Vet explains one sign that your dog could be seriously unwell

It can be difficult to decipher when your furry pals are feeling unwell – now a vet has shared key signs to look out for that your dogis suffering from diarrhoea.

According to a recent study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in the UK, which examined vet records from millions of dogs nationwide, one in every 12 dogs in the UK is diagnosed with diarrhoea-related issues each year, while certain breeds are more likely to experience episodes of ‘the runs’ than others.

Based on the findings, the six breeds most prone to diarrhoea are Maltese, Miniature Poodles, Cavapoos, German Shepherds, Yorkshire Terriers and Cockapoos.

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However, Sean McCormack, head vet at Tails.com, has advised that while genetic predisposition can increase a dog’s likelihood of developing digestive issues, there are other contributing factors. These include diet, food allergies, parasites, worms or gastrointestinal inflammation.

Though it can be concerning if your pet develops these issues, it’s important to remember that most cases of acute diarrhoea are mild, highly treatable, and don’t require a follow-up vet visit. However, if loose stools become a recurring problem, your vet may recommend diagnostic tests to uncover any underlying causes.

Sean says that, generally speaking, diarrhoea is not considered an emergency, especially if your dog is otherwise acting normally. But if the condition lasts beyond 24 to 48 hours, or if it appears intermittently over time, it’s a good idea to contact your vet for guidance

Potential causes of diarrhoea in dogs include genetic predispositions, stress, ingesting foreign objects and even switching to a different brand of dog food. To work out what’s causing the tummy upset, you can conduct different diagnostic tests.

These include faecal exams, which can detect parasites, and blood work, which can help identify issues such as kidney or liver disease, infection, and assess your dog’s hydration and electrolyte status.

You can also use X-rays, which can detect of foreign objects or abnormalities within the digestive tract, or, if an allergy is suspected, food elimination trials to pinpoint the ingredient causing the problem.

In terms of treating diarrhoea, if dog has a predisposition to digestive issues, your vet may recommend switching to a diet that is easily digestible. While these specialised veterinary diets can sometimes be pricier, they can significantly help in managing symptoms and promoting gut health for your pet.

Your vet may also advise briefly withholding food (generally for 12–24 hours), which can allow for the gastrointestinal tract to settle. However, this approach is generally avoided in puppies, senior dogs, or those with pre-existing medical conditions, as may not be able to handle fasting as well.

In the case of a bacterial infection, your vet may prescribe antibiotics. Although, it's crucial important that antibiotics are only used when necessary as they can also disrupt the balance of healthy gut bacteria.

Equally, probiotics may be recommended to restore beneficial gut bacteria. These can be found in fortified dog foods or provided by your vet in paste form.

Some of the best ways to prevent diarrhoea include keeping vaccinations up to date, stay on top of parasite treatments, avoiding feeding your dog leftovers and removing swallowable hazards.