Loose stools or diarrhea are quite common in pets and can have various causes. The most common are:
- Switching to new food or new treats. The gut flora usually needs 1 to 2 weeks to adjust to a new composition
- Food sensitivity or allergy to certain ingredients or protein sources
- Eating something inappropriate (indoors or outdoors) that has disturbed the gut flora
- Bacteria or parasites
- Stress or anxiety
In many cases, you can already take a few steps yourself. First, give the digestive system some time, especially after a recent food change. The stool often stabilizes on its own once the digestive system has adapted to the new food or treats.
Choose high-quality, easily digestible food that meets your pet’s specific needs. Temporarily avoid treats and table scraps, as these can put additional strain on the intestines. Prebiotics and probiotics can be helpful as support, as well as extra fiber, which can help firm up the stool. It is best to consult your veterinarian about this so you use the correct type of supplement.
Also, don’t forget preventive deworming. Ideally, a dog or cat should be dewormed four times a year. If necessary, a stool test can be performed to rule out parasites.
If there is no improvement despite these measures and your pet otherwise does not appear ill, it may be useful to switch to a different formula, such as a mono-protein diet or a hypoallergenic formula.
Always contact your veterinarian if the diarrhea is severe or persistent, if there is blood or a large amount of mucus in the stool, or if your pet is also vomiting, losing weight, lethargic, or generally appears unwell.