Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea All the Time?

Upset Stomach

• The simplest reason behind diarrhea is that your dog ate something that disagreed with it. This could be due to a sensitive stomach or to foods commonly known to conflict with dogs' digestive systems, such as chocolate, fruit or cat food, or table scraps, which are typically not nutritionally balanced.

Medical Issues

• Diarrhea can also result from bacteria, viral infections, worms, giardia or as a side effect to medication. Puppies are particularly prone to infections that can make their health deteriorate rapidly. Diarrhea can also result from a specific food allergy, which will necessitate isolating or restricting the dog's food intake to determine what the allergy is.

Emotional Upset

• Symptoms of emotional or mental distress can also be manifested in digestive issues. Keep an eye on your canine throughout any times of upheaval, such as moving or turmoil (death, a break-up) within the family.

Identification

• Identify the type of stool your dog is producing. If it's soft, with the appearance of pudding, it may be manageable with a bland diet (chicken and rice are good ingredients) and proper hydration. If the stool is watery, projectile and/or continues for more than a couple of days, consult your veterinarian. Be aware that chronic diarrhea can result in dehydration.

Warning

• Digestive issues can be indicative of more serious medical issues, especially if coupled with other symptoms such as vomiting. Dogs with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, diabetes, skin conditions or kidney disease may require special diets. Also, watch for any unnatural bloating, which may indicate gastric dilatation/volvulus (GDV), a painful and potentially fatal condition.