This article was approved by Lemonade’s favorite vet, Dr. Stephanie Liff.
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting adventure. But it also comes with its fair share of challenges—like dealing with puppy diarrhea.
Let’s take a look at some of the main causes of diarrhea in puppies, and how to respond, so you can have peace of mind as a pet parent when your puppy isn’t feeling their best.
What are the most common causes of diarrhea in puppies?
Some of the most common causes of puppy diarrhea include:
Dietary indiscretion
Puppies are naturally curious and often explore their environment by tasting everything, leading to dietary indiscretion, meaning eating things they shouldn’t. Ingesting inappropriate items, like human food, garbage—or overindulging in treats—can upset their sensitive digestive system, resulting in puppy diarrhea.
New food and diet change
A sudden diet change or the introduction of new food can disrupt a young puppy’s delicate digestive system. Gradually transitioning them to a new diet over several days can help prevent upset stomachs and loose stools.
Viral infections
Viruses such as parvovirus and distemper are notorious for causing severe dog diarrhea in puppies. These viral infections can lead to bloody diarrhea and require immediate veterinary care. Vaccination against these viruses, particularly with the DAPP vaccine, is crucial for protecting your puppy’s health.
Bacterial infections
Certain bacterial infections, including salmonella and e. coli, are common causes of diarrhea in puppies. These infections can severely impact the gastrointestinal tract, leading to frequent and loose bowel movements. Puppies can come into contact with these bacteria through contaminated food, unsanitary environments, and human contact.
Intestinal parasites
Parasites like roundworms, whipworms, giardia, and coccidia can wreak havoc on a puppy’s intestines. Regular deworming is vital to keeping these intestinal parasites in check.
Immune system
A puppy’s immune system is still developing, making them more susceptible to infections that can cause diarrhea. Stress, environmental changes, or exposure to other sick animals can weaken their immune response, allowing infections to take hold, which can lead to diarrhea.
Types of puppy diarrhea
Understanding the type of diarrhea your puppy is experiencing can help in determining the underlying cause:
- Acute diarrhea: This type of diarrhea comes on suddenly and is often caused by dietary indiscretion, stress, or a sudden change in diet. It usually resolves within a few days with proper care.
- Chronic diarrhea: Chronic diarrhea persists for longer than two weeks and may indicate underlying health issues such as infections, food sensitivities, or parasites. It requires veterinary evaluation.
- Soft stools vs. watery stools: Soft stools are less severe and may resolve with dietary changes, while watery stools can indicate a more serious condition and lead to dehydration.
What should I do if my puppy is having diarrhea?
- Maintain hydration: Make sure your puppy has access to fresh water at all times, especially if they’re having diarrhea. Diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, which is dangerous for young puppies.
Always ensure your puppy has access to fresh water at all times. You can also add water to their food or serve water-rich options like rice, chicken, and other moist carbohydrates to keep them hydrated.
Dr. Stephanie Liff
- Implement a bland diet: A bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice can help soothe your puppy’s upset tummy. This simple meal is gentle on their stomach and can help firm up their stools.
- Administer probiotics: Dog probiotics can restore balance to your puppy’s digestive system and promote healthier bowel movements. Consult with your vet before giving your pup probiotics.
- Monitor symptoms: Keep a close eye on your puppy’s behavior and feces. Note any signs of bloody diarrhea, prolonged loose stools, or additional symptoms like vomiting and lethargy. If possible, collect a stool sample for your vet, as this may provide valuable information.
When should I visit the vet?
While occasional diarrhea in puppies may be normal, certain instances warrant a visit to the vet:
- Persistent diarrhea lasting more than 24 to 48 hours
- Loss of appetite or refusal to drink water
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Signs of dehydration, such as dry gums or sunken eyes
If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to consult with your vet or take your pup to an emergency vet clinic.
Dealing with unexpected vet care for your pup can be both scary and costly. At Lemonade you can cover your furry friend with dog insurance from the time they’re two months old, ensuring they receive the care they need without breaking the bank—including if they require a visit to the vet for diarrhea.
How can I help prevent puppy diarrhea?
While it’s pretty much impossible to completely avoid the occasional bout of puppy diarrhea, there are definitely ways to help keep those little tummies healthy and happy.
Here are some tips to support your furry friend’s gut health and make those messy moments a bit easier to handle:
- Vaccinations and deworming: Keeping up with your puppy’s vaccination schedule is essential to protect your new furry friend against yucky viral infections that can upset their digestive system—like parvovirus and distemper. Regular deworming can also help prevent parasitic infections that lead to diarrhea.
- Avoid table scraps and human food: Stick to a consistent diet and avoid giving your puppy table scraps or human food. These can lead to food allergies and digestive issues, resulting in diarrhea.
- Puppy-proof your home: Minimize the risk of ingestion of foreign objects by keeping harmful items out of reach. Secure trash cans and clean up potential hazards to prevent accidental ingestion.
Before we go…
Dealing with a new puppy’s health problems can be stressful, but being informed and prepared can make the process smoother. Ensuring your puppy’s well-being doesn’t just stop at immediate care—considering pet insurance is a wise investment for any pet parent. It provides a safety net for unexpected veterinary expenses, giving you peace of mind. With pet insurance, you can focus on enjoying your furry friend’s companionship, knowing they’re protected.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
