If your pet has a case of the runs, it can be messy and uncomfortable for them and worrying for you. However, diarrhoea is a common condition in dogs and cats, and it can signal everything from ‘they ate something dodgy in the backyard’ to chronic disease.
What diarrhoea looks like in pets
It is a universal truth that dog owners become experts in their dog’s toilet habits (fun!), so changes in their stools are easy to see. For cat owners, though, it’s a little more challenging, as cats tend to go to the toilet in private (understandably).
To spot diarrhoea, look for runny, watery poo – our Best for Pet poo guide can help. Your pet might also go more often, have accidents (or a sense of urgency), show lethargy or vomiting, and there may be mucus or blood. It is easy to overlook these signs in cats, especially as litter trays mask frequency and any urgency cues.
What causes diarrhoea?
There could be a range of possible reasons behind your furry housemate’s diarrhoea, including:
- Diet: Sudden changes to their diet, food intolerances, scavenging from the garbage or eating old food.
- Parasites: These could be Roundworms, Hookworms, Giardia or Coccidia.
- Infections: Both viral (parvovirus) and bacterial (salmonella).
- Stress: May be triggered by vet visits, travelling, boarding or changes at home.
- Toxins: Certain plants, chemicals or human food.
- Chronic conditions: Including pancreatitis, liver disease, kidney disease, endocrine disorders and inflammatory bowel disease.
Treating mild cases at home
If your pet has a once-off case of diarrhoea or they seem bright and happy, you may be able to treat them at home and monitor them closely for up to 24 hours. Keep them on a bland diet (think boiled, skinless chicken and rice), and offer fresh water and pet-specific probiotics. Avoid dairy and human anti-diarrhoea medications.
When diarrhoea might be more serious
While mild diarrhoea may clear up on its own, it’s important to monitor your pet for signs something more serious might be happening. Seek urgent care if they show:
- Extreme lethargy
- Vomiting (in conjunction with diarrhoea)
- Blood or mucus in their poo
- Black stool
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours
Speak to your vet urgently if your puppy or kitten has diarrhoea, as young animals can decline rapidly.
Diagnosis and treatment
Depending on how seriously your pet is affected by their diarrhoea, your vet may suggest an ultrasound, diet trials, faecal parasite testing, blood tests or pancreatitis testing to diagnose the cause.
For treatment, your furry friend may need fluids, anti-nausea medication, dietary changes (bland diet, fibre supplement, gut health medications), parasite treatment or medications to manage chronic diseases.
How to help prevent diarrhoea
Although mild bouts of diarrhoea happen from time to time with all pets, there are some ways to help prevent more serious cases:
- Avoid sudden changes to their diet (introduce new food slowly over a week).
- Don’t feed your furry friend any table scraps or human food.
- Be consistent with parasite control.
- Keep up to date with vaccinations.
- Wash water and food bowls regularly.
- Monitor pets on walks and reduce access to household toxins.
