Diarrhea is usually a sign of a digestive system disorder. Parasites, protozoa and bacterial infections can infect your dog and cause loose stools. Other causes include dietary indiscretion, poisoning, obstruction or injury. Diarrhea can also occur in conjunction with kidney, liver or adrenal system diseases. Usually, mild diarrhea will resolve itself in a few days, but because there are so many possible causes, a veterinary diagnosis may be needed if the condition persists for more than 10 days.
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Parasites
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Parasites are a common cause of diarrhea in dogs. Roundworms, hookworms and whipworms are the most common. Internal parasites can deplete your dog of needed nutrients, causing anemia, diarrhea and weight loss. Many popular veterinary flea treatments prevent and treat internal parasites. If your brand does not, consider a fecal examination to test and treat for possible parasites.
Protozoa
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Amoebas, coccidia and giardia are single-celled organisms that sometimes cause loose stools in dogs. Amebiasis is more common in tropical and sub-tropical regions and contracted by contact with contaminated feces. Coccidiosis is common but most dogs do not show signs. Those that do may experience diarrhea and dehydration. Giardiasis also presents no symptoms in some dogs, but causes weight loss and long-term diarrhea in others. All of these protozoan diseases are treatable, but excellent sanitation --- daily removal and disposal of feces --- is the best preventative.
Bacteria
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Bacteria can cause digestive system disease in dogs, resulting in diarrhea. Campylobacter is transmitted by ingestion of water, food or feces contaminated by the bacteria. Raw, uncooked chicken and wild game birds may also be a source of infection. Symptoms of a campylobacter infection include severe, mucous-laden diarrhea that lasts three to seven days. Fever may also be present. Symptoms will reappear intermittently. Campylobacter is treated with antibiotics.
Salmonella is not common in dogs but does occur. Signs include sudden, severe diarrhea, blood poisoning and signs of pneumonia. Early treatment is critical.
Dietary Indiscretion
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Food --- too much, too fast or too spoiled --- is a common cause of digestive upset in dogs. If you suspect that your dog's diarrhea is the result of last week's garbage, withhold food for 24 hours. Reintroduce food slowly, offering about half as much as normal for a day. A bland diet consisting of equal parts cooked white rice and boiled ground beef can be substituted for regular dog food for the first 2 days after the fast.
Allergies
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Food intolerances can cause diarrhea, too. If your dog suffers from frequent bouts of mild diarrhea, switch to a hypoallergenic or limited ingredient dog food that does not contain corn, soy or wheat. Foods that contain a novel protein such as venison or duck may be less likely to cause a reaction.
Illnesses
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Gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease and gastrointestinal ulcers can cause loose stools. Gastroenteritis and inflammatory bowel disease may have dietary causes. A hypoallergenic diet may prevent repeated recurrences. Ulcers may be caused by overuse of NSAIDs or corticosteroids, certain cancers or bacterial infections. A bland diet combined with medications can reduce or repair ulcers.
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