Is Your Dog Acting Fine Despite Diarrhea? Here's What to Do

Diarrhea is a common issue that can impact a pet’s life if it persists longer. Many pet owners frequently encounter diarrhea in their dogs. Occasionally, a dog might experience diarrhea while staying lively, playful, and exhibiting normal behavior. 

So, the question arises here whether we should be concerned about the issue or whether it is a natural process and heals itself with time. 

This blog will explore; 

• Common symptoms of dog’s diarrhea
• Its common types
• Potential causes
• How to diagnose the issue
• When to see a veterinarian
• Home remedies
• Prevention tips

Symptoms of Diarrhea in Dogs

Look out for the common signs below, even though your dog seems normal and performs all its routine activities. 

It is also reported that dog vomiting and diarrhea go side by side, but this is not actually true; both have different sources of origin, and they can exist simultaneously in some cases.

• Frequent loose or watery stools
• Increased urgency to defecate
• Abdominal discomfort or bloating
• Mucus or blood in the stool
• Flatulence (excessive gas)
• Vomiting, although not always present with diarrhea
• Straining during defecation 
• Dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy)

Timely catching these signs can help you determine whether the diarrhea is mild. 

Either it is manageable at home, or you are supposed to get veterinary professional help.

Different Types of Diarrhea in Dogs

Once you are able to diagnose the dog with diarrhea but normal behavior, you will surely determine the underlying complications. And its harmful effect on your dog’s health and daily activities.

1) Acute Diarrhea

• Sudden onset and usually lasts a few days
• Caused by frequent dietary changes, food intolerances, or mild infections

2) Chronic Diarrhea

• Persists for more than a few weeks
• Can be due to inflammatory bowel disease or chronic infections

3) Hemorrhagic Diarrhea

• Diarrhea mixed with blood
• Indicates severe gastrointestinal problems and requires immediate veterinary attention

4) Small Bowel Diarrhea

• Large volume but less frequent
• Often associated with vomiting, weight loss, and other signs of digestive distress

5) Large Bowel Diarrhea

• Frequent, small amounts of diarrhea, sometimes with mucus or blood
• Often caused by colitis, parasites, or stress

Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs

Dog's Diarrhea can be triggered by multiple factors, even though they appear fine.



Here are some common causes;

Dietary Changes or Indiscretion 

Dog stomach upsets with sudden diet changes or spoiled food if supplied regularly. 

Infections (Bacterial, Viral, Parasitic)

Bacteria such as Salmonella Parvovirus or parasites like Giardia that can cause diarrhea and infection.

Foreign Objects 

Ingesting non-food items can lead to diarrhea.

Medications and Antibiotics

Certain medications can lead to dog digestive issues by disturbing the gut. 

Stress and Anxiety

Stress, anxiety, or environmental changes can also be potential diarrhea propellers.

Food Intolerances or Allergies

Dogs who are allergic to specific ingredients in their food can cause the issue.

Underlying Health Conditions 

Inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or even cancer can cause chronic diarrhea.

How to Diagnose Dog Digestive Issues

If your dog is experiencing diarrhea yet appears otherwise healthy, pinpointing the underlying issue can be difficult without veterinary assistance.  

Here are some steps to follow:

Monitor and Document Symptoms

Monitor closely how often your dog pops (diarrhea), its texture, and its color. 

Also, observe any other signs, such as vomiting, fatigue, or changes in eating habits.

Conduct a Home Inspection

Look for any apparent injuries or signs that your dog may have swallowed something unusual. Check your living space for possible toxins and spoiled food.

Explore Diagnostic Testing

A veterinarian might suggest tests such as:

• Stool examinations
• Blood work
• Imaging techniques 

These quickly detect infections, parasites, or other health concerns.

Reach Out to an Online Veterinarian 

As a matter of great concern, you can use an online trusted platform like Search a Vet to consult with licensed veterinarians. 

The platform has thousands of veterinarians who can assist you in diagnosing the issue by just knowing the symptoms.

What to Do If My Dog Has Diarrhea But Is Acting Fine

If your dog has diarrhea but is otherwise acting fine, there are several steps you can take to manage the situation:

1. Assess the Situation

• Look for symptoms like vomiting or lethargy
• Check the stool for blood or mucus
• Note diarrhea type and frequency
• Consider recent diet changes or stress factors

2. Temporary Fasting

• Withhold food for 12-24 hours
• Ensure access to clean water
• Avoid all treats and snacks
• Monitor energy levels during the fasting period

3. Introduce a Bland Diet

• Start with boiled chicken and rice
• Feed small, frequent meals
• Gradually reintroduce regular food
• Observe stool consistency for improvement

4. Monitor Hydration

• Make sure your dog drinks water
• Offer ice cubes or diluted electrolytes
• Watch for signs of dehydration
• Check for dry gums or sunken eyes

5. Over-the-Counter Solutions

• Use dog-safe anti-diarrheal meds
• Always consult a vet first
• Follow dosing instructions carefully
• Avoid human medications unless advised

6. Seek Veterinary Guidance Online

• Contact an online vet if diarrhea persists for over 24 hours
• Check for other symptoms and seek veterinarian advice from “Search a Vet”
• Share details about symptoms and duration
• You will find a nearby veterinarian with a suitable budget in your area

Acute Diarrhea versus Chronic Diarrhea in Dogs

Like humans, your dog is not exempt from occasional tummy upsets, manifesting in one or two instances of loose stool or diarrhea. It is never wrong to take your dog to the vet when you are concerned, but there are times when only observation is required. 

This is the type of diarrhea that lasts for less than 14 days. Pets are also known to develop acute forms of diarrhea; in most instances, it will be self-limiting, provided no complications arise.

Chronic or persistent diarrhea, on the contrary, is when your dog has repeated episodes of diarrhea and does not recover within 14 days despite treatment. 

It can be fatal if not treated due to the effects of electrolyte depletion, dehydration, and the associated cause. 

It is usually caused by:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), different from IBS 
• Or an allergic reaction to certain food products 

So, a proper veterinarian examination and medical tests are required to make an appropriate diagnosis.

Home Remedies to Soothe Dog's Digestive Issues

Consider these home remedies if your dog is acting normally but still experiencing diarrhea.

• Add plain, unsweetened pumpkin to your dog's food to help coagulate stools
• Use specific probiotics to restore the balance of gut bacteria
• Provide homemade, salt-free bone broth to nourish your dog
• Offer small amounts of water from boiled rice to alleviate diarrhea
• Give plain, unsweetened yogurt in small amounts for natural probiotics
• Feed a simple diet of boiled chicken (without skin) and plain white rice
• Cook plain oatmeal and mix it into meals for added fiber and easy digestion
• Add a small amount of fresh ginger to food to reduce nausea and inflammation
• Use plain, canned sweet potato in small amounts to help firm up stools
• Freeze a dog-safe electrolyte solution into ice cubes to promote hydration

When to See a Vet Immediately

While mild cases of diarrhea often resolve on their own, there are certain situations where immediate veterinary attention is needed:

• Diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours
• Presence of blood or dark, tarry stools
• Symptoms like vomiting, fever, or severe lethargy
• Known ingestion of toxic substances or foreign objects
• Puppies, elderly dogs, or those with pre-existing health conditions

Prevention Tips for Dog Diarrhea

Prevention is always better than cure. 

Here are some tips to prevent future episodes of diarrhea in dogs:

• Gradual Dietary Changes
• Avoid Table Scraps and Trash
• Regular Deworming
• Hydration and Clean Water
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity can contribute to digestive issues and other health complications in dogs. Learn more about preventing obesity in dogs .
• Routine Checkups

To Sum Up

If your dog has diarrhea but is acting fine, it’s often manageable with a few simple steps and home care. 

However, it's essential to be vigilant for signs of worsening conditions. When in doubt, consult with a vet online or in person to ensure your pet's well-being. 

Use Search a Vet, a trusted platform to access thousands of veterinarians ready to offer consultations and peace of mind.

FAQs

What should I feed my dog if it has diarrhea?

It is advisable to have a low-profile diet that includes foods such as boiled chicken and white rice. Dogs suffering from diarrhea should not eat some foods, including fatty or spiced foods.

Can stress cause diarrhea in dogs?

Yes, stress and anxiety can trigger digestive issues, including diarrhea, in dogs. Changes in the environment or routine can be contributing factors.

What if nothing is working for my dog's diarrhea?

If nothing home remedies work to heal diarrhea, then don’t be a veterinary; seek professional veterinarian help to address the issue. Your vet may recommend diagnostic tests to identify the root cause and go for proper treatment.

What are some general anti-diarrhea treatments for dogs?

• Fasting for 12-24 hours
• Offer small amounts of bland food such as boiled chicken & rice
• Use probiotics or plain yogurt to restore gut health
• Always consult a vet before administering any over-the-counter medication

How long should diarrhea last in a dog?

Diarrhea has different spans, so it is categorized as mild and chronic diarrhea. In the case of mild diarrhea, it usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours; if the issue remains longer than 14 days, then it is converted to chronic diarrhea, and see immediate veterinary help.

Always try to consult with a veterinarian if it goes beyond two days.