While dogs can have robust digestive systems, there are some common issues they can have that can be caused by infections, diet, lifestyle and other factors. The signs of these issues can point to a number of potential causes, so it’s important to consult your veterinarian for further advice and treatment.
Signs and causes of diarrhea in dogs
If your dog has diarrhea, they will move their bowels more frequently than normal and stools may be of a looser consistency. Your veterinarian will make the distinction between diarrhea caused by small intestine problems, and those caused by issues in the large intestine; the latter generally results in more mucus-like diarrhea of a small volume, but frequent.
Diarrhea can be caused by your dog eating something that disagrees with them, a bacterial or viral infection, worms or other parasites, or can be an indicator of an underlying health condition. Puppies are particularly at risk as they have very vulnerable digestive and immune systems.
An infestation of parasites can cause diarrhea in your dog, including roundworms and protozoa, like coccidia. Although deworming can help get rid of worms in the digestive tract, your dog is still at risk as not all treatments are effective against all parasites.
Your dog may also have diarrhea if they have a dietary hypersensitivity or allergy. Gastrointestinal signs caused by food allergies are usually more chronic than diarrhea, caused by something like dietary indiscretion. However, if your dog has chronic diarrhea, talk to your veterinarian before changing their diet as there can be many causes.
Treatment of diarrhea in dogs
Depending on the underlying cause, your veterinarian may prescribe different treatments for your dog’s diarrhea. This may include deworming, medicine to treat an infection and dietary management, such as giving them a specialized diet to help reduce the workload on the gut and help improve stool quality.
Signs and causes of constipation in dogs
If you notice your dog struggling to move its bowels and straining, they may be constipated. Signs of constipation include having stool that is infrequent, hard or dry.
Constipation can be caused by a lack of exercise, diet, trauma, a change of environment and underlying diseases.
Treatment of constipation in dogs
Your veterinarian is likely to prescribe medications as immediate relief for your dog, and may also suggest gentle surgical procedures depending on the severity of the problem. Dietary changes can also help manage this condition in your dog; for example, balancing the types of fibre in your dog’s diet can help improve stool quality and the overall health of their digestive system.
Signs and causes of IBD in dogs
Like humans, dogs can suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The signs can include chronic diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss, which often become more frequent or severe over time.
Unfortunately, it’s not clear what exactly causes IBD in dogs, and it may stem from multiple problems. Because there can be many possible underlying causes, your veterinarian will attempt to rule out all other causes first. Their diet can play a significant role in treatment.
Treatment of IBD in dogs
Dietary intervention is often used to manage IBD in dogs. The amount of fat may be changed, and a highly digestible, high-quality protein source included as part of their diet so they get the energy they need without putting undue strain on their system.
If you notice your dog suffering from one of these digestive problems, make sure that you visit your veterinarian – they’ll be able to conduct a thorough examination and advise you on the best treatment possible.
