Dog Has Diarrhea But Acts Fine

Reviewed by Lauren Cannon, DVM

We have all been there, our dog has diarrhea but acts fine, what could be going on?

It is a good idea to keep a close eye on our dog’s pooping and peeing habits.

We should all be familiar with what is normal for our dog when he or she empties their bowels.

The different types of poop, in terms of shape or texture, and even the smell can tell us all kinds of things about our dog’s health.

In short, if your dog has diarrhea but acts fine, then there is likely nothing to be concerned about.

However, let’s take a look at a few different possibilities if your dog is not having a loose bowel movement.

Types of Diarrhea in Dogs

A dog’s stool will tell you a lot about what your dog may have eaten, or that it’s eaten something it shouldn’t have.

An ideal poop is one that is firm, not hard, segmented, log shaped and moist.

You will know if your dog is suffering from diarrhea when its poop starts to show the following characteristics:

• It has a log shape that is wet, soggy and loses its shape when picked up, leaving a residue.
• The poop is not in a log shape, and is in more of a wet pile shape.
• The poop has no defined shape, and is in many piles in many places.
• Watery stool that is completely wet, resembling a brown pool of liquid.

Common Causes of Diarrhea

Diarrhea can happen suddenly and clear up just as fast as it came on.

Or it can be something that persists over a longer period.

Causes of diarrhea in a dog go from completely benign reasons that are nothing to worry about to potential medical problems.

Like humans dogs can be affected by stressful situations that result in bouts of diarrhea that will pass.

Another common reason for diarrhea is when a dog’s food gets switched too quickly.

Sometimes a medication may cause acute diarrhea.

Or sometimes the cause is when they eat human food.

Diarrhea could also be an indicator that you need to change what you are feeding your dog.

Or it could be something more serious like a bowel disease, problems in the intestinal tract, or even a lodged foreign object.

If your dog is suffering from chronic diarrhea for more than 24 hours, then contact your nearest vet.

Other Symptoms to Look Out For

If your dog has diarrhea but acts fine, you may still want to look for other symptoms.

You want to start to worry if diarrhea in your dog is accompanied by vomiting, or fever.

Or if your dog has less energy, is lethargic, has a decreased appetite, abdominal pain, or sudden weight loss.

Of course if there are signs of blood in the poop, or it has a dark or black color, these could also be serious signs.

These can all be signs of dangerous conditions in your dog, such as liver disease, intestinal cancer, or parvo.

How to Help Relieve Your Dog’s Diarrhea

In cases where no additional severe symptoms are present you can help your dog by putting them on a fast for a day.

Make sure they still have access to plenty of fresh water so they get enough to drink.

Then start them on a bland diet, starting with canned pumpkin which it turns out is a good way to begin.

Then continue with a diet of boiled chicken (skinless), and white rice, in moderation to help your dog get back on track.

Cottage cheese, boiled potatoes, chicken broth are a few more.

Choose a couple of these foods and feed your dog two to three times during the day.

Your dog’s problem should be cleared up pretty quick, if things don’t get better, then see your vet.

When to See a Veterinarian

If you have any serious concerns at all, or you feel that your dog’s behavior is very much out of the ordinary, contact a vet.

If your pet has bad diarrhea, and you suspect it to be due to a side effect to a new medication, contact your vet.

Your dog may show more serious symptoms such as vomiting along with the diarrhea. Call the vet.

If you suspect your dog has gotten hold of human medications, or any toxic substance, call a vet immediately.

Help your veterinarian by knowing how long the diarrhea has been going on, and what the dog’s stool looks like.

It will help to know the color of the stool, and if there is any mucus or blood in it.

You will help your vet determine what the cause is if you can let the vet know if your dog has gotten into the garbage.

Or if you have made any recent changes to your pet’s food or treats.