Goldendoodle Diarrhoea: How to Identify and Treat the Problem

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, one of which is diarrhoea.

While dietary changes can cause temporary diarrhoea, the continuous presence of loose or watery stools can signify something more serious.

In this blog post, we will take a look at how to identify and treat Goldendoodle diarrhoea. We will cover common causes of the problem, what signs to look out for, whether they need veterinary care and simple steps you can take to restore your pup's health.

Here’s what you need to know.

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 to get your pup the help they need as quickly as possible.

The first and most apparent sign of indigestion is frequently loose, watery stools. Your dog can also have discomfort or strain when using the restroom. If their faeces has a strong odour or contains mucus or blood, this could indicate a more severe problem.

For instance, they may seem lethargic or uninterested in food and even refuse to eat. Other common symptoms of diarrhoea include fever, drooling, nausea, dry heaving or retching, a painful abdomen, unusual weight loss, vomiting and thirst, which can lead to 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 or has recently been switched to a new diet, this could be causing their symptoms.

In cases like these, discontinuing the new food and giving them a bland diet of rice and boiled chicken until their digestive system returns to normal is recommended. Severe cases may require 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 be treated at home. Here’s what you should do.

1.  Feeding Goldendoodle a Balanced Diet

In many cases, a balanced diet can help resolve 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.

Consult your veterinarian if you're unsure which diet is best for your dog. Be sure that your dog always has access to clean water.

2.  Probiotics

Probiotics are another popular choice for treating diarrhoea in dogs.

These beneficial bacteria can help to restore balance in your pup’s digestive system, thereby reducing their symptoms and improving their overall health.

Probiotics come in different forms such as powder, tablets or capsules and can be added to their food or given directly as a supplement. We suggest using a powder because your dog is more likely to take it. 

3.  Treating Parasites and Infections

If the cause of your Goldendoodle's diarrhoea is parasites or an infection, it must be treated with appropriate antibiotics or antiparasitics prescribed by a veterinarian.

Follow all your vet's administration and dosing instructions to ensure proper treatment.

4.  Managing Stress-Related Colitis

Stress-related colitis can cause chronic diarrhoea in dogs. To manage this illness, stress levels must be as low as possible.

Try providing your pet with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation in activities like walks and playtime.

Consider incorporating natural supplements such as probiotics into their diet to help promote gastrointestinal health and support the immune system. This may help minimise the symptoms of the disease. 

5.  Gastrointestinal Food

Gastrointestinal food is an essential aspect of treating diarrhoea. The food should be high in fibre and low in fat as this 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 enzymes that can help balance the microbiome and improve digestion in your pet.

It is advised to give them multiple small meals throughout the day as opposed to one large one. This may lessen the likelihood of developing severe diarrhoea and blood in the stool. 

As always, speaking to your vet before making any dietary changes is crucial to ensure your pet gets the nutrition they need.

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 preventative steps at home to ensure it doesn't become too severe. 

Before you look out 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 on 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 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 feeding your Goldendoodle a raw diet as this can be easier for their digestive system to process.

2.  Offer Clean Water

Make sure your Goldendoodle has access to clean water at all times. Stagnant water can contain bacteria and parasites 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

Practising proper hygiene is another critical factor in preventing diarrhoea in your Goldendoodle. Make sure you clean up any waste promptly and avoid walking them in areas containing parasites or other contaminants.

Regularly groom your pup so they remain free from dirt and debris that could lead to digestive upset or vomiting.

4.  Vaccinate Regularly

Vaccinating your Goldendoodles is essential for keeping them healthy and preventing severe diarrhoea. It helps to create protective antibodies - 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 preventative care program. Deworming should be done as early as 2-3 weeks of age, followed by monthly treatments until six months.

After that a regular deworming schedule should be established, depending on the risk of exposure to parasites.

An annual faecal examination, as well as regular deworming, helps to detect parasites and can prevent severe diarrhoea in Goldendoodles.

As adult dogs, deworming should be done at least once every 6-12 months depending on the dog’s lifestyle, environmental exposure and parasite risk.

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

If your Goldendoodle's diarrhoea persists for more than 24 hours and if it's followed by other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, blood in the stool or if your dog appears to be in pain or discomfort, it's important to seek veterinary help right away.

Diarrhoea can quickly lead to dehydration, which can be especially dangerous for puppies, senior dogs or dogs with pre-existing health conditions. Your vet can help diagnose the underlying causes of your dog's diarrhoea and provide appropriate treatment to help your furry companion feel better.

 Conclusion

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 it 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 and providing probiotics or other supplements.

With the right approach, you can help your Goldendoodle get back to feeling better in no time.