Causes of Diarrhea in Puppies

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Last Updated on May 6, 2022 by Pauline G. Carter

Most cases of diarrhea in puppies are the result of a stomach or intestinal infection. The infection is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. Sometimes it can also be caused by a foreign body, such as a piece of plant or animal material, or by an intestinal parasite.

Diarrhea can also occur if a puppy eats something that is poisonous or if he is taking certain medications. In some cases, diarrhea may be the first symptom of a more serious condition, such as liver disease or kidney disease.

Finally, stress can cause diarrhea in puppies. For example, puppies may have diarrhea when they travel, or if they are going to the vet or boarding kennel.

When to See a Vet

If your puppy has diarrhea, it is important to see a vet as soon as possible. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can be very dangerous, especially in young puppies. Your vet will examine your puppy and may perform some tests, such as a fecal exam, to determine the cause of diarrhea.

Treatment will be based on the underlying cause. If your puppy has severe diarrhea, is vomiting, or has other symptoms, such as lethargy or loss of appetite, he should be seen by a vet immediately.

If you think the issue with your pup is not urgent and doesn’t seem like an emergency, you can use the online vet chat and ask any questions you may have regarding its health and behavior.

How to Prevent Diarrhea in Puppies

The best way to prevent diarrhea in puppies is to keep them up to date on their vaccinations. This will help to protect them from some of the viruses and bacteria that can cause the condition. It is also important to feed your puppy a high-quality diet and to keep his environment clean.

If you take your puppy for walks, make sure that he does not eat anything off the ground. If you have other pets, keep them up to date on their vaccinations and make sure that they do not have any infections that could be passed to your puppy.

How to Treat Diarrhea in Puppies

If your puppy has diarrhea, you will want to take him to the vet. The vet will be able to determine the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

If the diarrhea is caused by a change in diet, the vet will likely recommend a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice or cottage cheese and rice. The vet may also recommend giving your puppy probiotics or giving your puppy a dewormer if parasites are the cause.

If a bacterial infection is a cause, the vet may prescribe antibiotics. If the diarrhea is caused by stress, the vet will likely recommend letting your puppy rest, either at home or in the hospital.

If your puppy has diarrhea that contains blood, or if your puppy is vomiting or has a fever, you will want to take him to the vet immediately, as these could be signs of a serious condition.

Finally, consider using the emergency pet fund which will allow you to be prepared and have a subscription-based service that will cover any future expenses which might come from an emergency situation with your pet.