Diarrhoea in Dogs: Causes, Treatment & Goldendoodle Digestive Health

Quick Overview: What to Do If Your Dog Has Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea in dogs is defined by frequent, loose, or watery stools, often stemming from an imbalance in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Goldendoodles, in particular, many experience this due to their sensitive digestion. While most mild, temporary episodes can be managed at home with a bland diet and gut rest, you must seek veterinary care immediately if diarrhoea is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, blood, or persists for more than 48 hours.

Understanding Goldendoodle Diarrhoea

Goldendoodles are an increasingly popular dog breed due to their intelligence, friendly disposition, and low-shedding coats. However, like any other canine, they are susceptible to health issues, including diarrhoea in dogs.

While simple dietary changes or minor stress can cause temporary diarrhoea, the continuous presence of loose or watery stools can signify something more serious, such as infection or chronic disease. This guide explains how to identify and treat Goldendoodle diarrhoea, covering common causes, key signs to watch for, and simple steps you can take to restore your pup's digestive health.

Common Causes of Diarrhoea in Goldendoodles and All Dogs 

Understanding the potential triggers is the first step in effective treatment. The following causes are the most common drivers of acute and chronic diarrhoea found across virtually all canine breeds, including Goldendoodles:

• Dietary Indiscretion: Eating garbage, spoiled food, or foreign objects.
• Food Sensitivities or Allergies: While common in many breeds, Goldendoodles are known to have sensitive stomachs, and specific ingredients can cause gastrointestinal upset.
• Sudden Diet Change: An abrupt change in their regular food or treats can easily disrupt the delicate balance of their gut microbiome.
• Parasites: Intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and Giardia can cause severe, infectious diarrhoea.
• Infections: Bacterial (e.g., Salmonella) or viral infections (e.g., Parvovirus) can be a cause, often requiring immediate veterinary care.
• Stress: Anxiety or stress can lead to digestive issues, a condition known as stress-related colitis.
• Other Health Problems: Underlying conditions like pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or liver/kidney disease can also cause chronic or recurrent diarrhoea.

The Signs of Goldendoodle Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is one of the most common conditions that can affect any puppy or adult dog. It's essential to recognise the symptoms of diarrhoea so you can get your pup the help they need as quickly as possible.

Key Symptoms to Monitor

Loose, Watery Stools: The first and most apparent sign of indigestion is frequently loose or watery stools.

Straining or Discomfort: Your dog may show discomfort or strain (tenesmus) when attempting to pass faeces.

Appearance Changes: Faeces may have a strong odour, contain mucus (often indicating colon inflammation), or visible blood (bright red or dark/tarry).

Behavioural Changes: They may seem lethargic, uninterested in food, or even refuse to eat.

Associated Illness Signs (Crucial Indicators): Other common symptoms often associated with severe diarrhoea include:

• Fever
• Drooling and Nausea
• Dry heaving or Retching
• Painful or rigid abdomen
• Unusual weight loss
• Dog vomiting and diarrhoea occurring together
• Excessive thirst, which can lead to dangerous dehydration if not taken care of.

Lastly, it’s important to note that Goldendoodles are particularly susceptible to dietary-related diarrhoea due to their sensitive stomachs. If your pup eats something unusual (dietary indiscretion) or has recently been switched to a new diet, this could be causing their symptoms.

In mild cases like these, discontinuing the new food and giving them a bland diet of rice and boiled chicken (see Treatment Options below) until their digestive system returns to normal is recommended. Severe cases that persist or involve other symptoms may require immediate veterinary care.

Treatment Options for Goldendoodle Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is a common issue in dogs, and while it can be unpleasant, it's usually not severe and can often be treated at home initially. Here’s what you can do at home for mild cases, following veterinary advice where necessary.

1. Resting the Gut and Bland Diet Introduction

 A balanced diet can help prevent your pup’s diarrhoea. Ensure you are feeding your dog high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs and does not contain artificial ingredients or fillers. In many acute cases, a temporary fast and a carefully managed diet can help resolve your pup’s diarrhoea. 

• Initial Fast: Withhold food for 12–24 hours to give the inflamed gastrointestinal tract a complete rest. Crucially, ensure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water to combat fluid loss.
• Bland Diet: After the fast, feed a highly digestible bland diet. This should be a small amount of boiled chicken (skinless, boneless) mixed with plain, cooked white rice (ratio 1:2). This feeding strategy is widely recognised bland diet protocol used by trusted veterinary institutions.
• Small, frequent meals as opposed to large ones is recommended for dogs recovering from diarrhea or gastroenteritis, as it prevents overloading the sensitive gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This lessens the likelihood of developing severe diarrhoea by reducing the digestive load.

  2. Probiotics: Restoring Gut Balance

Probiotics are another popular and expert-recommended choice for treating and managing diarrhoea in dogs.

These beneficial bacteria help to restore balance in your pup’s digestive system by replenishing the good bacteria that are often flushed out during diarrhoea. This reduces symptoms and improves overall gut health.

Probiotics come in different forms, such as powder, tablets, or capsules. We suggest using a powder because your dog is more likely to take it when mixed seamlessly into their bland food or water.

We highly recommend incorporating dog probiotics into their routine. This blend of beneficial bacteria and prebiotics (which feed the good bacteria) works synergistically to stabilise the microbiome and support the immune system.

3. Treating Parasites and Infections

If the underlying cause of your Goldendoodle's diarrhoea is confirmed as parasites or a severe bacterial infection, targeted veterinary treatment is essential.

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, common intestinal parasites that can cause severe diarrhoea in dogs include: hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, Giardia, and Coccidia.

Follow all your vet's administration and dosing instructions precisely to ensure proper treatment and prevent drug resistance or recurrence.

4. Managing Stress-Related Colitis

Stress-related colitis can cause chronic or recurring diarrhoea in dogs, often characterised by mucus in the stool. To manage this illness, stress levels must be kept as low as possible.

• Try providing your pet with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation through activities like walks, training, and playtime.
• Consider incorporating natural supplements such as probiotics into their daily diet to help promote gastrointestinal health and support the immune system. This may help minimise the symptoms of the disease by stabilising the gut-brain axis.

5. Prescription Gastrointestinal Food

Gastrointestinal food is an essential aspect of treating severe or chronic diarrhoea, once recommended by a vet.

• This specialised food is typically high in fibre and low in fat, which can help reduce symptoms of diarrhoea.
• When selecting the food, choosing a brand formulated for this condition is crucial. The food should contain prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes that can help balance the microbiome and improve digestion in your pet.
• As always, speaking to your veterinarian before making any major dietary changes is crucial to ensure your pet gets the precise nutrition they need for recovery.

Prevention of Severe Goldendoodle Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can occur due to various causes, including infections, allergies, or dietary issues. While taking your pup to the vet if they experience diarrhoea is essential, it's best to take some proactive preventative steps at home to ensure it doesn't become severe or chronic.

Before you look for prevention options, make sure you get your hands on the mini Goldendoodle breeders list and get familiar with their characteristics. This list outlines everything you need to know about the genetic and health testing requirements for the parent dogs, giving you a health warranty on your mini doodle.

1. Feed Them Quality Food

One of the main ways to prevent severe diarrhoea in your dog is to consistently feed them quality food. Avoid buying cheap dog food containing unhealthy fillers and additives that can cause digestive problems.

• Ensure your pup has a balanced diet that meets its nutritional needs. Consider speaking with a canine nutritionist about options, including a raw diet, as this can be easier for their sensitive digestive system to process.
• Slow Transitions. Always transition new foods over a 7–10 day period to allow the gut bacteria time to adjust.

2. Offer Clean Water

Make sure your Goldendoodle has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Stagnant or dirty water can contain bacteria and parasites (like Giardia) that could lead to digestive upset and vomiting. Give your pup fresh water daily and clean out their bowl regularly so they can stay hydrated and healthy.

3. Practise Proper Hygiene (Environmental Control)

Practicing proper hygiene is another critical factor in preventing diarrhoea in your Goldendoodle.

• Make sure you clean up any waste promptly. Avoid walking them in areas containing high concentrations of parasites or other contaminants (e.g., communal dog waste areas).
• Regularly groom your pup. This is needed so they remain free from dirt and debris that could lead to digestive upset or vomiting if licked. 

4. Vaccinate Regularly

Vaccinating your Goldendoodles is essential for keeping them healthy and preventing severe, life-threatening diarrhoea caused by viral infections like Parvovirus.

Vaccinations help to create protective antibodies, which are proteins essential to fight off infections. So ensure you keep up with your pup’s vaccination schedule as their vet recommends.

5. Regular Deworming Procedure

Regular deworming of Goldendoodles is essential to their preventive care program., targeting common parasites that cause diarrhoea.

• Puppies: Deworming should be done as early as 2-3 weeks of age, followed by monthly treatments until six months.
• Adults: After 6 months, establish a regular deworming schedule based on the dog’s lifestyle, environmental exposure, and parasite risk. As adult dogs, deworming should be done at least once every 6-12 months, depending on the risk.
• An annual faecal examination, as well as regular deworming, helps to detect parasites early and can prevent severe episodes of diarrhoea in Goldendoodles.

Regular deworming, a healthy diet, and routine preventative care can drastically reduce the risk of digestive issues.

When is the Time to Seek Veterinary Treatment?

In some cases, mild diarrhoea can be treated at home with dietary changes or over-the-counter medication (approved by a vet). It is crucial to contact your vet help right away if your Goldendoodle exhibits any of the following serious symptoms:

Diarrhoea and vomiting can quickly lead to severe dehydration, which is especially dangerous for vulnerable dogs. Your vet can help diagnose the underlying causes of your dog's diarrhoea and provide appropriate, targeted treatment.

Conclusion: Getting Your Goldendoodle Back to Health

Diarrhoea can be a troublesome issue for pet owners. It is essential to take the necessary precautions to prevent it from occurring and to recognise when the issue is present.

When you detect indigestion issues, it is crucial to identify the cause and take the proper steps to treat it, such as:

• Providing your dog with a bland diet.
• Increasing their water intake to prevent dehydration.
• Providing high-quality dog probiotics or other supplements to restore gut balance.

With the right approach and timely veterinary consultation when needed, you can help your Goldendoodle get back to feeling better in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the fastest way to stop dog diarrhoea?

A: For mild cases, the fastest way is often to withhold food for 12 hours (only water) to rest the GI tract, then introduce a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice. Supplementing with a high-quality probiotic can also speed up recovery by restoring beneficial gut flora.

Q: Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol for diarrhoea?

A: No, veterinarians strongly advise against this. Pepto-Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate) contains salicylates, which are similar to aspirin and can be toxic to dogs, potentially causing severe stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders. Always consult your veterinarian for the appropriate treatment.

Q: Does dog diarrhoea always require a vet visit?

A: No. Mild, temporary diarrhoea that resolves within 24 hours while the dog is active and eating is usually managed at home. However, any sign of vomiting, lethargy, blood in stool, or diarrhoea lasting over 48 hours requires a veterinary examination.

References

Home Remedies/ Diarrhea and Vomiting: First Aid. Veterinary Information Network (VIN) / VCA Animal Hospitals. Source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/diarrhea-in-dogs , https://vcahospitals.com/shop/articles/8-home-remedies-for-diarrhea-and-2-that-are-dangerous-for-your-pet 

Dogs Stomach Ache: When To See A Veterinarian. Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. Source: https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/dogs-stomach-ache/ 

Canine Parvovirus: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Source: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-parvovirus 

Intestinal Parasites in Dogs. Source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/internal-parasites-in-dogs

Bland Diet: Diarrhea in Dogs:. Source: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/diarrhea#:~:text=Bland%20diet,has%20more%20time%20to%20adjust.