A frequent discharge of loose, watery stool is what describes diarrhea. Diarrhea in dogs occurs very few times annually and normally lasts 2-3 days.
It could result from many factors that require clear management. Dog diarrhea is associated with various signs and symptoms that we’ll point out later.
Dehydration is the severe outcome of prolonged diarrhea in dogs and should be treated with immediate effect.
Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea At Night?
Nocturnal diarrhea in dogs could be due to an abrupt change in diet, bacterial infection, colon infection, and other reasons. If not well managed, nocturnal diarrhea can result in more fatal situations. While there’s no perfect time for your dog to experience diarrhea, nocturnal diarrhea is probably the worst.
Causes of Night-time Diarrhea in Dogs.
There are several reasons why your dog is experiencing nocturnal diarrhea.
Let’s get started:
Diet Change
Your dog’s diet is crucial in ensuring a playful and healthy life. An abrupt change in his diet might cause diarrhea, especially at night. Adjusting to a new meal is bumpy at times and could lead to nocturnal diarrhea if not well conducted.
Intestinal Parasites & Microbial Infection.
Your dog is at a high risk of getting bacterial and viral infections since microbes are everywhere.
Consuming feces, garbage, undercooked meat, or contaminated food can expose your four-legged buddy to several disease-causing viruses and bacteria such as salmonella, clostridia, and parvoviruses.
Likewise, intestinal parasites from contaminated vegetables, water, or soil may own infective cysts. Cyst shed in your dog’s intestines, causing nocturnal diarrhea, among other issues.
Stress and Anxiety.
Like humans, stress can bring restlessness and night-time diarrhea in dogs if not well managed. Constant contact with some people, places, or routines is the core cause of anxiety in dogs.
Allergies.
In parallel to humans, dogs react differently to different drugs and feed. Even though a one-time introduction to an allergen triggers little or no reaction, frequently offering the allergen will trigger gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea.
Inflammatory Bowel Disorder (IBD).
IBD occurs due to an unusual immune response leading to the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The condition affects dogs’ digestion and absorption of nutrients, and if not well treated, IBD can lead to nocturnal diarrhea.
Different Dog Diarrhea Stool Colors and their Significance.
Black diarrhea (melena) might signify that your fur baby is experiencing bleeding in his small intestines or stomach.
Yellow– Yellowish diarrhea in dogs signifies issues with their liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.
Bloody diarrhea (hematochezia)- red streaks in your dog’s diarrhea stools could be a sign of bleeding, especially on his colon.
Types of Nocturnal Diarrhea in Dogs.
Large Bowel Diarrhea (LBD)
Large Bowel Diarrhea arises from the colon and has a mucous and bloody stool, straining to excrete, increased frequency, and small stool volumes. LBD requires quick intervention from the vet.
Small Bowel Diarrhea (SBD)
SBD arises from the small intestines and has a fatty and frothy stool, not much straining, and large volumes of droppings produced at a normal frequency. SBD also requires a vet’s intervention.
Acute Diarrhea
Acute diarrhea requires minimal intervention from the dog’s parent since it can, in most cases, resolve itself. When your darling’s acute diarrhea lasts more than 48hours and develops bloodstains, it’d be better to visit the vet.
Chronic Diarrhea
It occurs persistently even after initial treatment (recurrent). It may result from cancer, inflammatory bowel disorders, parasite infection, and other reasons. Chronic diarrhea needs serious treatment and medication.
Diarrhea Accompanied by Vomiting
When your dog’s nocturnal diarrhea comes along with vomiting, he is likely experiencing gastrointestinal problems. This genre of diarrhea calls for a vet’s quick attention.
Signs and Symptoms of Night-time Diarrhea in Dogs.
Below are the common signs and symptoms associated with nocturnal diarrhea in dogs.
Note: A vet’s intervention is crucial.
- Persistent bloating.
General weakness.
Dry-looking nose and eyes (signs of dehydration).
Lack of appetite.
Bloody stool.
Abnormal drooling.
Vomiting.
Fever.
Lethargy.
Weight loss.
Prevention and Treatment for Night-Time Diarrhea in Dogs.
Night-time diarrhea in dogs is preventable as well as treatable. Several home remedies are advisable to protect your darling from nocturnal diarrhea.
Kindly make sure that your dog is emotionally stable and not in stressful situations.
We also recommend regular deworming on your dog to kill parasites (if any) that might trigger nocturnal diarrhea.
Kindly feed your dog meals appropriate for his age, size, and breed to curb intolerance and allergies.
It’d be better to gradually introduce your fur baby to a new diet rather than abruptly. This gives him enough time to adjust to the fresh meals.
Kindly keep your baby’s kennel green and fumigated to deter bacterial and microbial invasion.
Proper vaccination is also advisable to boost your doggy’s immunity to new climates and conditions.
Treatment.
If your dog already has night-time diarrhea, please apply the following measures for treatment.
Offer a bland diet- A bland diet comprises generally soft & low dietary fiber foods. These foods replace your dog’s usual food in the stomach and give it time to heal.
Fast for at least 12-24 hours for senior dogs while offering water in small quantities is another home treatment for nocturnal diarrhea. This helps to reduce dehydration.
After a day or two of bland diets, you can gradually get back to your dog’s normal diet while monitoring his stool.
If the above remedies aren’t effective on your dog, please seek a vet’s attention. We wouldn’t advise over-the-counter drugs as we value your dog’s health.
To what extent of nocturnal diarrhea should I call the vet?
If your dog’s diarrhea has lasted for three days plus and the home remedies aren’t working, please seek a vet’s help. Dehydration, bloody stools, and other associated symptoms call for a vet’s mediation.
What genre of human foods is likely to trigger nocturnal diarrhea in dogs?
While it’s tempting to feed your dog a spoon or two from your plate, this isn’t advisable. Your dog’s digestive system is different from humans and cannot withstand foods high in sugar and salt contents. Garlic, onions, and other additives can also trigger diarrhea in dogs.
What type of human foods are healthy for my doggy?
If you desire to offer some human food to your sweetie, consider vegetables and safe fruits, such as carrots, green beans, seedless apples, etc. Grains and cooked meat are also safe for him as long as they’re spice-free.
Nocturnal diarrhea in dogs normally occurs a few times a year. But still, let’s not assume! When your dog’s diarrhea persists for three days and above, kindly call for a vet’s mediation.
A kind reminder: Please don’t purchase over-the-counter drugs for your diarrhea-sick dog unless a qualified vet has prescribed them.
