How to Treat Diarrhoea in Cats and Dogs

Written and verified by the lawyer Francisco María García

Last update: 21 December, 2022

Anyone who has a pet needs to remember that pets can get sick from time to time. For example, diarrhoea is one of the main illnesses in cats and dogs. In this article, we will see what the best and most effective treatments are for diarrhoea in cats and dogs, as well as the causes.

Possible Causes of Diarrhoea in Cats and Dogs

There are many different factors that can cause diarrhoea in cats and dogs. Commonly, this illness is triggered by an inflammation or infection in the digestive system.

Changes in diet, low-quality foods, and poisoning, tend to be the main causes of diarrhoea.

When a cat or dog has diarrhoea, it is very common for other health conditions to surface as well. Vomiting and fever are two such examples.

How Does Diarrhoea Affect Your Pet’s Body?

Diarrhoea tends to result from a change in your cat or dog’s digestive system. For this reason, it can obviously affect your pet’s mood.

As well as diarrhoea, there are other associated symptoms such as, vomiting or fever. If you notice that your pet is in low spirits, looks sad or despondent, they are likely suffering from intense colic pain.

If you notice these symptoms, it is really important that you pay due attention. If their faeces are soft or completely liquid, this is a symptom. If mucus or blood are also present, you need to go straight to a vet.

One of the most serious consequences of diarrhoea is dehydration. You must not forget to provide your four-legged friend with plenty of water, especially when they have this illness.

Treating Diarrhoea in Cats and Dogs

Once you are sure that your cat or dog has diarrhoea, you need to act. What is the best treatment for diarrhoea in cats and dogs?

Firstly, you need to remember that diarrhoea is not considered an illness in itself. In reality, it is a symptom for which you need to determine the root cause.

If the diarrhoea has lasted for more than 24 hours, you should visit a vet. They will be able to provide you with the correct treatment.

In truth, the treatment for diarrhoea in cats and dogs depends on each individual case. The same goes for whatever may be causing it. However, there is some general advice to bear in mind to alleviate the effects of diarrhoea.

Solid and Soft Foods

Temporarily cutting out all solid food is often one of the best choices when treating diarrhoea in cats and dogs. Another choice is to provide them with more soft foods. Generally, these measures tend to be highly effective when treating your pet’s diarrhoea. But if it is caused by a serious infection, then obviously these measures will not be sufficient.

A soft diet for treating diarrhoea in cats and dogs consists of food such as, chicken, rice, and fish. This should always be boiled.

It is really important to keep your cat or dog well hydrated whilst they are ill.

Your cat or dog should be fed this diet for some four or five days. The idea is to see if their faeces begin to return to normal. You should also monitor if your pet’s mood is improving or if it stays the same.

Finishing Treatment

Once the diarrhoea and other symptoms have stopped, you can return to feeding them their normal food. Make sure it is a high-quality diet, as it may even have been the cause of the diarrhoea in the first place.