Puppies, like any type of baby, can have all of the health issues, including diarrhea. Many forms of diarrhea in puppies are short-term and easily treated. But some diarrhea is caused by dangerous factors, and can be life-threatening to a puppy if left untreated. Be a knowledgeable puppy parent, and learn the common causes of diarrhea to keep your cute and cuddly puppy healthy into adulthood.
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Understanding Diarrhea in Puppies
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Know what to look for in dangerous cases of diarrhea. Diarrhea can be quite common in puppies. They are getting used to solid food, are more susceptible to parasites and viruses and like to put everything in their mouths. So, a bout of diarrhea is not necessarily cause for concern. A watchful owner should notice the volume, frequency, color and smell of the diarrhea. Large amounts of ongoing, discolored and smelly diarrhea usually indicate a serious problem, and a trip to the veterinarian is critical. Any time blood appears in the diarrhea, a veterinarian should be consulted to determine the cause. An isolated case of diarrhea with no accompanying symptoms or behavior changes may not be the result of an illness, but rather an upset stomach from eating something that shouldn't have been eaten. However, always err on the side of caution, as many illnesses that cause diarrhea in puppies can be fatal, and dehydration is always a risk, especially in very young puppies.
Viral Infections
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The most dangerous causes of diarrhea in puppies are viral infections. Before a puppy has had a full set of vaccinations, he will be susceptible to parvovirus, distemper and coronavirus. All three viruses will cause diarrhea, as well as additional symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and dehydration. In advanced cases, neurological changes may also be evident. If you suspect that your puppy may have diarrhea as a result of one of these viral infections, immediate veterinary care is critical for survival.
Intestinal Parasites
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The most likely causes of diarrhea in puppies are intestinal parasites. The most common parasites are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Less common, but more insidious, parasites include coccidia and giardia. Almost all puppies are born with at least one, if not multiple, intestinal parasites that are passed from the mother.
All of these parasites cause intestinal disturbances that almost always results in chronic diarrhea in puppies. Luckily, treatment for intestinal parasites is effective and reasonably priced. Medication is available both with or without a prescription from a veterinarian, although infection should be confirmed with a fecal exam at the veterinarian's office before beginning any treatment for intestinal parasites.
Bacterial Infections
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Bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella can cause diarrhea in puppies. The bacteria may come from contaminated commercial dog foods or from foods in the home such as raw chicken. Careful feeding and sanitizing protocols are the best prevention methods against bacterial infections. However, should you suspect a bacterial infection from contaminated foods, visit your veterinarian for tests and antibiotics.
Diet
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Changing your puppy's diet can sometimes cause diarrhea. As puppies are weaned and transitioned to dog food, they may experience diarrhea as their intestinal tracts adjust to the different digestion process. Changing brands of food can also cause diarrhea for a short time. In order to minimize the risk of diarrhea, introduce new foods slowly during weaning and mix the old and new food when transitioning to a new brand.
Puppies Eat Everything
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Puppies chew on everything, which can sometimes cause problems. Puppies, like other young animals, put everything in their mouths. Occasionally, puppies will ingest garbage or toxins around the house or yard and may develop diarrhea as a result. Often, these bouts of diarrhea are short-term and resolve with minor supportive care. However, if you suspect that your puppy has gained access to serious toxins such as paint or antifreeze, seek veterinarian help immediately.
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