Why does my puppy have diarrhea?

Puppy diarrhea occurs when your dog is making loose, unformed poops that resemble liquid or that fall apart when touched. There are many common causes of diarrhea in puppies that may not be cause for alarm — and there are a few that require veterinary intervention to resolve.

Our helpful guide will cover the common, non-concerning reasons and other possibilities that require medical intervention. We’ll also show you how to conduct a self-analysis at home so that you know exactly when your young dog should go to the vet.

There are many reasons why your pet may be dealing with runny poops. Stress, bacterial and parasitic infections, and diet changes are a few of the most common triggers — although, each pet is different and can be triggered by different things.

Consider any of the possible reasons listed below, and speak to your vet if the diarrhea doesn’t resolve or is accompanied by other signs of illness. They can help you come up with a tailored plan and diagnostic process that works to address both the symptoms and the causes of your puppy’s diarrhea.

Luckily for pet parents, recognizing puppy diarrhea is fairly easy — especially in severe cases of diarrhea. You’ll be able to spot the poop from a mile away, as it consistently will appear soft, runny, or liquid with a complete lack of form. You might also notice foul odors associated with it that are worse than normal.

The stool may also have bloody or black streaks in it (which can be a sign of superficial or deep bleeding), white specks (which could indicate worms), or excessive mucus. This’ll be in pretty strong contrast to “healthy poop,” which is typically firm, light or dark brown, and well-formed.

💩 Here’s a helpful guide to dog poop colors and appearance, and what each can mean:

This process is fairly easy and uses a variety of clinical and lab testing options. Generally, you won’t need more than a regular vet visit, which is‌ generally covered by pet insurance. (If you don’t have a pet insurance plan yet, now would be a good time to get one. This can save you a lot of money later on, especially in the event of a veterinary emergency).

Your vet might choose to conduct additional tests to ensure that the diarrhea has no other possible causes that could link to disease — such as a compromised immune system, caused by viruses.

Here’s a summary of what tests you can expect if you take your pup to the vet for diarrhea:

• Physical examination. Your vet will conduct a physical examination, palpating (pressing down on) your dog’s abdomen to check for clinical signs of blockages or other problems. They may also conduct a rectal exam.
• Fecal tests. Your pet’s poop may be tested for a range of pathologies, like intestinal parasites and parvo. E. coli, salmonella, and campylobacter may require more extensive testing than this, such as cultures or DNA tests. This is generally done using a third-party lab service.
• Blood tests. Taking your pet’s blood gives your vet a better look at the range of possible causes for your puppy’s diarrhea. This may be covered by your pet insurance, depending on what tests your vet chooses.
• X-rays and ultrasounds. While slightly less common, X-rays and ultrasounds help your vet to determine whether there are structural causes at play, possibly causing your pup’s loose poop.

Once you’ve determined the possible causes of your dog’s diarrhea, you can begin to make a treatment plan. It’s important to note, though, that the suggestions we’ve put together support pups with soft stools too, even if they don’t fit the full criterion of diarrhea (i.e., liquid poops with foul odors). Here are a few ideas to help settle your pet’s digestive tract.*

• Trying a bland diet. Sometimes, a little chicken, canned plain pumpkin, or rice is all you need to firm up your dog’s bowel movements. Even if your pet is experiencing mild intestinal distress, it may be helpful to change to a diet that’s completely bland and free of table scraps. You can usually keep this up until the diarrhea resolves, so long as your veterinary expert is on board with that.
• Keeping stress low. Stress can be caused by various factors in your dog’s life — and it can be a major trigger for your dog’s digestive tract. Keep new people, abrupt changes, and loud noises to a minimum as they heal.
• Ask your vet about supplements. Probiotics and prebiotics can soothe your pet’s gut. Consider asking your veterinarian if this is an option in your specific case.
• Oral rehydration. Hydration is key when it comes to diarrhea in both pets and humans. If you’re looking to double the benefit, you can consider using an oral electrolyte replacement fluid (at your vet’s discretion).

It’s important to note that these treatments for symptoms are for informational purposes only. If your pet is experiencing severe diarrhea, alarming diarrhea (i.e. bloody or worm-specked), or large amounts of diarrhea, veterinary care is key. Please work with your vet (as a general rule) to determine the best course of treatment for your canine.

Medications help dogs who have lost control of their poops. There are three main classes of meds that veterinarians usually give to treat diarrhea:

• Antiparasitics. These are given if your dog’s diarrhea is from parasites, like in the case of giardia or roundworms..
• Antibiotics. If a GI infection is contributing to your dog’s diarrhea, antibiotics are the first line of defense to help clear everything up. Your vet will determine what class or type of medication is right for your dog.
• Probiotics. Probiotics are generally given at any time and help to balance your dog’s gut flora to slow the flow of poop and reduce their discomfort.
• Intravenous fluids. While not a true medication, IV fluids are generally for severe or urgent cases of dehydration and happen with your vet in-office. Your vet can also use IVs to deliver anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medication to help your pet be as comfortable as possible.
• Surgery. If a foreign body is to blame, your veterinarian can offer surgery to remove the body and alleviate your pet’s symptoms.

Prevention is the best measure against puppy diarrhea. Here are some top tips to try at home after your dog’s pooping resolves:

It’s never fun when your pet is under the weather — especially when there’s poop or stomach troubles involved. Early diagnosis and intervention help your pet to recover quickly and smoothly. Veterinary care should be sought as soon as possible to avoid complications and excessive dehydration in your furry friend.