Watch the latest Alpha Paw episodes with host Bernie Zilio as she tackles your pet parent questions, along with our board of pet experts. In this episode, she discusses the reasons why your poor pooch may have the runs and what to do about it.  You can watch the video and read the transcript below!

The Transcript

Bernie Zilio
Usually, your dog is always on the run, but this time maybe they *have* the runs. Here’s why your dog is having diarrhea.

Welcome back to Alpha Paw, your destination for everything dog. I’m Bernie Zilio and I’m on a mission to answer every doggone question you’ve ever had about your fur babies and today we are talking about why your dog may be having diarrhea and what to do about it. And fortunately, we have an expert with us here today, Dr. Ross.

Dr. Ross is a seasoned veterinary professional and pet care expert. He earned his doctorate degree in veterinary medicine at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and his work has been featured in several industry-leading publications, including the Journal of Veterinary Surgery. He is our go-to vet for everything we want and needs to know about our fur babies, so welcome back to Alpha Paw Dr. Ross…

Yet another poop talk with you Dr. Ross, but it’s for the good of our dogs! So we have to do it. There is nothing worse than seeing runny stool from your pup and trying to retrace your steps as to what might have caused it. So what causes diarrhea in general?

Dr. Ross
Diarrhea is the result of the faster movement of fecal material through the intestine, combined with decreased absorption of water, nutrients, and electrolytes.

Bernie Zilio
And what sorts of things can contribute to this?

Dr. Ross
Intestinal infection from bacteria, viruses, coccidia, or intestinal worms may be the cause. In dogs, dietary indiscretion (eating garbage or other offensive or irritating materials), or a change in diet is a common cause of acute (sudden) diarrhea. Stress, especially following travel, boarding, or other changes in the environment, can also cause acute diarrhea.

Bernie Zilio
Should we ever be really concerned about diarrhea in our dogs?

Dr. Ross
It can also be a sign of a more serious underlying disorder such as allergies, bacterial or viral infections, inflammatory intestinal disease, organ dysfunction, or other systemic illness.

Bernie Zilio
When should we consult a vet?

Dr. Ross
The seriousness of diarrhea depends on how long diarrhea has persisted and how many other signs accompany diarrhea. If your dog has severe bloody diarrhea or is showing more generalized signs of illness such as weakness, fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite, or if dehydration accompanies diarrhea, the cause may be more serious.

Bernie Zilio
What is the treatment?

Dr. Ross
Conservative treatment may involve withholding all food for 12-24 hours or feeding small amounts of an easily digested diet at more frequent intervals. Water should be offered at all times. A home-cooked bland diet may also be recommended by your veterinarian that often contains a combination of cooked rice or pasta and boiled chicken. Antidiarrheal agents, dewormers and or probiotics (bacteria that support intestinal health) may be prescribed in some cases.}

Bernie Zilio
Well, thank you so much Dr. Ross for breaking this all down for us. I know diarrhea is something a lot of pet parents have to deal with, so it’s helpful to have all of the facts! Again, I’m Bernie Zilio and this is Alpha Paw, be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss a single doggone episode and we’ll see you next time!