Uh-Oh! Is Your Dog Having a Tummy Trouble? How Telavets Can Help with Diarrhea and Keep Your Pup Happy
By Telavets – Your Telemedicine Sidekick for Healthy, Happy Dogs
Is your dog suddenly in a hurry to go outside… again? Maybe they’re having a little more "loose" fun than usual, or they’re running to the bathroom (aka, the backyard) far too often. If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, it can be a stressful (and messy) situation for both of you, but don’t panic—it’s more common than you think!
Diarrhea in dogs can be caused by a variety of things—dietary changes, stress, infections, or even just eating something they shouldn’t have (we’re looking at you, peanut butter jar). The good news? With a little help from Telavets, you can figure out what’s going on and get your pup feeling better in no time!
Let’s take a look at what might be causing your dog’s tummy troubles and how Telavets can help get their digestive system back on track!
What Causes Diarrhea in Dogs?
Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t (like your leftover pizza crusts or an entire sock), so it’s no surprise that an upset stomach is a common issue. Here are some of the main causes of diarrhea in dogs:
1. Dietary Changes or Upset
Dogs can be sensitive to changes in their diet, whether it’s a new food, a treat they’re not used to, or an overenthusiastic snack binge. Sudden changes in food or treats can irritate your dog’s digestive system, leading to diarrhea. Even something as harmless as switching from dry to wet food could cause a little tummy upset.
2. Eating Something They Shouldn’t
We’ve all seen our dogs eat things that make us cringe—whether it’s a scrap of food off the floor, a piece of trash from the garbage, or a chew toy that’s suddenly deemed "delicious." Dogs are scavengers, and sometimes their digestive systems aren’t prepared for the things they decide to munch on. This can lead to diarrhea or even more serious issues like vomiting or an upset stomach.
3. Infections or Parasites
Diarrhea can sometimes be caused by bacterial or viral infections, or even intestinal parasites like worms. These infections can make your dog feel lethargic, nauseous, and generally unwell, and diarrhea is often one of the first signs. If your dog has been around other animals or exposed to unclean water sources, they might have picked up something that’s causing the digestive distress.
4. Stress
Just like people, dogs can experience diarrhea when they’re stressed out. Moving to a new home, a trip to the vet, a loud thunderstorm, or a change in routine can all trigger a bout of stress-induced diarrhea. If your dog’s stomach problems seem to coincide with a stressful event, anxiety might be the culprit.
5. Food Intolerances or Allergies
Some dogs have sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients in their food. Common culprits include dairy, grains, or specific proteins like chicken or beef. If your dog’s diarrhea happens frequently after meals, food allergies or intolerances could be to blame.
6. Underlying Health Conditions
In more serious cases, chronic diarrhea could indicate an underlying health condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, or even liver or kidney issues. If diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days, or if there are other symptoms like weight loss, vomiting, or lethargy, it’s time to consult a professional.
When Should You Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Diarrhea?
While occasional diarrhea can happen to even the healthiest dogs, there are times when you should be more concerned. If any of these apply to your pup, it's time to reach out to a professional like Telavets:
- Diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours without improvement
- Bloody stool or dark, tarry stools (this could indicate internal bleeding)
- Vomiting along with diarrhea
- Lethargy, loss of appetite, or other signs of illness
- Severe dehydration, such as dry gums or sunken eyes
If you’re concerned, it’s always better to check in with a professional. The earlier you catch something, the easier it is to treat!
How Telavets Can Help Your Dog with Diarrhea
At Telavets, we know how stressful it can be when your dog is having digestive issues. Luckily, we’re here to help! Whether it’s a mild case or something more serious, we can provide you with expert guidance and support. Here’s how we can help your pup:
- Virtual Consultations – Expert Care Without the Wait
No need to drag your dog to the vet when they’re not feeling well! With Telavets, you can schedule a virtual consultation to discuss your dog’s symptoms and get the advice you need. We’ll assess the situation and provide guidance on whether your dog needs medical treatment, a change in diet, or just a little time to recover. - Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Our veterinarians are trained to diagnose the cause of your dog’s diarrhea, whether it’s due to dietary changes, stress, infections, or something else. Depending on the cause, we’ll recommend the best treatment plan for your dog—whether it’s medication, a special diet, or a stool sample analysis to check for parasites. - Dietary Recommendations
If the diarrhea is diet-related, we’ll help you make changes that will get your dog’s digestive system back on track. This could mean switching to a bland diet (like boiled chicken and rice), gradually transitioning to a new food, or recommending a specific food for sensitive stomachs. - Medications and Supplements
If your dog needs medication to treat infections, parasites, or inflammation, Telavets can prescribe the necessary medications. We also offer anti-diarrheal medications or probiotics to help restore your dog’s gut health. And with next-day medication delivery, you’ll get the treatment your dog needs fast! - Follow-Up Support
If the diarrhea doesn’t clear up or you’re still concerned after treatment, we offer follow-up consultations. We’ll check in on your dog’s progress and adjust the treatment plan if necessary, ensuring that your pup gets the care they need.
Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs (and How Telavets Can Help)
Here’s a breakdown of some common causes of diarrhea and how Telavets can help:
- 1. Dietary Upset or Change
If your dog’s tummy troubles are due to a new food or treat, we’ll recommend a bland diet (like chicken and rice) and give you tips on how to safely transition to a new food. We’ll also guide you on how to avoid any foods that could upset your dog’s stomach. - 2. Eating Something They Shouldn’t
If your dog’s diarrhea is the result of them eating something they found in the garbage or sneaking a snack from the counter, we’ll help you monitor the situation and suggest treatments to relieve their discomfort. If the diarrhea persists, we may suggest stool testing for parasites or infections. - 3. Infections or Parasites
If an infection or parasites are causing the diarrhea, we’ll provide you with treatment options and advice on how to keep your dog safe from further infections. Stool samples or blood tests may be necessary to rule out these causes, and we can guide you through the process. - 4. Stress
Stress-induced diarrhea can often be treated with a calming supplement or anxiety medication if the cause is chronic. We can also provide behavior tips to help your dog feel more relaxed, whether it’s reducing triggers or implementing calming activities during stressful events. - 5. Underlying Health Issues
If your dog has a chronic health condition like IBD or pancreatitis, we’ll help you manage the symptoms and recommend a treatment plan that’s tailored to your dog’s needs. If necessary, we can coordinate with your regular vet to make sure your dog is getting the specialized care they need.
Why Choose Telavets for Your Dog’s Diarrhea?
At Telavets, we’re dedicated to providing expert care for your dog—without the hassle of an in-person vet visit. Here’s why you should choose us for your dog’s tummy troubles:
- Convenience: Virtual consultations from the comfort of your home—no need to leave your dog’s side.
- Expert Care: Our veterinarians are skilled in both digestive issues and general health, ensuring your dog gets the right treatment.
- Next-Day Medication Delivery: Get the medication your dog needs quickly and conveniently.
- Ongoing Support: We offer follow-ups to monitor your dog’s progress and adjust the plan if necessary.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Get Your Dog’s Tummy Back to Normal!
Diarrhea in dogs can be frustrating, but with the right care, your pup will be feeling better in no time. Whether it’s a mild case of dietary upset or something more serious, Telavets is here to help you and your dog navigate tummy troubles with ease.Ready to get your dog’s digestive system back on track? Schedule a consultation with Telavets today, and let’s work together to help your dog feel their best again!
