Huge study also found some breeds more prone

Researchers have revealed the most common causes of diarrhoea in dogs.

The study by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) found scavenging, gastroenteritis and other digestive diseases, reactions to medication and sudden dietary changes to be the  main culprits for the acute form of the condition.

The RVC team also discovered the issue is more prevalent among the following breeds in the UK: cavapoo, Maltese, miniature poodle, German Shepherd, American Bulldog and Rottweiler.

Short-skulled breeds were linked to a lower risk, whereas long-skulled breeds had a higher risk.

Younger dogs under the age of three years and older pooches above nine years were also more likely to suffer acute diarrhoea than those in their middle years.

Affected canines also commonly showed vomiting, reduced appetite and lethargy.

Almost a third (29%) of cases featured blood in the diarrhoea.

Most cases resolve within two days following veterinary treatment, with fewer than one in five requiring a second veterinary visit, suggesting that owners of affected dogs should feel confident that most dogs will successfully recover with the correct treatment.

Researchers at the RVC’s Vet Compass programme analysed the anonymous records of two million dogs who had seen a vet in 2019.

They found that about one in 12 UK dogs suffer acute diarrhoea needing veterinary care at least once a year.

In light of the findings, owners have been advised to reduce the risk by avoiding sudden change or novelty in their dog’s diet - or as Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and the study’s lead author, put it: “Consistent diet leads to consistent poo.”

The study also found that almost four in 10 cases of acute doggy diarrhoea received antibiotic treatment - despite recent research showing no clinical benefits to their use in aiding recovery and that on the contrary, they can cause further abdominal upset and heighten the risk of contracting antibiotic infections for dogs and humans alike.

Antibiotics were more likely to be prescribed in cases with blood in the pet’s faeces.
RVC vets have advised that bland diets with or without probiotics may be a sensible initial approach and owners should always seek veterinary advice if they are concerned.

Dr O’Neill said: “Experiencing the dreaded doggy poonami is one of those events every dog owner fears.

“This new study shows that diarrhoea events are very common in dogs but that owners should not panic – no matter how bad the deluge, most dogs will recover in a few days with good veterinary treatment.”

Dr Fergus Allerton, veterinary internal medicine specialist and co-author of the paper, said:
“The outcomes reported here are very reassuring.

“They represent yet another reminder that antibiotic therapy is an unnecessary component of diarrhoea management.

“Pet owners are a key stakeholder in diarrhoea consultations.
 
“This study should help improve recognition of salient risk factors and support appropriate management without recourse to antibiotics.”

Dr Lauren Prisk, primary-care veterinary surgeon and co-author of the paper said:
“This report is continuing to open the discussion between owners and vets in primary care practice in responsible antibiotic use.

“This new study should reassure vets as well as owners when deciding to manage these acute diarrhoea episodes conservatively without antibiotics unless really indicated.”