The causes of diarrhea vary widely, but include bacteria, viruses, internal parasites and stress-induced factors. Diarrhea may also be caused by toxic substances which the animal ingests or by food allergies. A change in pet food, eating table scraps or rich snacks, or scavenging spoiled food from garbage may result in diarrhea as well. Organ dysfunction, especially the liver and pancreas, can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea caused by internal parasites may be a continuous, chronic problem or be intermittent with a normal stool being passed between abnormal stools.
Some parasites causing diarrhea in dogs and cats are transferable to humans.
Therefore, it is important to identify the parasitic causes. It is important to note that young animals may be more severely affected by diarrhea than mature animals. Puppies should be carefully observed because their condition could quickly become life-threatening. However, it is important to differentiate between non-specific diarrhea and diarrhea caused by a more serious health problem. To treat your pet for diarrhea, your veterinarian must first diagnose the underlying cause.