You wake up one morning to find your Yorkie has had an accident in the house – again. Only this time, it’s not the usual solid mess you’re used to cleaning up. Your Yorkie has diarrhea, and now you’re worried. Diarrhea in Yorkies can be serious, so you know you need to address this promptly.
Recognizing Diarrhea in Yorkies
If your Yorkie has diarrhea, it’s important to notice the symptoms right away. Loose, watery stools can lead to dehydration quickly in small breeds like Yorkies. Watch for the following signs that your Yorkie may have diarrhea:
- Loose, watery stools: Healthy Yorkie stools should be firm and shaped. Diarrhea stools are loose, soggy and watery.
- Increased urgency or frequency: If your Yorkie suddenly needs to go out more often or has accidents in the house, it could indicate diarrhea.
- Mucus or blood in the stool: Diarrhea stools may contain mucus, a jelly-like substance, or even blood. This can indicate inflammation or infection.
- Dehydration: Diarrhea causes loss of fluids, so watch for signs of dehydration like lethargy, dry nose and gums, sunken eyes or skin that stays tented when pinched.
- Stomach gurgling or gas: Loud stomach sounds, gas or cramps can accompany diarrhea.
My Yorkie Has Diarrhea For More Than a Few Days!
If your Yorkie shows severe or persistent diarrhea (lasting more than a couple days), seems very uncomfortable, shows signs of dehydration or other symptoms, it’s best to have your vet examine them. Diarrhea in puppies or small breeds especially can become dangerous quickly without treatment. Your vet can run tests to determine the underlying cause, such as:
- Parasites: A stool sample can check for intestinal parasites like Giardia, coccidia or worms.
- Bacterial infection: A culture can determine if bacteria like Salmonella are present.
- Viral causes: Tests can check for common viral causes of diarrhea like parvovirus, coronavirus or distemper.
- Other issues: Blood tests or imaging may be needed to diagnose problems like pancreatitis, IBS or other GI conditions.
Treatment will depend on the cause but may include fluids, medications, probiotics, diet changes or other supportive care. Follow-up care and prevention tips, like a high-quality diet, probiotics, deworming and stress reduction, can help keep your Yorkie’s GI tract healthy and diarrhea-free.
Causes of Diarrhea in Yorkies: Diet, Infections, Parasites, and More
Little Yorkies can be prone to loose stools or diarrhea for a number of reasons. It’s important to determine the underlying cause of your Yorkie’s diarrhea to provide the appropriate treatment. Some common causes of diarrhea in Yorkies include:
Dietary indiscretions
Did your Yorkie get into the trash or eat table scraps they shouldn’t have? Dietary indiscretions, like eating fatty or spicy human foods, can upset a Yorkie’s tummy and cause diarrhea. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then reintroduce their regular diet gradually.
Infections: Viral and bacterial
Viral or bacterial infections can also lead to diarrhea in Yorkies. Signs may include fever, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain in addition to diarrhea. See your vet for diagnostic tests to determine if antibiotics or other medications are needed.
Parasites
Internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms or Giardia can infest a Yorkie’s intestines and cause diarrhea. Your vet can check a stool sample to diagnose parasites and prescribe deworming medication.
Stress-related factors
Stress, anxiety in your Yorkie or a change in routine can sometimes trigger diarrhea in Yorkies. Managing stress through exercise, play, and affection may help alleviate stress-related diarrhea.
Underlying health problems in Yorkies
Chronic diarrhea can sometimes signal an underlying condition like irritable bowel disease, pancreatitis or gastrointestinal disease. See your vet right away for diagnosis and treatment to prevent dehydration or other complications.
By determining the cause of your Yorkie’s diarrhea and treating it promptly, you can get your little one back to solid stools and optimal health. Be sure to call your vet if diarrhea is frequent, bloody, or your Yorkie shows signs of dehydration like lethargy or loss of skin elasticity.
Home Remedies and First Aid When Your Yorkie Has Diarrhea
If your Yorkie has diarrhea, the most important thing is to keep them hydrated. Offer small amounts of water frequently, about 1-2 tablespoons every 30 minutes. You can also give oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte to replace electrolytes.
- Dietary changes:
Withhold food for 12-24 hours to give the digestive system a rest. When reintroducing food, start with bland options like boiled chicken, rice, pumpkin or sweet potatoes. Gradually transition back to regular diet over 3-5 days.
- Probiotics:
Give 1/4 teaspoon of plain yogurt or probiotic paste 2-3 times a day. The good bacteria can help restore balance to the digestive tract.
- Activated charcoal:
In case your Yorkie has acute diarrhea, give 1/4 teaspoon of activated charcoal powder in water up to 4 times a day. It helps absorb toxins and gas in the gut.
- Slippery elm:
The herb slippery elm can soothe the digestive tract. Give 1/4 teaspoon of the powder in water 3 times a day.
- Limit activity:
Restrict activity and exercise to prevent dehydration. Let your Yorkie rest as much as possible until stools start to firm up.
- See a vet if:
Visit a vet if your Yorkie has diarrhea more than 2-3 days, it shows signs of dehydration like lethargy or loss of appetite, or if stools contain blood or are black in color. The vet can check for infections and may give IV fluids and medication based on the underlying cause.
By making dietary changes, keeping your Yorkie hydrated, and giving probiotics or natural remedies, you can often clear up diarrhea at home. However, diarrhea can lead to dehydration quickly in small dogs, so if home treatment isn’t helping or your Yorkie’s condition worsens, consult your vet right away for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Prevention through a healthy diet, probiotics, and limiting stress will help reduce diarrhea episodes in the future.
Professional Veterinary Care If Your Yorkie Has Diarrhea
If your Yorkie’s diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days, is accompanied by other symptoms, or your pup seems dehydrated or lethargic, it’s best to have them examined by a vet. The vet can run diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the diarrhea and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
- Diagnostic tests may include fecal tests to check for parasites, blood tests to check for infections, and abdominal ultrasounds or x-rays to check for any abnormalities.
- Treatment options for acute diarrhea may include IV fluids for dehydration, antibiotics for infections, deworming medication for parasites, probiotics to restore good bacteria, and a bland diet as the stool firms up.
- For chronic or persistent diarrhea, further tests like biopsies of the stomach and intestines may be needed to determine the cause. Treatment may require long-term medication and diet changes.
Follow-up care for your Yorkie is important to ensure the diarrhea clears up and does not return. The vet may want to see your Yorkie for a recheck exam after the initial treatment. At-home, continue any prescribed medication as directed, slowly reintroduce your Yorkie’s normal diet, limit treats and table scraps, and monitor your pup’s stool and appetite to make sure all is back to normal.
Tips For a Healthier Digestive System
As a Yorkie owner myself, I know how important it is to keep these little furballs happy and healthy. One key thing is preventing diarrhea and tummy troubles. Yorkies have sensitive stomachs, so making gradual diet changes over 4 weeks helps avoid those messy accidents. If your Yorkie has diarrhea, then you should be careful about other things as well. Unfortunately, vomiting in your Yorkie can happen alongside with diarrhea.
Feeding with high-quality Yorkie food
Sticking to a high-quality, age-appropriate diet and avoiding people food is a good start. Be sure to measure out meals and keep to a regular schedule. It’s also a good idea to bring stool samples in for routine checkups with your vet. They can test for parasites and make sure nutrition is on point.
Regular vaccines
Don’t forget to deworm and stay current on vaccines too. These routine vet visits are important for catching any digestive issues early. Speaking of vets, give them a call right away if you notice diarrhea or other tummy troubles in your pup. They can help get things sorted quickly.
Keep your pet stress-free
Another important thing is managing stress. Yorkies can get an upset tummy when anxious or stressed out. Try to keep their environment calm and predictable with a set routine. Make sure they get plenty of playtime, interactive toys, massages and attention to keep them happy. You can even try calming diffusers or creating a safe space just for sleeping.
Yorkie Has Diarrhea: Wrapping Up
By feeding a proper diet, taking your Yorkie for regular checkups, and managing stress, diarrhea can often be prevented. However, if your Yorkie does experience diarrhea, be sure to withhold food for 12-24 hours and provide plenty of hydration. You can also give a probiotic and gradually reintroduce bland foods like rice and chicken. See a vet if diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days. Preventing diarrhea and keeping your Yorkie healthy will help ensure many happy years together.