Email us  

Diarrhea

Pug Dog Diarrhea

Overview

There are very few health issues that cause such immediate concern than when a Pug puppy or dog suddenly gets diarrhea. And, due to the serious issues that can accompany this condition such as rapid dehydration, treating this as soon as it begins is prudent.

This section will cover all of the important details about Pugs with diarrhea including:
  • Signs and symptoms
  • Acute vs chronic vs intermittent diarrhea
  • What causes a Pug to develop diarrhea
  • Home remedies and treatment
  • Red flags that a vet visit is needed

Signs and Symptoms of Diarrhea

Diarrhea with dogs is the same as with humans. This term is given when bowel movements:

#1: Hold more liquid than normal. Though stools are usually comprised of about 75% water, it is considered to be a solid and healthy stools should be a thick paste (similar to Play-Doh). If you were to pick it up, it would hold its shape and a piece may slowly break off. But, when a Pug has diarrhea, the stools will be runny and much more watery, making it impossible to pick up. In severe cases, diarrhea may be pure liquid. 

And/or #2: Discharge is frequent. Normally, a Pug will have 1 to 3 bowel movements per day. However, when sick with diarrhea, a dog may squirt out runny or liquid stools 5, 10, or even 20 times in a day.  

There may also be #3: Lack of control. Even dogs that are very well house trained may have little to no control over the expulsion of diarrhea.

Acute Vs Chronic Vs Intermittent Diarrhea

Acute diarrhea is a short episode typically lasting 2 to 5 days that responds to at-home treatment and does not reoccur again within the next 3 months. 

Chronic diarrhea lasts more than 5 days. It may appear to get better once a dog is treated at home, but resurfaces soon afterward. For this, diagnosis and treatment at the vet's is needed.

Intermittent diarrhea involves bouts of diarrhea often throughout the year. It comes and goes. It may be a week or a month between occurrences. For this, diagnosis and treatment at the vet's is needed.

What Causes a Pug to Develop Diarrhea

In many cases, diarrhea will come on suddenly, out of the blue, though in some cases this can be a chronic problem caused by an underlying issue. Causes of diarrhea include: 
1) A food intolerance. Dairy products are at the top of this list including ice cream, milk, and cheese. But, it should be noted that large quantities of cheese can have the opposite effect and cause constipation. Other foods that can cause runny stools are table scraps including fatty meats or greasy foods. 

2) Food allergy. Though many instances of food-related allergies involve allergic reactions to chemical additives that manifest as skin rashes and itchiness, food allergies can also cause upset stomach and diarrhea. The culprit can be a certain protein, eggs, or other ingredients and additional symptoms often seen alongside this include itchiness and/or irritation around the anus and/or flatulence.  

3) Bacterial infection. Canines can catch a 'stomach bug' just like people can. In many cases, this is contracted when coming into contact with another dog that is sick (in doggie daycare, when kenneled, etc.) but can also be picked up via contaminated soil or water. 

4) Stress. Overwhelming stress can trigger a Pug to have diarrhea. This may be acute or chronic stress often revolving around a chaotic or negative environment (loud noises, yelling, domestic upset, etc.). Also, certain situations may cause temporary intestinal distress such as being home alone when not accustomed to it, moving to a new home, the introduction of a new pet, or being transported or traveling. 
5) Inflammatory bowel disease. This is a catch-all term that is given for chronic episodes of diarrhea linked to one of several conditions including allergies, parasitic infection, lowered immune system, diseases such as colitis. Symptoms include persistent diarrhea, a low-grade fever, weight loss, lethargy, and/or vomiting. 

This is more common with dogs that are 5+ years, though it can happen to younger dogs as well. This is diagnosed with a combination of blood testing, urinalysis, stool testing, and other tests. Treatment may include antibiotics, corticosteroids, and medications to protect the lining of the intestines. In many cases a change to a different food which includes a switch in both protein and carb sources can help. 

6) Ingestion of poisonous foods or toxins. This can cause diarrhea, among other symptoms. Foods toxic to canines include anything sweetened with Xylitol (most often found in sugarless candy & chewing gum), chocolate, coffee (both the grounds and the beans), grapes, raisins, the core of most fruits, any beverage with caffeine, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic (only in large quantities), certain moldy walnuts, and raw potatoes. 

Toxic substances that dogs are sometimes known to get into include cleaning products, antifreeze, insecticides, fertilizer, and medications for humans (Advil is among the top 10 reported toxins leading to pet poisoning).

7) Parasitic infection. This includes roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and giardia. All newborn puppies should be properly de-wormed by the veterinarian and fecal testing should be performed during yearly wellness visits to check for intestinal parasites. Most of these parasitic infections are treated with multiple treatments of de-wormer medication, along with owners sanitizing both the indoor and outdoor areas of living space. Both coccidia and giardia are treated with antibiotics and also a cleaning of both environment and the dog, since these can shed onto the coat.  

8) Other less common but possible reasons for diarrhea include: Kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, lymphangiectasia, pancreatitis, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and Rickettsial (a tick-transmitted disease).

How to Treat Acute Diarrhea with Pug Dogs

Since diarrhea can quickly cause a Pug to become dangerously dehydrated, it is important to treat for this right away. There are several steps to take: 
#1 Make an assessment.

Many cases of diarrhea can be effectively treated at home; however, if your puppy or dog has any of the following, this warrants immediate veterinary intervention and treatment:
  • Diarrhea along with projectile vomiting - Vomit is expelled from the mouth, and sometimes the nasal passages, with extreme force
  • Explosive diarrhea (liquid stools expelled with force) 
  • Bloody diarrhea 
  • Severe lethargy
  • Refusal to drink
  • Extended abdomen
  • Excessive drooling 
  • Signs of distress - pacing, restlessness, panicked behavior
  • High fever (above 103.5 F (39.7 C))
  • Labored breathing
  • If you suspect any form of poisoning
  • Moderate to severe diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours or mild diarrhea lasting more than 3 days 
# 2 Refrain from giving food for 12 to 24 hours. 

Any food can trigger more diarrhea, so it can be beneficial to give the intestines a rest. Aim for at least 12 hours; but, depending on the time of day that this begins, you may be able to extend this to 24 hours, as long as your Pug is drinking water. Most Pugs that are having diarrhea problems do not have much of an appetite and welcome this respite.  
#3 Keep your Pug hydrated.

Encourage slow water consumption. If you feel that your dog is not drinking enough, with veterinarian permission, offer a blend of water and unflavored Children’s Pedialyte, which will help replace electrolytes that may have been lost. When giving this, it must be plain Pedialyte and not with any other added ingredients. Dosing is relatively small; just 1/8 of a cup for every 10 lbs. of body weight, every 1 to 2 hours.

#4 After 12 to 24 hours, introduce a bland diet. 

Generally, this is a combination of one protein and one starch. One of the most well-tolerated combos is diced white breast chicken meat and white rice or sweet potatoes. Offering 1 to 2 teaspoons of pumpkin can help as well since it is rich in fiber which can help firm up stools; for this, be sure to obtain 100% real pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. 
#5 After 3 days, transition back to a regular diet.

If you will be making a switch to a different recipe or brand, do this in a gradual way by mixing both the older and newer food together. For the first week, do a 1/4 old to 3/4 new ratio. For the second week, do a 1/2 to 1/2 ratio. And, on the third week, do a 3/4 new to 1/4 old ratio. 

#6 Tend to a sore/burning anus area. 

Diarrhea can burn as it is expelled due to its often high level of acidity, and therefore, repeated bouts of diarrhea can cause a dog’s anus to become sore, red, and very irritated. It can help to gently wipe the rear end with grooming wipes after each episode of diarrhea and dab petroleum jelly onto the area. If there are cracks in the skin, you may wish to use an antibiotic gel. 

How to Be Prepared For Unexpected Diarrhea with Your Pug

No one knows when their puppy or dog is going to become ill, so the best thing that you can do for your Pug is to have the right items at your house in case diarrhea develops. This way, you can start treatment immediately and will not have to leave your Pug's side to rush out to the store for needed supplies.  
Here is what you will want:
  • The number of your vet and the phone number of the Animal Poison Control Center (US #: 888- 426-4435). Please keep in mind that there is a charge to call APC.
  • A canine thermometer, so you'll be able to know if your Pug has a fever. 
  • Petroleum jelly. This is to use along a rectal thermometer and can also be used to help prevent or treat a sore anus.
  • 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in case your Pug ate something toxic and you are instructed by the vet or APC to induce vomiting. Dosage is 1 teaspoon for each 10 lbs of body weight, given up to 3 times, 15 to 20 minutes apart.
  • Pedialyte (classic children's formula)
  • Chicken meat and white rice. Chicken can be bought and frozen for future use. The United States Department of Agriculture states that frozen chicken lasts indefinitely; though we would suggest using it and replacing it within a year.
  • Canned pumpkin (real pumpkin, not the pie filling).
Are you a site member? 

Become a free PetPugDog Member. You'll receive reminders when we add new pages of information. You'll also be able to suggest a topic for us to write about (we always look to member suggestions). 
Looking for an awesome Pug book?

Check out PetPugDog's GIANT Book of Pug Care. It takes a giant book to cover everything you need to know to confidently care for your Pug through every stage of his/her life. Now you've found it! 
Other articles you may like:

Pug Feeding Guidelines - This covers how much to feed Pugs, scheduled vs free-feeding, common eating issues, and the best choices of healthy kibble. 
Grooming a Pug - From wrinkle care to baths, brushing and shedding, ear care, eye care and more, this main grooming page covers everything you need to know about keeping your Pug clean, looking tidy, and smelling great.  
Pug Separation Anxiety - If your Pug has trouble staying home alone, these tips will help with the isolation and loneliness. 
Share by: