By Dr. Colleen Carney
Top 10 causes for soft stools in dogs and cats
- Dietary indiscretion: consumption of garbage, foreign material
- Diet change: fast transition from one food to another
- Food sensitivity or allergy
- Stress
- Parasites: roundworms, hookworms, Giardia
- Bacterial or viral infection: salmonella, clostridium, parvovirus
- Medications, especially antibiotics
- Inflammatory bowel disease, poor absorption of food
- Pancreatitis
- Ingestion of a toxin ie chocolate
When should you call the veterinarian?
- Pet is also experiencing vomiting, lethargy, or has a poor appetite
- The diarrhea has extended beyond 48 hours, sooner if extremely severe (or a young as dehydration can occur
- The symptoms are recurrent or intermittent, the pet is losing weight
- There is change to the color of the stool—black/tarry feces may be consistent with a stomach ulcer, blood or mucous is noted
- Pet is experiencing bloating or abdominal pain
- If at any time while your pet experiences diarrhea, you feel concerned about their overall appearance or activity level
What can you do at home?
- Avoid over-the-counter medications, this can mask symptoms or cause negative side effects if not properly administered
- Give the gastrointestinal tract a rest with a 24 hour fast
- Small more frequent meals with a bland diet—white rice (75%) and boiled chicken (25%) for a few days until stools are solid; then transition slowly back to normal diet by mixing in kibble
- Monitor closely the consistency and frequency of stool, and visit your veterinarian if any of the above listed symptoms occur
What your veterinarian might suggest
- Fluid therapy to correct dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance
- GI support such as probiotics, increased fiber or a new prescription diet
- Checking a fecal sample and/or treatment for parasites
- Appropriate medication for inflammation or infection in the intestinal tract
- For ongoing bouts of diarrhea, additional diagnostics (culture, x-rays, bloodwork or even biopsies of the GI tract) may be warranted
