluid loss
• Watch for dehydration signs: dry gums, sunken eyes, skin tent test
• In Mauritius heat, dehydration risk is higher

3. Bland Diet

After 12-24 hour fast:

• Recipe: Boiled chicken (no skin/bones) + white rice (1:3 ratio - more rice than chicken)
• Alternative: Boiled white fish + rice, or scrambled eggs + rice
• Small, frequent meals (4-6 times per day)
• Continue for 2-3 days
• Gradually transition back to regular food over 3-4 days (mix increasing amounts)

4. Probiotics

• Dog-specific probiotics help restore gut bacteria
• Available at pet shops and vet clinics in Mauritius
• Follow package directions

5. Pumpkin

• Plain canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
• 1-4 tablespoons mixed with food (depending on dog size)
• High fiber helps firm stools

What NOT to Do

• Don't give human anti-diarrheal medications without vet approval (can be dangerous)
• Don't give milk or dairy (can worsen diarrhea)
• Don't ignore bloody diarrhea or diarrhea with vomiting
• Don't wait too long with puppies (dehydrate rapidly)
• Don't feed fatty, rich, or spicy foods

Prevention

Diet Management

• Consistent, high-quality dog food
• Gradual diet changes (transition over 7-10 days)
• No table scraps or fatty foods
• Avoid sudden treats or new foods

Parasite Prevention (Essential in Mauritius)

• Year-round deworming
• Monthly preventive treatments
• Fecal exams at annual vet visits
• Clean up feces promptly from yard

Hydration in Tropical Climate

• Fresh water always available
• Multiple water bowls in Mauritius heat
• Monitor water intake

Stress Reduction

• Maintain routine
• Gradual introductions to changes
• Calm environment during cyclones

Food Safety

• Secure garbage cans
• Don't let dog eat unknown items on walks
• Store food properly in tropical heat

Dehydration: Critical Warning Signs

Diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, especially dangerous in Mauritius heat:

Check for Dehydration

• Skin tent test: Gently pinch skin on back of neck - should snap back immediately. Slow return = dehydrated
• Gum check: Gums should be wet and pink. Dry, sticky, or pale gums = dehydrated
• Eyes: Sunken eyes indicate severe dehydration
• Lethargy: Weakness, reluctance to move

If dehydrated, see vet immediately. May need IV fluids.

What to Tell Your Vet

• Duration of diarrhea
• Frequency and volume
• Color and consistency
• Any blood or mucus
• Other symptoms (vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite)
• Recent diet changes
• Possible toxin exposure
• Current medications
• Last deworming date

Chronic Diarrhea

If diarrhea persists beyond 2-3 weeks or keeps recurring:

• Requires veterinary workup
• May need: fecal tests, blood work, imaging, endoscopy
• Possible causes: IBD, food allergies, parasites, organ disease
• May require prescription diet or medications

Finding a Vet in Mauritius

• Find veterinarians in Mauritius →
• 24/7 Emergency vets →

Key Takeaways

• Mild diarrhea, dog acting normal = fast 12-24 hours, then bland diet
• Ensure adequate hydration (critical in Mauritius heat)
• Bland diet: boiled chicken + white rice for 2-3 days
• Year-round parasite prevention essential in tropical Mauritius
• Bloody diarrhea = EMERGENCY
• Diarrhea + vomiting = see vet immediately
• Puppy diarrhea = see vet same day (dehydrate rapidly)
• Diarrhea lasting 24+ hours = call vet
• Watch for dehydration signs: dry gums, sunken eyes, slow skin tent
• Gradual diet changes prevent diarrhea