Diarrhea In Puppies

When you're a puppy owner, the chances are good that you'll encounter puppy diarrhea sooner or later! It's a fairly common problem which can have several different causes, some minor, but some very serious.

Diarrhea in puppies can be one of the first, major symptoms of some very nasty, contagious and even, potentially fatal, illnesses. However, it can also be the result of a simple change in diet or too much excitement! Knowing how to tell the difference, and when to seek help without delay, could literally be a lifesaver for your puppy.

Puppy diarrhea can range from a soft, chocolate pudding consistency to a jet of water... and all the stages in between. The more liquid the stool, the more serious the diarrhea, which increases your puppy's risk of dehydration.

Soft, 'melted ice-cream to chocolate pudding' stool

This could be the result of a sudden change in diet. Such as when a puppy goes to his new home and is given a different brand of dog food. To avoid this, always make the change over a gradual one. Replace some of the familiar food with the new one, and slowly (over a period of a week or so) increase the new while decreasing the old.

Diarrhea like this in puppies can also be caused by exposure to stress, such as traveling, visiting the veterinarian or adjusting to a new home. Or maybe your pup's been snacking on left-over's from the trash can...it's a pretty safe bet that a midnight snack of cold pizza or banana peel is going to result in puppy diarrhea tomorrow.

With this kind of diarrhea, and in the absence of any other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy or loss of appetite, your best course of action is to withhold food for 24 hours to allow your pup's little tummy to settle down. Do make sure that you give him access to plenty of fresh water though. If his condition deteriorates or is not improved by the next day, call your vet immediately.

Young puppies can become seriously dehydrated in as little as 24 to 48 hours, so it's vital to keep the fluids coming. You can add some unflavored Paedialyte (available in the baby section of your local grocery store or pharmacy) to his drinking bowl if you'd like. If your puppy won't/can't drink, or is vomiting, you need to get in touch with your veterinarian for advice right away.

The water-jet variety

Puppy diarrhea that's watery, or contains mucous, could be a symptom of one of several very serious and potentially fatal dog illnesses. Although there are often accompanying symptoms, such as vomiting or lethargy, this kind of diarrhea shouldn't be ignored even if seen on it's own.

A bad case of worms (such as roundworms) or a parasitic infection, such as Coccidia or Giardia are all possibilities. As are serious, infectious diseases such as Corona Virus, Hepatitis and others. These conditions are very potentially very dangerous, and need immediate veterinary attention. Treatment usually involves the administration of fluids to combat dehydration, and antibiotics to treat the disease or secondary infections.

If the puppy diarrhea shows any indication of blood (often seen as red or brown streaks), it's a red flag. Emergency veterinary care is a must...even if it means driving 40 miles to the 24 hour emergency clinic! This is a classic symptom of the deadly disease, Parvovirus, which can literally kill a puppy within a day (or less). If you're in ANY DOUBT at all, call your veterinarian, or go to an 'after hours' clinic.

It's important to realize that puppy diarrhea, although not an unusual occurrence, has the potential to be the sign of a serious disease. If, after further investigation, you find that your puppy's upset tummy is just the natural consequence of eating stolen meatloaf, be grateful (and think about finding a more secure trash can lid!).