What to Do If Your Puppy Has Diarrhea

Diet – What you feed your pup is vital to their growth and health – but it could also be why they have diarrhea. Finding the perfect food for your puppy can require trial and error and might cause diarrhea as their stomachs adjust. If you haven’t changed their food, they might have developed an insensitivity to an ingredient in their current food. If you suspect your pup’s food is making them sick, consult your vet about how you can resolve the issue and change their diet accordingly. 

Bacterial Infection – Your puppy is still growing, and its immune system is still developing. Puppies can get a bacterial infection from drinking water from a puddle or even from another dog’s infected urine. Diarrhea is a common side effect of infection, and a good thing to look out for is if there is blood in their stool. If you see blood, contact your vet and get your pup tested for any possible bacteria they might have in their system. 

A Parasite – Your pup’s diarrhea might be a symptom of a parasite in their system. Puppies can be born with parasites or get them from contaminated food or water. Different types of parasites can cause stomach issues and should be treated as soon as possible by your vet.  

Stress – The first months of your puppy’s life are full of new experiences, people, and environments. Diarrhea could be a natural reaction to heightened stress as the body naturally exhibits anxiety. The adjustment period could be causing diarrhea, so don’t fret. Your puppy probably just needs to get used to its new way of life! 

Ingesting Something Harmful – Puppy’s curious nature can lead them to eat or swallow things they are not supposed to. From a sock to a piece of human food that didn’t sit right, their stomachs might react with diarrhea to expel whatever makes them sick. It is good to know what foods are unsafe for dogs and keep any scraps, small items, or medicines out of your pup’s reach.  

Viral Infection – Because puppies aren’t fully vaccinated until they have gotten all their shots, yours might have caught a viral infection such as distemper or parvovirus. Both pose a serious threat to your pup and require emergency attention. It is essential to look out for other viral infection symptoms alongside diarrhea, such as a fever, coughing, paralysis, or vomiting. If you notice any of these, contact your vet immediately.

Symptoms that might indicate a more significant medical issue 

Vomiting 

Excessive thirst 

Fever 

Blood in their stool 

Pale gums 

Pain 

Diarrhea for longer than a day 

Black, tarry stools 

Vaccinations – This measure is preventative. Making sure your puppy is on schedule for their vaccines will keep them protected from viral infections and any other illnesses they might get from outside of your home. Even stagnant water on the sidewalk can contain harmful things for your puppy. It is crucial to keep up to date on their shots to prevent sickness. 

Change Diets Slowly – Because a sudden change of food can upset your dog’s stomach, it might be helpful to ease them into a new food to let them adjust. An abrupt switch can cause a young puppy’s sensitive stomach problems. 

Beware When Outside Until They Are Fully Vaccinated – A lot of these infections are picked up outside from the excrements of other dogs. It is good to stay alert and keep your puppy away from other dogs’ urine or feces until they are fully vaccinated. Doing this can protect your pup from picking up diseases or viruses from others. Always make sure to pick up after your dog to protect others!  

 The Causes, Treatment, and Symptoms of Puppy Diarrhea | (akc.org) 

Bacterial and Fungal Infections In Dogs | (wedgewoodpharmacy.com) 

Puppies and Parasites: What You Need To Know | (1stpetvet.com)