Symptoms of Diarrhea & Bad Gas in Dogs

Diarrhea and dog flatulence are unpleasant but often unavoidable issues of dog ownership. Diarrhea has several causes, although the majority of cases are food-related. Other reasons for diarrhea include parasite infestation, bacterial and viral infection, inflammatory bowel disease, tumors or colitis. There is also hope for dogs with bad gas.

  1. Diarrhea

    • Symptoms of diarrhea include frequent, loose or watery bowel movements. Acute diarrhea, generally caused by something the dog ate, is transient and usually not cause for concern. Chronic diarrhea, which lasts more than a day, may be a more serious issue and requires veterinary consultation. Call the vet at once if there is blood in the stool or the fecal matter appears tarry, as the tarry matter may be blood. If you think the dog may have eaten toxins, get it to a veterinary hospital immediately.

    Bad Gas

    • It's hard to miss the symptoms of bad gas, as the smell and sounds are good evidence of the condition. This is not an emergency, unless the dog exhibits other signs of illness, such as diarrhea or vomiting. While occasional gas is unpleasant, constant gas is a sign that something is wrong. While dog gas usually results from food, it may also be caused by parasites or gastrointestinal inflammation.

    Diarrhea Treatment

    • Treatment varies with the diagnosis, but for mild diarrhea, withhold regular food and give the dog a bland diet. Cooked rice mixed with food can help firm up stools. Make sure the dog is regularly dewormed to prevent parasite infestation. Veterinary treatment for chronic diarrhea includes IV therapy and antibiotics.

    Curing Bad Gas

    • Serious flatulence in canines is usually the result of eating certain foods. These include soy, which is difficult for many dogs to digest and often found in commercial dog foods. Wheat and corn are also culprits. Carefully read dog food labels carefully and avoid foods with these substances. Probiotics, either in powder or tablet form, may also help cure gas. If dietary changes over a period of two weeks don't solve the problem, or if it gets worse, seek veterinary advice.