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A dog’s stool can be an inside look into their general health. When a dog is experiencing loose stool, it can be the result of a number of different causes. In this article, we will discuss some possible reasons behind your pup's loose stool, and some at-home remedies you can try before visiting the vet.
A sudden change in your dog’s stool can be an indicator of something going on in their lives. Some of these causes include:
Intestinal parasites can wreak havoc on your pet's gut health. These parasites can be transmitted from their mother (in the womb and through nursing), contaminated soil, exposure to the feces of infected dogs, and even fleas. Common canine intestinal parasites include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Luckily, with deworming medications from your veterinarian, you can easily kill these dangerous intestinal invaders. Monthly heartworm prevention also prevents many common intestinal worms, allowing you to keep your pet protected for life. Protection from parasites is expremently important, as parasites can cause severe diarrhea, weight loss, dehydration, and even anemia.
One of the most common reasons behind a change in a dog’s stool is some kind of dietary indiscretion. Eating trash or any kind of rich, fattening food can lead to loose stool and other intestinal upset. When a dog eats a new or rich food, they can develop diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and even pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancereas). A sudden change in diet can truly shock the system and cause serious issues.
When a dog is stressed, they can experience a condition called stress colitis. This can be the result of a sudden change in environment, or any other stress factor in your pup’s life. Stress colitis can cause diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and dehydration if left untreated.
Improper diet can lead to many health problems, whether a dog is eating table scraps, poor quality food, or diet that isn't tailored to their specific needs. If a dog is lacking proper nutrients in their diet, loose stool can be a result.
When a dog is having loose stool, you may also see other signs of intestinal upset. Some of these signs include:
Though it may seem like a loose stool in a dog is harmless, it can lead to a deterioration in health if left untreated. If loose stool worsens, this can lead to severe dehydration. Loose stool and diarrhea can dehydrate your pup due to fluid loss with each bowel movement. It’s important to be aware of your dog’s loose stool, and act quickly when you notice any changes.
If you notice any changes in your furry friend’s stool, there are a few ways that you can intervene at home.
Rice is a great option for a carb choice when dogs are experiencing an upset stomach. It is extremely bland, when boiled in water only, making a great option to help settle your pup's stomach. Rice is often paired with a plain protein source for a semi-balanced meal (this combination isn't ideal for long-term feeding, but is balanced enough to be fed for up to a week or two at a time).
Even when your pup is experiencing gastrointestinal upset, they still need some kind of protein source. Cooking a low-fat meat option is a great way to offer your dog protein, without upsetting their stomach even more. Plain proteins include skinless and boneless chicken, lean turkey meat, or eggs.
Pumpkin is used in dogs to address both diarrhea and constipation. The fiber in the pumpkin can help regulate their bowel movements, as well as absorb extra water in loose stool. Absorbing extra water in the stool can help to firm your pup's bowel movements.
Plain Greek yogurt can be a great option for an intestinal upset, as it contains live cultures of bacteria that can promote a healthy gut.
Probiotics are great for restoring healthy flora in the intestinal tract and can be a great addition to your pet's normal diet. When a dog has loose stool, their bacteria in their intestinal tract can become unbalanced. Probiotics can help to restore this balance and help to firm the stool.
When your dog first begins to have loose stool, it’s understandable to want to find an at-home solution. If their loose stool resolves quickly with home management, there may not be much reason for concern.
If your pup's loose stool persists for 24 hours despite at-home care, however, it's time to see your veterinarian. Due to the risk of dehydration from diarrhea and loose stool, it’s better to see your vet sooner than later. Fast action can shorten your fur baby's sick time, and reduce the risk of further health complications.
If your pet has not had a recent physical exam from a veterinarian, it’s important to make an appointment with any changes in their stool.
Dogs can experience minor gastrointestinal upset throughout their lives. It’s important to educate yourself on healthy bland diet options if they ever experience loose stool, and know when to seek further help when at-home care is not resolving the issue.
Meet The Author
Vet Tech & Professional Dog Trainer
Amber is a Licensed Vet Tech with a degree in Veterinary Technology. Recently she has specialized in veterinary and animal-related content creation and social media management. When she is not working she loves spending time with her furry friends exploring the outdoors.
Medically Reviewed By
Veterinarian
Catherine is a veterinarian and freelance writer based in Florida. After 14 years as a small animal general practitioner, Dr. Barnette now focuses on creating educational content for veterinary teams and their clients. She shares her home with her husband, daughter, one dog, two cats, and a rescued white dove.
