If your dog has diarrhea and also seems to be in physical discomfort or pain, there could be an underlying issue that needs veterinary attention.
Dog diarrhea refers to the frequent passing of loose or watery stool, while body aches in dogs are often harder to identify but may present as stiffness, reluctance to move, whining, or signs of discomfort when touched.
When dog diarrhea and body aches appear together, it often signals that your dog is battling more than just an upset stomach.
Occasional diarrhea can be normal, especially with minor dietary changes or stress.
However, when it’s accompanied by pain, fatigue, or muscle stiffness, it could mean there’s a systemic illness or more serious health concern.
We outline the causes of dog diarrhea and body aches, the connection between these symptoms, what to do at home, and when it’s time to seek professional help.
Table of Contents
Understanding Dog Diarrhea and Body Aches
Dog diarrhea and body aches often occur together as signs of an underlying health issue such as infection, inflammation, or toxin exposure. Diarrhea indicates gastrointestinal distress, while body aches suggest muscle soreness, joint pain, or general discomfort—potentially caused by systemic illnesses like viral or bacterial infections (e.g., parvovirus or leptospirosis), dietary indiscretion, or exposure to toxins. These symptoms can also result from stress, medication side effects, or autoimmune conditions.
Common Causes of Dog Diarrhea and Body Aches
The symptoms of diarrhea and body pain in dogs can stem from various causes, many of which affect your dog’s entire system, not just the digestive tract.
1. Viral or Bacterial Infections
One of the most frequent causes of both dog diarrhea and body aches is a viral or bacterial infection.
Illnesses such as canine parvovirus, distemper, or salmonella infections can lead to gastrointestinal distress and generalized body pain.
Why this happens: These pathogens attack the gut lining, causing inflammation and loose stools, while also triggering systemic immune responses that result in body aches, lethargy, and fever.
What to look for: Alongside diarrhea and body stiffness, you may see vomiting, shivering, loss of appetite, or coughing.
Related: Dog diarrhea and bad breath (Explained)
2. Parasites
Intestinal parasites such as hookworms, whipworms, or giardia can cause severe dog diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
These parasites may also cause nutritional deficiencies that result in muscle weakness and aching joints.
Why this happens: As the parasites feed on your dog’s blood or nutrients, they irritate the digestive tract and deprive the body of essential vitamins and minerals, leading to systemic weakness and aches.
What to look for: Bloated abdomen, scooting, dull coat, or visible worms in stool.
3. Toxins and Poisoning
Dogs that ingest harmful substances—whether household cleaners, spoiled food, or toxic plants—can develop both diarrhea and body pain.
The body responds by trying to eliminate the toxin, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and widespread muscle pain or tremors.
Why this happens: Toxins can damage internal organs and nervous systems, triggering pain, inflammation, and digestive upset.
What to look for: Sudden vomiting and diarrhea, drooling, dilated pupils, seizures, or collapse.
4. Autoimmune Diseases
Conditions like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or immune-mediated polyarthritis can cause dog diarrhea and joint or body pain.
In autoimmune diseases, the dog’s immune system attacks its own tissues, affecting both the digestive system and musculoskeletal structure.
Why this happens: These diseases trigger chronic inflammation in multiple organ systems.
What to look for: Persistent diarrhea, shifting lameness, joint swelling, fatigue, or skin lesions.
Related: Dog diarrhea and leg pain (Explained)
5. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a painful inflammation of the pancreas and is a common reason for dog diarrhea and abdominal pain.
It is often triggered by fatty meals, certain medications, or underlying metabolic disorders.
Why this happens: When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it releases digestive enzymes too early, which then begin digesting the pancreas itself, causing pain and digestive upset.
What to look for: Hunched posture, vomiting, fever, abdominal tenderness, and diarrhea.
6. Stress and Anxiety
Stress can wreak havoc on your dog’s gastrointestinal system and muscles.
Dogs suffering from high anxiety may experience both diarrhea and body tension due to cortisol and adrenaline surges.
Why this happens: Stress hormones disrupt digestion and can cause muscles to tense, leading to aches or stiffness.
What to look for: Pacing, drooling, hiding, trembling, or sudden onset of diarrhea after a change in environment or routine.
7. Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs are naturally curious and may eat things they shouldn’t—spoiled food, garbage, or foreign objects—which can lead to both diarrhea and discomfort.
In some cases, the discomfort is due to gastrointestinal bloating or obstruction.
Why this happens: The body attempts to expel the irritant, resulting in diarrhea, while bloating or indigestion leads to aches.
What to look for: Vomiting, drooling, distended abdomen, and restlessness in addition to diarrhea.
8. Medication Side Effects
Certain medications, especially antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or steroids, can lead to dog diarrhea and joint or muscle pain.
Why this happens: Some medications irritate the stomach lining or cause muscle soreness as a side effect.
What to look for: Watch for symptom changes after introducing a new medication. Diarrhea, stiffness, or muscle tremors may indicate a negative reaction.
Additional Symptoms to Watch For
If your dog has diarrhea and is also showing signs of pain or body aches, here are other symptoms that may help you assess the seriousness of the condition:
Reluctance to move or climb stairs
Whimpering or yelping when touched
Swollen joints or stiffness
Loss of appetite
Shivering or trembling
Vomiting
Lethargy or depression
Blood or mucus in stool
These symptoms should not be ignored, especially if they persist for more than 24 hours.
Related: Dog diarrhea and sore throat (Explained)
What You Should Do at Home
If symptoms are mild and recent, you can try the following:
Provide rest: Keep your dog calm and restrict strenuous activity.
Hydration: Diarrhea can cause dehydration. Make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water.
Bland diet: Offer a simple diet such as boiled chicken and rice for 24–48 hours.
Monitor closely: Keep an eye on stool consistency, appetite, and movement.
Avoid giving any over-the-counter medications without a vet’s guidance, as some human drugs can be toxic to dogs.
When to See a Veterinarian
You should seek veterinary attention immediately if your dog:
Has persistent or bloody diarrhea
Appears to be in significant pain
Refuses food or water
Is lethargic or unresponsive
Shows signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, loss of skin elasticity)
Is a puppy or senior dog with these symptoms
Has ingested something potentially toxic
The veterinarian may run diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, fecal analysis, X-rays, or ultrasound to identify the root cause of dog diarrhea and body aches.
Treatment Options
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause but may include:
Fluids and electrolytes to treat dehydration
Anti-diarrheal medications or probiotics
Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medications
Antibiotics if a bacterial infection is identified
Dewormers in case of parasitic infections
Dietary changes or prescription food
The vet may also recommend rest and lifestyle adjustments based on your dog’s condition.
Key Takeaway
While occasional loose stool may not be cause for alarm, the combination of dog diarrhea and body aches can signal a more serious condition that deserves attention.
From infections and parasites to stress and toxins, several factors can affect your dog’s digestive and muscular systems simultaneously.
Don’t ignore your dog’s discomfort. If you observe recurring diarrhea along with signs of body pain or fatigue, consult your veterinarian promptly to identify the cause and begin appropriate treatment.
Early diagnosis and care can make a big difference in your dog’s recovery and overall well-being.