There’s nothing worse than noticing that your pup isn’t feeling well. After all, they are family! No one really likes talking about doggy diarrhea but if you own a dog chances are you’ve experienced it. Diarrhea in dogs can be harmless and it might be a side effect of something simple like a change in diet. That said, there is a chance it might be a symptom of an underlying serious illness. This is why getting to the bottom of it is crucial.
Signs that your dog has diarrhea include loose, liquidy stool. They might also need frequent trips outside to relieve themselves. Diarrhea can come on suddenly and can last anywhere from a day to several weeks. But be careful because persistent diarrhea can cause dehydration. Let’s explore some of the most common causes of dog diarrhea and then make sure you talk with your veterinarian if you suspect it is something serious.
Eating Spoiled Food
Does your dog like to take frequent trips to the garbage can, scavenging for tasty leftovers? There’s a chance your dog ate spoiled food and this can cause diarrhea.
By eating spoiled food out of the garbage or even the feces of another animal, your dog can become at risk for an illness called garbage toxicosis, also called garbage gut. When the bacteria from the contaminated waste enters the digestive tract, it produces toxins that get absorbed in their bloodstream.
Common symptoms of garbage toxicosis are watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. In severe cases, your dog may experience the inability to control body movements, hypothermia, and even shock. If you think your dog may have eaten something contaminated it’s time to take them to the vet.