Diarrhoea in pets is more common than you might think. It usually shows up as loose or watery stools, more frequent bathroom trips, and sometimes an urgent need to go. While it can be a minor issue, it can also be a sign of something more serious.
What is Diarrhoea in Pets?
Diarrhoea means your pet is passing soft, runny, or unformed stools more frequently than usual. The main reason behind this is an increase in water content in the stool. But remember—diarrhoea isn’t a disease on its own. It’s actually a symptom of various underlying conditions.
Common Causes of Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea can be caused by issues within the digestive system (called primary causes) or by problems in other parts of the body (secondary causes). Here’s a breakdown:
Primary Gastrointestinal Causes
- Parasites (like worms)
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Sudden diet changes or eating inappropriate things (like garbage)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Food intolerances
- Tumors or cancer in the digestive tract
Secondary Causes
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Pancreatic disorders
In these cases, the diarrhoea is just a symptom of a deeper medical issue.
How Serious is It?
Some pets may just have an upset stomach that clears up in a day or two. However, in other cases, diarrhoea can be a red flag for a more serious condition. It becomes dangerous when:
- The pet shows lethargy (low energy)
- Vomiting is also present
- There’s blood in the stool
- The pet refuses to eat or drink
- Signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes)
If your pet has any of these symptoms, take them to a vet immediately.
How Vets Diagnose the Cause
When you take your pet to the vet for diarrhoea, they’ll try to answer these four key questions:
1. Is the pet seriously unwell?
If your pet has a fever, isn’t eating, or is losing weight, the vet may recommend more advanced tests. If not, basic treatment may be enough.
2. Is it acute or chronic?
- Acute diarrhoea starts suddenly and usually resolves quickly. It’s often caused by things like eating spoiled food or mild infections.
- Chronic diarrhoea lasts more than a few days or keeps coming back. This may need deeper investigation to identify specific causes.
3. Is it a digestive issue or something else?
If the problem lies outside the digestive system, like in the liver or pancreas, different types of tests are needed compared to those for stomach-related causes.
4. Where is the problem —the small or the large intestine?
Symptoms vary depending on the affected part of the intestine. This helps vets decide what kind of tests and treatments are needed.
Diagnostic Tests Your Vet May Recommend
If your pet’s diarrhoea is chronic or comes with other symptoms (fever, weight loss, vomiting, poor appetite), the vet may suggest:
- Blood tests
- X-rays or ultrasound
- Stool tests for parasites and bacteria
- Endoscopy or biopsy of the intestines
- Surgery, in rare cases, is needed to look inside the abdomen
These tests help identify the exact problem so that targeted treatment can begin.
What if the Cause is Mild?
If your pet is otherwise healthy and the diarrhoea is mild or new:
- The vet may not need many tests
- They might treat it with:
- Medication to slow gut movement
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- A bland or special diet for a few days (like boiled chicken and rice)
Most pets get better in 2 to 4 days with this approach. If not, the vet will adjust the treatment or run more tests.
When to Call the Vet Urgently
Take your pet to the vet immediately if you notice:
- Blood in stool
- Vomiting along with diarrhoea
- Refusal to drink water
- Very low energy
- Signs of dehydration
Early treatment prevents complications like fluid loss, electrolyte imbalance, or organ damage.
Final Thoughts
While diarrhoea in pets is often harmless and clears up quickly, it should never be ignored—especially if it’s frequent, lasts more than a couple of days, or comes with other worrying symptoms.
Pro tip: Keep your pet hydrated, avoid giving table scraps, and contact your vet for any ongoing issues. Your vet is your best partner in keeping your furry friend healthy and happy!
