Diarrhea Exclusive: What Does Our Pets' Poop Tell Us?

Diarrhea is one of the most common ailments in furries, especially, small-sized breeds. While it can be managed at home with natural remedies, there are certain cases that require medical intervention. The cases of acute diarrhea can be hard to manage and understand. If not treated in time, then it can be fatal as well. Let’s discuss the causes and treatment options for dog diarrhoea.

Major Foods That Can Cause Diarrhea in Pets

We’ve all done it—fed our dogs a little bit off our plate or topped the bowl of kibble with a little something yummy. I know the temptation is real, and that sweet face asking for more is tempting, but just say no!

Our pets’ digestive systems are very different from our own. In general, dogs and cats are not well equipped to digest large volumes of fat or even any amounts that are more than whatever their normal is.

Treats that are high in salt and sugar can lead to diarrhea by simple osmosis—pulling water into the gastrointestinal tract as it is digested. If you are going to feed your pet “human food,” stick with safe fruits and vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or apples (without seeds).

Types of Diarrhea in Furries

Broadly, diarrhea for pets can be categorized into large bowel and small bowel diarrhea.

Large Bowel Diarrhea

Caused by issues arising from large intestines or the colon, large bowel diarrhea can pose:

• Increased frequency
• Small volumes of stool
• Straining to defecate
• Red blood in the stool as well as mucous

Small Bowel Diarrhea

This type of diarrhea is caused by issues in the small intestine and can be identified by large poop with a goop-like structure excreted at normal rates, stools that are fatty and might have red blood, and lack of absorption of nutrients resulting in the excretion of fatty stools.

Some signs to look for that indicate small bowel diarrhea in a furry

• Unexpected weight loss
• Dry or wrung coat
• Hefty appetite

Acute Diarrhea in Dogs

If you notice blood in your furry’s stool or vomiting or if diarrhea persists beyond 48 hours, it can be a sign of acute diarrhea. See a vet immediately if diarrhea has not cleared up within 24 hours.

Chronic Diarrhea in Dogs

The case of chronic diarrhea happens when the initial treatment does not work and diarrhea recurs. This can be due to:

• Parasites in the intestines such as whipworms
• Inflammation in the bowel
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Malfunctioning of the pancreas
• Cancer
• Unhealthy weight loss
• Dry hair and coat
• Lethargy

While doing online pet food shopping, it is easy to get confused about the variety of dog and cat foods available. Some foods that might be tagged healthy might not be good for a furry with a sensitive system as grain-free diets that are high in protein remove healthy fibers from the food as well which can be tough on the intestines of a furry. Hence look for balanced diet choices when buying cat or dog food online or offline. It is better to consult a veterinary nutritionist and get the right kind of diet prescribed for your furry.

Diarrhea With Vomiting in Dogs & Cats

When a furry has an infection in both the stomach and the upper GI tract, it could be a case of gastroenteritis. During gastroenteritis, vomiting occurs as well in addition to diarrhea. It can result from consuming a high-protein or high-fat food or treat that can cause the pancreas to become inflamed.

Acute cases can be fatal. Hence, if you notice any blood or vomit that looks brown, black, or red, then bring the furry to a vet right away. It is important to note that blood in the stools is a sign of concern and may require an immediate visit to the vet clinic.

What Does the Colour of Your Furry’s Poop Say?

When a healthy paw baby eats light-coloured food, their poop is light in colour. When they eat food that is dark in colour, they make a dark-coloured dump. However, when a furry has diarrhea, their poop shows signs of good or bad health through its colour.

Diarrhea in Yellow Colour

Yellow diarrhea can happen when a fur baby starts consuming a bland diet comprising mainly chicken and rice. When the chicken and rice get mixed with the yellow bile present in the gastrointestinal tract, it may cause yellow stools.

Bloody Diarrhea

When there is a rupture in the small blood vessels present in the lower part of the GI tract, there can be blood that gets passed into the stool resulting in bloody diarrhea. This is caused mainly when the furry tries too hard to push out the excretion and also when they consume food that results in conspiration. A small amount of blood in the stools is not a cause for concern. However, if the blood is on the heftier side, then take the furry to a vet right away.

Black-colored Diarrhea

Black diarrhea is also known as melena. Melena is caused when there is digestion of blood before it is regulated and is mostly observed in furries that have ulcer issues. This type of stool is back or greenish in color and very much resembles the poop of a newborn baby.

What to Give Pet for Diarrhea at Home?

A condition like diarrhea should not be self-treated at home through human medication. It is important to consult a veterinarian who can prescribe proper medication and treatment for the same. The best we can do at our end is to feed them a bland diet consisting of simple proteins such as cooked eggs, and lean chicken and simple carbs such as rice and sweet potatoes.

If diarrhea has been induced by stress, then keeping the furry on a fiber-rich diet such as pumpkin can help.

When Should You Call the Vet About Dog Diarrhea?

Try keeping your furry on a gentle diet for up to 48 hours. If diarrhea still persists, then take them to a vet immediately. Other signs of vet-related emergencies include:

• Vomiting (especially if there is blood present)
• Unexpected Weight loss
• Bloody stools
• Diarrhea after getting vaccines or medication

If you notice any of these signs, then get an online vet consultation or visit the vet in person immediately. Search for safe and healthy dog food online from Zigly’s online pet store.