Why does my dog have diarrhea? The local scoop on squishy poop.
- posted: Mar. 29, 2017
Why does my dog have diarrhea? The local scoop on squishy poop!
By Dr. Christa Young, DVM
One of the most common pet symptoms we see and treat is diarrhea. There are easily 100 different causes for an episode of diarrhea, but this post focuses on a handful of culprits common to our area here in Kissimmee and Poinciana. Your veterinarian will diagnose your pet based on the history, physical examination, and testing of the stool (feces).
The past six months we have noticed trends in groups of dogs from various neighborhoods getting sick with diarrhea, and concerns regarding the role of irrigation water have emerged. Reclaimed water by Florida regulations is treated to remove dangerous levels of bacteria, viruses, and protazoan (single-cell organisms) parasites. However, higher than acceptable for drinking water levels of nitrogens, phosphorus, and bacteria are permitted. These things can upset a healthy gut, leading to diarrhea if a pet drinks this water or licks it from the paws. Within neighborhood canals and ponds lurk other culprits for diarrhea. Single-cell parasites (protazoa) like giardia and coccidia are waterborne, and certain organisms called amoeba (ah-me-bah) can infect a pet and cause diarrhea as well.
Giardia - single-cell organisms found in the environment from contaminated stools of other pets. Rarely can this be transmitted between people and pets.
Coccidia - single-cell organisms spread by infected stool in the environment. Pets can shed the parasites without acting sick.
Entamoeba & Acanthamoeba - amebas found in tropical and subtropical climates with spikes during disasters (hurricanes).
Wildlife enrich our lives, connect us to nature, and are vital in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Unfortunately, they can also expose our pets to bacteria and parasites that cause diarrhea.
Campylobacter (birds, rodents, feral pigs) - a spiral bacteria spread through contaminated food, water, and contact with stool.
Brachyspira (birds and feral pigs) - spiral bacteria spread by stool contamination.
Balantidium coli (feral pigs) - parasite spread through pig stools to our pets.
There are a couple parts of our natural landscape that tend to cause diarrhea when ingested or water/dew contaminated by them are licked. Acorns and oak leaves are the most prominent. Less common is Blue-Green Algae in the ponds, canals, and standing water areas (puddles, bird baths, planters). Intestinal worms spread by infected pets and wildlife can thrive in Florida's wet, sandy soils.
Acorns & Oak leaves - contain acids the are toxic and cause digestive distress.
Blue-Green Algae - produce toxin that, among other symptoms, can cause diarrhea. Stagnat waters pose a notable risk.
Hookworms - one of the most common gut worms in Central Florida due to our sandy soils and warm weather. These worms can infect people too.
After a diagnosis is made, or other potential causes are ruled out, your pet will be treated. Most cases receive a high-quality pet-specific probiotic to restore the normal, good bacteria of the gut. A highly-digestible balanced bland diet and medication to firm the stools are prescribed for most cases as well. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics that target the unique bacteria of the gut, and parasites are treated with anti-parasitic medications. Keeping your pet hydrated is important!
Location
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Bellalago Veterinary Hospital
Address
3809 Pleasant Hill Rd
Kissimmee, FL 34746, US
Contact Information
(407) 847-0802
