Seasonal Diarrhea Issues With Dogs

It is difficult for a pet owner to deal with an animal that has diarrhea. Not only is it distressing for you to see your pet in discomfort, but diarrhea is messy and can occur without warning. There are several possible reasons why your dog suffers diarrhea seasonally, and all of them are treatable.

  1. Identification

    • Diarrhea is characterized by watery stools that might contain mucus or blood. Seasonal diarrhea is usually associated with a particular time of year, such as summer or autumn. Your dog might experience an urgent need to defecate. It might also experience symptoms such as lethargy and abdominal discomfort. A single episode of diarrhea is usually not a cause for concern. However, diarrhea that returns could cause health problems for your dog and should be investigated by a veterinarian.

    Significance

    • As well as being messy for the owner, diarrhea is a very uncomfortable condition for your dog. If it continues for more than a few days, or keeps coming back, your dog is at risk of dehydration. According to Dr. Laurie Coger, it can also be a dangerous condition for dogs with pre-existing health problems, as it can further weaken them.

    Causes

    • Seasonal diarrhea can be caused by underlying conditions, allergies and bacteria. Colitis can be triggered by parasites such as giardia and whipworm, or bacteria like Clostridium perfringens, which are more prevalent in late spring, summer and early autumn. Clostridium difficile, which is found in soil, can also cause symptoms in your dog. Once in the gut, the bacteria releases toxins that can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Molds, caused by excessive humidity during the summer months, can provoke allergies in some dogs, which can also lead to diarrhea.

    Prevention/Solution

    • The treatment for your dog's diarrhea will depend on its cause. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics. If the symptoms are caused by a parasite, your vet will prescribe anti-parasitic medication, while allergy symptoms can be managed by avoiding the trigger. A bland diet of chicken or beef and rice can also help reduce irritation in your dog's digestive system. If your dog has recurring diarrhea, it is important to consult a vet and consider all treatment and prevention options.

    Considerations

    • Although antibiotics are prescribed to treat bacterial infections, breeder P. J. Gray advises owners to ensure that the antibiotics don't destroy the dog's natural digestive bacteria, as this could make the existing infection worse or leave the dog vulnerable to new infections. He recommends giving the dog probiotic supplements as well as antibiotics and warns owners against frequent use of these medications.