What is diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea in puppies is characterised by frequent, loose, or watery stools. The condition can vary in severity and duration, from mild and short-lived to severe and chronic. It can be caused by various factors, including dietary changes, infections, parasites, stress, or underlying health issues.
Recognising the symptoms and potential causes of diarrhoea in puppies will help you to provide appropriate care and treatment.
What causes diarrhoea in puppies?
There are a number of issues that can trigger puppy diarrhoea. Recognising these can help you manage and treat the condition effectively.
Diet changes
A sudden change in diet can upset a puppy's delicate digestive system, resulting in diarrhoea. To avoid this, introduce new foods gradually over a week to ten days, mixing the new food with the current diet, slowly increasing the amount of new food while reducing the amount of the previous food.
Food intolerances
Although rare in young puppies, food allergies or intolerances can occur, typically to proteins such as chicken, beef, or dairy. If you suspect a food intolerance consult your vet for guidance on structuring a well-rounded diet.
Stress
Whether it’s due to moving to a new home, meeting new dogs, or experiencing new environments, puppies can easily feel an overwhelming sense of stress, which can sometimes lead to digestive issues such as diarrhoea in puppies.
Infections
Due to their immature immune systems, puppies are more vulnerable to infections. Bacterial or viral infections can result in diarrhoea. Some infections, such as canine parvovirus, can be life-threatening and require intensive treatment.
Parasites
Intestinal worms such as roundworms, hookworms and whipworms can cause diarrhoea in puppies, which can be severe. Other intestinal parasites that can cause diarrhoea include coccidia and Giardia. Puppies can contract parasites from their environment, contaminated faeces, or from their mother. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to people.
Ingesting harmful items
Puppies explore the world with their mouths and may ingest harmful items like plants, medicines, rubbish or cleaning products, leading to diarrhoea and other health issues. Some human foods, including chocolate, onions, artificial sweeteners, grapes, and raisins, are toxic to dogs. If your puppy ingests something harmful, contact your vet immediately.
When to worry about puppy diarrhoea
If your puppy develops diarrhoea or other signs of illness, it’s best to contact your veterinary clinic for advice. While mild cases of diarrhoea in puppies can often be managed at home, there are certain situations where it’s important to seek veterinary care, such as:
- Severity and frequency: If your puppy's diarrhoea is severe or happens frequently or lasts more than a day.
- Vomiting: If your puppy is also vomiting, especially with blood, seek veterinary help.
- Energy levels: If your puppy is lethargic or weak.
- Appetite: If your puppy has a lack of appetite.
- Hydration: Signs of dehydration include lethargy, sunken eyes, or dry gums.
- Blood in stool: Noticeable blood in your puppy’s diarrhoea, especially more than a small streak, or recurring instances.
- Black and tarry stool: This could signify bleeding higher up in the intestinal tract.
- Abdominal pain: If your puppy’s tummy is painful or bloated.
- Suspected intoxication: If you suspect your puppy has ingested something harmful or potentially toxic.
If you need to visit the vet, ask if you should bring a sample of your puppy’s stool. If so, place it in a plastic bag or container and double-bag it. Use a pet-friendly disinfectant to clean up any diarrhoea and eliminate harmful germs.
Puppy diarrhoea treatment
If you’re wondering how to stop puppy diarrhoea, unfortunately there is no single solution. Depending on the severity and the cause, your vet may prescribe medication or even recommend hospitalisation. Some general tips to help manage diarrhoea include:
- Avoiding dehydration: Puppies with diarrhoea can become dehydrated quickly. Ensure they have access to water and encourage them to drink.
- Introducing a bland diet: Your veterinarian may recommend a bland, low-fat diet until the diarrhoea resolves.
- Monitoring your puppy’s symptoms: Pay close attention to your puppy's bowel movements. If the signs are not resolving or getting worse, contact your vet.
How to prevent diarrhoea in puppies
Help reduce the risk of your puppy developing diarrhoea by following these preventive steps:
Gradual diet transition
When changing your puppy’s diet, do it gradually. Mix the new food with the current food, gradually increasing the new food portion over 7-10 days to help your puppy’s digestive system adjust without causing diarrhoea.
Maintain hygiene
Keep your living environment clean, especially if you have other pets. Use a pet-safe disinfectant to regularly clean areas where your puppy spends time to eliminate parasites and bacteria that could cause diarrhoea.
Vaccinations and parasite control
Make sure your puppy’s vaccinations and parasite control are up to date. This will help to protect them against several infectious diseases and parasites that can cause diarrhoea and other illnesses.
Limit exposure to unvaccinated dogs
To prevent the spread of contagious diseases, avoid letting your puppy interact with unvaccinated dogs or visit places where unvaccinated dogs may have been, such as parks, until they are fully vaccinated.
Secure potential toxins
Store pesticides, cleaning products, indoor plants, human foods and medications out of reach of your puppy to prevent accidental ingestion.
Provide a healthy diet
Avoid giving your puppy salty, fatty foods or table scraps. Instead, stick to a balanced diet designed for puppies, which will support their digestive health.
Supervise your puppy
Monitor your puppy to ensure it isn’t eating anything it shouldn’t. Puppies are curious and might chew on or swallow harmful objects.
Minimise stress
Establish a consistent routine for feeding, playtime, and rest. A predictable schedule can reduce stress and help prevent stress-induced diarrhoea.
How long does stress diarrhoea last?
While occasional diarrhoea can be common in puppies, it is not considered normal. If your puppy’s diarrhoea lasts more than a day or they experience frequent bouts of diarrhoea, seek veterinary advice to identify the underlying cause.
How long is it normal for a puppy to have diarrhoea?
Mild cases of diarrhoea in puppies typically resolve within a day or two. Persistent diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and other health problems, so monitor the duration and talk to your vet if the signs become more severe or other signs of illness are present.
What to feed a puppy with diarrhoea?
A bland, low-fat diet is generally recommended when a puppy has diarrhoea. For example, small portions of plain boiled white rice mixed with boiled, skinless, and boneless chicken. Prescription diets for gastrointestinal issues are also available and may be recommended by your veterinarian.