Diarrhoea describes loose or unusually frequent stool. It can reflect a short-lived intestinal upset or disease affecting digestion, absorption, inflammation or the wider body.
Home care
Provide fresh water, collect a stool sample and follow the recommended diet. Avoid fatty leftovers and human anti-diarrhoeal products.
Prognosis
Most uncomplicated acute episodes improve promptly, while recurring diarrhoea needs a diagnosis to prevent weight loss and nutrient deficiency.
Summary
The stool appearance matters, but hydration and general behaviour matter more. Persistent or severe diarrhoea should not be treated only by switching foods repeatedly.
Overview
Diarrhoea describes loose or unusually frequent stool. It can reflect a short-lived intestinal upset or disease affecting digestion, absorption, inflammation or the wider body.
Symptoms
Loose stool may contain mucus or blood and can occur with urgency, straining, vomiting, appetite loss, weight loss or lethargy.
Causes
Food changes, scavenging, parasites, infection, stress, medicines, food-responsive disease, pancreatic problems and chronic intestinal inflammation are possible causes.
Risk Factors
Young, elderly and small pets can dehydrate quickly. Unvaccinated puppies with severe diarrhoea and pets with other illness require early assessment.
Diagnosis
History, hydration assessment and faecal testing are common first steps; blood tests, imaging, diet trials or intestinal biopsy may follow in persistent cases.
Treatment Options
Fluids, parasite control, a veterinarian-selected diet and cause-specific medicine are used as needed. Antibiotics are not appropriate for every episode.
Recovery
Most uncomplicated acute episodes improve promptly, while recurring diarrhoea needs a diagnosis to prevent weight loss and nutrient deficiency.
Prevention
Change food gradually, prevent scavenging, maintain vaccination and parasite control, and use hygiene around faeces.
When to Contact a Vet
Seek prompt care for weakness, repeated vomiting, black stool, substantial blood, pain, dehydration or diarrhoea in a very young or medically fragile pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring a stool sample?
Yes, when practical. A fresh sample in a clean sealed container can help the clinic select appropriate tests.
Do all cases need antibiotics?
No. Many causes are not bacterial, and unnecessary antibiotics can disrupt the intestinal microbiome.
When is diarrhoea considered persistent?
Any episode that is not clearly improving within the clinic’s advised period, or that repeatedly returns, deserves reassessment.
