Diarrhea

What conditions can cause diarrhea in pets?

Diarrhea is secondary to many medical conditions, including:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Lymphoma
• Hypoadrenocorticism
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Gastroenteritis
• Intestinal parasites
• Stress
• Pancreatitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Diabetes
• Some cancer types

Pets who are prone to dietary indiscretion, such as getting into the trash or eating table scraps, can easily develop diarrhea, particularly if the foods are rich or fatty.

How can diarrhea affect my pet’s quality of life?

Diarrhea can greatly impact the bond you share with your pet, especially if your pet starts having accidents in your home. Being unable to get outside or to the litter box in time not only can cause your pet a great deal of stress, but also frustrate you, when you have to constantly clean up messes. 

If your pet’s diarrhea is severe, or they have accidents while lying down, they may develop sores, rashes, and infections from fecal material. Constant diarrhea can also create inflammation, causing your pet extreme discomfort. In addition, your pet may suffer from a nutritional deficiency if their food passes through the intestinal tract too quickly for nutrient absorption. If your pet’s diarrhea cannot be managed, you may need to make the tough decision to end their suffering.

How can I manage my pet’s diarrhea at home?

If your pet has diarrhea, these management tips may help improve their loose stool:

• Add a probiotic to your pet’s food, like Purina Fortiflora. 
• Rest your pet’s gastrointestinal tract by withholding food for 12 to 24 hours—consult with your family veterinarian before fasting your pet, if they are on a medication that must be given with food.
• Feed your pet small amounts of a home-cooked, bland diet made from steamed white rice and boiled chicken breast or ground beef, straining the fat before adding the meat to the rice.
• Switch your pet to food proven to help diarrhea that your family veterinarian may prescribe.

Always ensure your pet suffering from diarrhea has access to plenty of fresh water, as diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration.

When should I seek veterinary help for my pet’s diarrhea?

If your pet has a chronic condition, you should maintain close contact with your family veterinarian about their progress and management. Contact your family veterinarian in these situations:

• Your pet’s diarrhea is continuous
• Your pet’s loose stool contains blood
• Other illness signs have developed with your pet’s diarrhea
• Your pet is weak
• Your pet has lost weight

Your family veterinarian may have additional management tips, or may prescribe an anti-diarrheal medication or prescription diet to better manage their condition.

Before your pet’s condition becomes unmanageable, or they begin losing their quality of life, beginning end-of-life care discussions is vital. Learn more about pet hospice, in-home euthanasia, and our telehospice services, or contact a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area, so you can feel fully prepared for this difficult time.