Loose stools can become an ongoing problem in both dogs and cats. In medical terms, changes to the consistency of stools is termed chronic diarrhoea when it has been present for 2 weeks or more. This is quite common. In this article we look at the typical reasons and how to help your pet.
There are intestinal causes of diarrhoea, which include problems with the small intestine, large intestine, problems with digestion and dietary issues. However, there can also be other causes that can have a secondary effect on the intestines, such as problems with the liver or pancreas.
Some common causes are:
Irritable Bowel Disease/Disorder (IBD)
Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE) - a form of inflammation
Infections
Parasites (such as intestinal worms, Giardia, coccidia)
Cancer
Dietary intolerance or allergies
Drugs and medications
The symptoms will be dependent on the cause of the softer stools and may include:
Weight loss
Vomiting
Increased frequency of passing stools
Increased gas
Spots of blood
Mucus/clear jelly
Pain when passing stools
Straining
Change in volume of stools
Change in colour of stools
Once a likely diagnosis has been made, treatment can be started. This may include a change in diet, wormers and faecal samples being collected and sent to the laboratory for testing. In more severe cases, an abdominal ultrasound or x-ray may be needed and there are also times when antibiotics are required.
A good quality, balanced diet is essential. Always introduce any diet changes slowly and try to avoid scavenging. It is important to keep your pet up to date with regular worming treatment. It is also a good idea to check the garden regularly for any material or plants that may cause diarrhoea.
If you notice that your pet has diarrhoea, please get in touch with your vet. This is particularly important if you notice blood present, if your pet is passing large volumes of diarrhoea or has other symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, pain or a reduced appetite.
Inflammatory bowel disease in dogs
Common infectious causes of diarrhoea in dogs and puppies
Food allergies in dogs and cats and how to manage them
Colitis in dogs - A common cause of diarrhoea
If you would like more advice on nutrition or raw feeding, please book an online video appointment to have a chat with one of our FirstVet nutrition vets.
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