Dog Diarrhoea: Causes, Home Triage & When to Call a Vet

The sound of a dog scratching at the back door of your home in the dead of night is enough to send chills down the spines of even the most confident dog owner. The squelch of a dog’s stomach in distress at 3am is the ultimate dream killer.

As a mobile vet in Australia, I see dogs in living rooms across the country who are feeling "off". Diarrhoea is one of the most common reasons dog owners seek out our assistance at Pawssum.

As dogs love to explore with their mouths, their digestive systems are always in action. In this article, I’ll reveal to you the signs of diarrhoea in dogs and when it’s time to call in the professionals.

1. The "Poop Diary": Decoding the Clues

When dog owners call a vet with concerns over their pup’s diarrhoea, the first question the vet will ask is what the colour of the poop looks like. This can provide valuable insight into the health of the dog prior to examination.

The "Bristol Stool Chart" for Dogs

What is the ideal colour and consistency of a dog's poop?

- Firm, chocolate brown and easily scooped up out of the dog’s litter box or dog waste bin is the ideal state of a dog’s stool.

What if the stool is not of this ideal standard?

- Soft serve: often due to eating something inappropriate or a change in diet

- Watery and liquid: could indicate the small intestine is struggling to absorb the nutrients from the food being digested by the dog. Can lead to dehydration if not managed properly, especially in puppies who have more delicate digestive systems.

- Jelly-like coating: could be a sign of "Large Bowel Diarrhoea" where the colon becomes inflamed.

- Increased frequency of needing to go to the bathroom with small amounts of waste.

2. The "Vomit Rainbow": What the Colour Tells Us

The colour of a dog’s stool can indicate different health issues.

Yellow and orange: indicates issues with the dog’s liver, gallbladder, or the rate at which the dog’s food passes through the digestive system.

Green: can be caused by eating too much grass. Other causes include gallbladder and intestinal issues.

Pale, greasy stools: could be a sign of pancreatitis in dogs, or a general issue with the dog’s ability to properly absorb nutrients from the food they eat.

Black and tarry stools: indicates that the dog is losing blood in their system (from their stomach or upper small intestine). This is an urgent situation.

Bright red blood in their stool: indicates fresh blood loss in the large intestine. This can be due to an intestinal issue such as an ulcer. However, if the amount of blood is large, it can be a sign of a more serious problem.

3. Common Culprits: Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhoea?

The "Garbage Gut" (Dietary Indiscretion)

Many dogs will eat things they shouldn’t and this is the most common reason for diarrhoea.

Dietary Changes

When dogs eat foods that are drastically different from the diet they are used to, their microbiome gets out of sync. It is recommended to give dogs time to adjust to a new diet over several days.

Australian-Specific Risks

Due to the location in which many of our dogs live, there are a few additional reasons for diarrhoea that should be discussed:

Parvovirus: in certain areas of NSW, QLD and Victoria this virus continues to be a threat to puppies and young dogs who have not yet received full courses of vaccinations.

Blue-Green Algae: during the hot summer months dogs can become poisoned from drinking water that contains this algae.

Paralysis Ticks: while these ticks are well known for causing breathing problems in dogs, they can also cause gastrointestinal issues as well.

Parasites and Protozoa: common parasites like Giardia and Whipworm are common in the Australian dog parks.

4. Home Triage: What You Can Do in the First 24 Hours

If your dog only experiences one or two instances of diarrhoea but is otherwise energetic and happy, there are a few things that you can do at home.

The 12-Hour "Gut Rest" (For Adults Only)

For adult dogs, skipping a meal for 12 hours can help to allow their gastrointestinal system to settle.

Note: Do not give a "gut rest" to puppies or breeds like Chihuahua or Yorkies as they can develop hypo-glycaemia.

The Bland Diet

After 12 hours give dogs a bland diet. Start with a recipe of 60% white rice and 40% boiled skinless chicken breast.

Why white rice? Because it is high in glycemic index and easily digested.

Do not add butter, oils or seasonings.

The Hydration Test

Stool loss can lead to dehydration. There are two tests a pet owner can use to determine if dehydration is occurring:

Skin Turgor Test: pull up the skin over the dog’s shoulder. If the skin does not snap back into place immediately, your dog is dehydrated.

Gum Test: feel the gums. They should be wet and slippery. If they feel dry, the dog is dehydrated.

5. When It’s Urgent: The Red Flags

In the unfortunate case that your dog presents with any of the following symptoms, it is essential to immediately take them to a vet:

Vomiting and Diarrhoea: can lead to rapid dehydration.

Lethargy: could be a sign of low blood pressure or electrolyte imbalances.

Bloody Stool: can be a sign of blood loss from the digestive system.

Abdominal pain: dogs will often lie in a praying position with their front legs extended and their hind legs pointed at the air if they are experiencing pain.

Stool continues beyond 48 hours: after a bland diet.

6. The Mobile Vet Advantage: Why Treat at Home?

When a dog has diarrhoea, the last place they should go is a veterinary clinic. Here’s why:

Zero Stress: stress causes cortisol release which can worsen the dog’s condition. By remaining at home, the dog will experience lower stress and the vet can perform a more accurate physical exam.

In-Home Observation: in addition to being vets on the go, we can also observe the dog’s environment for any additional health threats (toxic houseplants, etc.)

No Risk of Contagious Diseases: if your dog has a virus such as Parvo or Giardia, taking them to a clinic could expose other pets to the illness. We will treat them in the comfort of your home.

Immediate Relief: we can provide anti-nausea, fluids and probiotics at your home.

Summary: Act Early, Rest Easy

In most cases, dogs will recover from a bout of diarrhoea in a few days with some dietary and care changes. However, as dogs are unable to communicate their feelings to their owners, we must be vigilants in keeping an eye on their health. Should you have any concerns for your dog’s health, it is always better to have a vet visit for an "upset tummy" than for a more serious health issue.

About the Vet: Dr. Jess

Dr. Jess (BVSc)

Dr. Jess is a veterinarian with over 12 years of experience in Australia’s small animal clinics. As the founder of Pawssum, she is dedicated to providing her vets with the best care in their "safe space". Dr. Jess has a special interest in canine internal medicine and gut health. When she is not travelling for Pawssum, she is on the trails with her energetic Kelpie cross dog Cooper who often finds ways to "sample" things he shouldn’t in the park.