Diarrhoea in Puppies - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Diarrhoea in puppies is characterised by frequent, loose, or watery stools. The condition can vary in severity and duration, from mild and short-lived to severe and chronic. It can be caused by various factors, including dietary changes, infections, parasites, stress, or underlying health issues.

Recognising the symptoms and potential causes of diarrhoea in puppies will help you to provide appropriate care and treatment.
 

Various factors can trigger puppy diarrhoea. Understanding these can help you manage and treat the condition effectively.

Whether it’s due to moving to a new home, meeting new dogs, visiting the vet, or experiencing new environments, puppies can easily feel an overwhelming sense of stress, which can sometimes result in digestive issues such as diarrhoea. 

A sudden change in diet can upset a puppy's delicate digestive system, resulting in diarrhoea. To avoid this, introduce new foods gradually over a week to ten days, mixing the new food with the current diet, slowly increasing the amount of new food while reducing the amount of the previous food.

Although rare in young puppies, food allergies or intolerances can occur, typically to proteins such as chicken, beef, or dairy. If you suspect a food intolerance, consult your vet for guidance on structuring a well-rounded diet.

Due to their immature immune systems, puppies are more vulnerable to infections. Bacterial or viral infections can result in diarrhoea. Some infections, such as canine parvovirus, can be life-threatening and require intensive treatment. 

Intestinal worms such as roundworms, hookworms and whipworms can cause diarrhoea in puppies, which can be severe. Other intestinal parasites that can cause diarrhoea include coccidia and Giardia. Puppies can contract parasites from their environment, contaminated faeces, or from their mother. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to people.

Puppies explore the world with their mouths and may ingest harmful items like plants, trash, medicines, or cleaning products, leading to diarrhoea and other health issues. Some human foods, including chocolate, onions, artificial sweeteners, grapes, and raisins, are toxic to dogs. If your puppy ingests something harmful, contact your vet immediately.

A puppy with diarrhoea may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
•    Frequent Defaecation
•    Watery Stools
•    Mucus in Stools
•    Blood in Stools

Other symptoms that may be present include:
•    Loss of Appetite: Reluctance to eat, which can accompany diarrhoea.
•    Lethargy: Reduced energy levels and general tiredness.
•    Vomiting: Often accompanies diarrhoea.
•    Weight Loss: Noticeable weight loss due to dehydration and loss of nutrients.
 

If your puppy develops diarrhoea or other signs of illness, it’s important to contact your veterinary clinic for advice. They may recommend a check up to assess your pup’s condition and decide on the most appropriate treatment.

If you’re wondering how to stop puppy diarrhoea, unfortunately there is no single ‘loose puppy stool remedy’. Depending on the severity and the cause, your vet may prescribe medication or even recommend hospitalisation. Some general tips to help manage diarrhoea include:
•    Prioritising Dehydration: Puppies with diarrhoea can become dehydrated quickly. Ensure they have access to water and encourage them to drink. 
•    Introducing a Bland Diet: Your veterinarian may recommend a bland, low-fat diet until the diarrhoea resolves. 
•    Monitoring Your Puppy’s Symptoms: Pay close attention to your puppy's bowel movements. If the signs are not resolving or getting worse, contact your vet.