Puppies are curious, getting into mischief at the slightest provocation and explore their worlds with their senses of smell and taste. Unfortunately, not everything a puppy eats is beneficial. According to the "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," eating something that disagrees with his system is one of the most common causes of puppy diarrhea. Parasite infection is another frequent trigger. In addition, diarrhea may be a symptom of a more serious disorder.
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Diet
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When a puppy first begins eating solid food, she may experience temporary diarrhea that will usually correct itself as her digestive system adapts. However, some puppies have chronic reactions to certain foods. Common culprits include corn, wheat products, fats, spices, sauces, soy products, salt and some brands of commercial dog food. These foods may cause a digestive reaction called "rapid transit," in which the food leaves the stomach before being digested and arrives in the colon as a watery mixture.
Inedible substances
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Your puppy will happily chew on a decayed animal carcass, the closest plant, weeds or a stick that he finds in the yard. These items may not be digestible and your puppy may experience diarrhea as well as vomiting as his stomach rids itself of the offending substance.
Parasites
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Among the most common parasite infections that may cause diarrhea in puppies are threadworms, giardia, hookworms, whipworms and roundworms. Your veterinarian may prescribe a dewormer to kill the offender. Parasite infestation may cause chronic diarrhea or slightly loose stools that lasts longer than three weeks.
Infectious diseases
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Many illnesses result in symptoms that include diarrhea. Serious infectious diseases may produce diarrhea and are frequently spread by the puppy's contact with another animal's blood, feces or saliva. Leptospirosis, salmonella and E. coli are examples of infectious bacterial diseases that cause diarrhea. Other infectious diseases are viral in nature but they may also cause diarrhea in puppies, including distemper, herpesvirus, hepatitis and parvovirus.
Additional
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In addition to the more common causes of diarrhea in puppies, there are some less frequent triggers that include infestation of a fungus, such as the histoplasmosa fungus, found in humid climates or the coccidioidomycosis fungus, found in the desert southwest. Your puppy may also suffer diarrhea as a side effect to a prescribed or over-the-counter medication or the accidental ingestion of a poison.
Warning
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Prolonged diarrhea can result in dehydration, which can be harmful or fatal. Contact your veterinarian if your puppy continues to have diarrhea after 24 hours or if she has a fever or other signs of a more serious condition.
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