How Can I Tell If My Elderly Dog Has Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common condition in older dogs, often caused by dietary changes, infections, parasites, and stress. It can be a sign of various diseases, from mild infections to serious conditions. Common triggers for diarrhea include red, black, or tarry stool, vomiting, dehydration, or lethargy. If your dog has diarrhea that lasts for more than a day or reoccurs, it’s essential to seek veterinary care.

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination, possibly including blood tests, fecal analysis, and imaging. Old dogs often have health problems or are on medication, which can upset the balance of the body and GI tract, leading to senior dog diarrhea. If your dog has diarrhea for more than a day or two, it’s crucial to bring them to the vet.

Symptoms of diarrhea in dogs include loose, watery bowel movements, blood in the stool, vomiting, and straining. Small amounts of poop with straining, several times in an hour, can indicate inflammation of the large bowel. Three or four dog poops with large puddles can also indicate inflammation.

Common symptoms of diarrhea in dogs include lethargy, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, cloudy pupils, frequent urination, weight change, disorientation, slow-healing rate, and bad breath. Diarrhea in dogs can mean defecating more frequently than usual and abnormal stool consistency (loose and watery).

In summary, if your dog has diarrhea, it’s important to recognize the signs and seek veterinary care. It’s essential to support your pet in sickness and health, as well as provide support during times of illness.

How long is it OK for a dog to have diarrhea?

Diarrhea: Worry or wait?. If loose stool lasts more than two days, call the vet. Diarrhea is no fun for you or your dog, but the good news is that most cases resolve on their own. Mild cases are usually uncomplicated, and the dog is otherwise happy and normal.

“Many cases of diarrhea in dogs and cats are mild and self-limiting,” says Dr. Meredith Miller, associate clinical professor of small animal medicine. “If a pet stops eating, is lethargic, the diarrhea is black or tarry in quality, there is associated vomiting, or the diarrhea doesn’t resolve in 48-72 hours then veterinary care should be sought.”

Under normal conditions, water is absorbed through your dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract to be used within the body. When they have diarrhea, everything passes through too quickly, and excess water is expelled along with the waste products. Over time, this can cause dehydration. Vomiting, in addition to diarrhea, further accelerates dehydration. Dehydration causes electrolyte imbalances in the body, puts extra strain on the kidneys and can lead to organ failure and death.

What is the fastest way to cure diarrhea in dogs?

Fasting Your Dog for Diarrhea Relief. Withholding food from your dog for 12 to 24 hours, and frequently providing fresh, clean water in small amounts can help clear the cause of the digestive upset and allow your dog’s gastrointestinal tract to settle. It’s usually the first line of attack for diarrhea. Before you decide to fast your dog for diarrhea, be sure that your dog is healthy enough to handle it—call your vet if you aren’t sure. Puppies and elderly dogs, for example, aren’t candidates for fasting. Also, a fast may not be appropriate for small dogs who do not have the physical reserves of their larger cousins. Always consult your vet if you have any doubt if fasting is right for your dog.

Diarrhea in dogs can lead to dehydration, so make sure to give your dog access to fresh, clean water at all times. You may also offer diluted unflavored Pedialyte to help maintain electrolyte balance, but only under a vet’s advice.

Foods That Can Help Dog Diarrhea. After letting your dog fast for diarrhea relief, simple foods are usually slowly introduced to your dog’s diet. Many dog owners start with foods that act as binders, which can help normalize stool consistency. Some tried-and-true methods include:

How long is too long for a dog to have diarrhea?

“Many cases of diarrhea in dogs and cats are mild and self-limiting,” says Dr. Meredith Miller, associate clinical professor of small animal medicine. “If a pet stops eating, is lethargic, the diarrhea is black or tarry in quality, there is associated vomiting, or the diarrhea doesn’t resolve in 48-72 hours then veterinary care should be sought.”

Under normal conditions, water is absorbed through your dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract to be used within the body. When they have diarrhea, everything passes through too quickly, and excess water is expelled along with the waste products. Over time, this can cause dehydration. Vomiting, in addition to diarrhea, further accelerates dehydration. Dehydration causes electrolyte imbalances in the body, puts extra strain on the kidneys and can lead to organ failure and death.

Anorexia and lethargy indicate that your dog is not feeling well. This may just be due to gastrointestinal discomfort (no one wants to eat when their guts are twisting), but these symptoms can also accompany a variety of illnesses. If your dog does not bounce back to normal quickly, veterinary attention should be sought.

Black stool, officially called melena, is caused by partially digested blood coming out in the feces. The source of the blood could be in the upper GI tract, the mouth or even the respiratory tract. These bleeds can be caused by a foreign body, infections, inflammation, trauma, tumors or ulcers.

What if my dog has diarrhea but is acting fine but not eating?

Consulting your veterinarian is crucial, especially if the diarrhea persists for more than a day or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Your vet can perform a thorough examination, recommend diagnostic tests if necessary, and prescribe appropriate treatment.

In many cases, dietary adjustments can help alleviate diarrhea in dogs. Your veterinarian may suggest feeding a bland diet consisting of boiled chicken and rice or a commercial prescription diet formulated for digestive health. Avoid feeding table scraps or high-fat foods, as these can exacerbate gastrointestinal upset.

Keeping your dog hydrated is essential, especially if diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting or reluctance to drink. Offer fresh water frequently to replenish lost fluids. Monitor your dog’s condition closely, noting any changes in appetite, energy levels, or stool consistency.

Is it normal for senior dogs to get diarrhea?

Senior pets can develop diarrhea for a variety of reasons, from eating something that causes gastrointestinal (GI) upset, to a systemic disease. A veterinary visit is warranted any time your pet has diarrhea for more than 24 hours, since debilitating dehydration and electrolyte loss can result.

Should I be worried if my dog has diarrhea but is acting fine?

When To Contact Your Vet. If your dog has a single bout of diarrhea and is otherwise acting normally, there is no need to be concerned. Keep an eye on your dog’s bowel movements to see if things improve. More than two episodes of diarrhea may indicate a problem, so contact your veterinarian if your dog has two or more bouts of diarrhea.

If your dog is straining to pass a stool but only passing small amounts of watery diarrhea, he or she may be suffering from a painful blockage caused by the ingestion of a foreign object, such as a toy. This is a serious issue that requires immediate veterinary attention. Contact your veterinarian or go to the nearest emergency animal hospital for assistance.

Repeated bouts of diarrhea in a short period could indicate a serious health problem, especially if your dog is very old, very young, or has a compromised immune system. Infections like parvovirus are extremely dangerous, contagious, and potentially fatal. If your dog has frequent bouts of diarrhea, contact your veterinarian right away.

How do dogs act when they have diarrhea?

• Your dog is not behaving normally.
• Your dog is not eating or drinking normally.
• There is blood (a red or black color) in the stool.
• Your puppy’s belly seems bloated.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs?

Each case of diarrhea in dogs is different. Your dog might be suffering from diarrhea for several reasons, from stress to an upset stomach to a more serious health condition. Understanding the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs can help you identify the issue.

How do I know if my senior dog is suffering?

Physical and Behavioral Changes. Other signs can indicate that your dog is unwell. The signs include excessive grooming, eye changes, weight loss, twitching or tight muscles, heavy panting, and extreme restlessness. Others are aggression, whining and whimpering, excessive vocalization, and difficulty walking and getting up the stairs.

If ever you are in doubt, it is better to be overcautious. As a pet parent, you know your pet better than anyone else. If you suspect that your pet may be suffering, take him to the vet for a checkup. Dogs will generally avoid exhibiting any signs of weakness.

For more signs of pain in senior dogs, visit Bergen County Veterinary Center at our office in Waldwick, New Jersey. You can call 201-205-2500 today to schedule an appointment.

What if my dog has diarrhea but still eating and drinking?

Bland diet. Many dogs who have diarrhea still want to eat, and this is just fine! Feeding small amounts of a bland diet frequently throughout the day can be a great way to soothe your dog’s GI tract.

Veterinary prescription diets that are highly-digestible and low-fat are ideal for dogs with diarrhea. These specially formulated dog foods promote healthy intestinal bacteria while meeting all a dog’s energy requirements.

But in a pinch, it is generally safe to feed your dog cooked chicken and white rice. This combination of food provides your dog with important nutrients while still adhering to the rules of a bland diet.

Most veterinarians recommend using boiled, skinless chicken and boiled white rice. But ground turkey, potatoes, and low-fat cottage cheese are also safe options. Keep in mind that you should not use any oils or seasoning to prepare your dog’s meal. And as with any time in your dog’s life, make sure to offer your dog plenty of fresh water.

How do I know if my dog is nearing end of life?

The next of the major signs that your dog is dying is a loss of balance and motor control. If your dog does get up and move around, they may be very wobbly or act disoriented. They may shake or convulse while lying down.

If you can, keep them in a confined, quiet comfortable area and remove anything they may bump into or knock over. Saying goodbye to your dog means protecting them, creating a safe space for them and giving them whatever help they need.

A dying dog will lie in one spot and not even move to relieve themselves. They may have diarrhea.

How to tell the difference between dog diarrhea and loose stool?

NOT NORMAL. If the stool is soft, mushy, and hard to pick up, this is considered diarrhea. The colon is the organ that absorbs the water from the intestine, so if the stool is abnormally loose, the colon is not functioning properly. Some dogs want to “mark” with their excrement. It is not normal for a well-trained dog to have accidents in the house.

Some dogs will have a normal bowel movement at the beginning of a walk, and then proceed to have one or more BM where the stool is soft. This is simply because the fecal contents have been sitting in the colon long enough for the water to be absorbed. As long as the dog is happy, eating, and not having any accidents, this can be normal behavior.

When cats get diarrhea and they are using a litter box, it will often be covered in litter and look more like a ball or urine rather than poop. Small animals can become dehydrated easily due to diarrhea, especially if they are also vomiting and/or not eating.