If your dog is experiencing diarrhea and twitching, it can be concerning for any dog owner.
Diarrhea is already a common issue, but when paired with twitching or muscle spasms, it can indicate a range of health problems that require attention.
We outline the potential causes of dog diarrhea and twitching, as well as what steps you should take and when it’s time to consult a veterinarian.
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Here’s why dog diarrhea and twitching happens
Diarrhea and twitching in dogs can occur for a variety of reasons, including gastrointestinal issues, stress, toxins, infections, and more. Understanding why these two symptoms are appearing together can help you pinpoint the root cause.
While a dog’s digestive system is sensitive and can occasionally go through upset, when combined with twitching, it’s essential to pay close attention to other accompanying signs and symptoms.
Dog Diarrhea: Understanding the Basics
Diarrhea in dogs is a condition where their stools are loose, watery, and pass more frequently than normal. While a single episode of diarrhea isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm, chronic or repeated diarrhea can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and other health issues.
The most common causes of diarrhea in dogs include:
Dietary Changes: Switching foods suddenly, or feeding table scraps or inappropriate food can upset a dog’s digestive system.
Intestinal Parasites: Parasites such as worms, giardia, or coccidia can lead to diarrhea.
Bacterial or Viral Infections: Infections like parvovirus or salmonella can cause gastrointestinal distress in dogs.
Stress or Anxiety: Major changes in the environment, routine, or new people or animals in the household can trigger diarrhea as a stress response.
Twitching in Dogs: What Does It Mean?
Twitching refers to involuntary muscle movements or spasms that can affect different parts of a dog’s body.
Twitching can be a sign of many things, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the context.
Some possible causes of twitching in dogs include:
Neurological Issues: Conditions like seizures, nerve damage, or inflammation of the brain can cause twitching.
Pain: If a dog is experiencing pain, whether from an injury, arthritis, or another condition, they may twitch or jerk as a response.
Poisoning or Toxins: Exposure to toxins, including household chemicals, medications, or even certain plants, can cause twitching along with other symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting.
Stress or Anxiety: Just like stress can cause digestive upset, it can also lead to twitching as a physical manifestation of anxiety.
Common Causes of Dog Diarrhea and Twitching
When diarrhea and twitching occur together, it is typically a sign that something more serious is affecting your dog’s health.
Below are some of the most common causes:
1. Infections and Parasites
Gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites can be a primary culprit for both diarrhea and twitching.
For example, infections like canine parvovirus or giardia not only cause diarrhea but can also lead to muscle twitching due to dehydration, fever, or viral invasion of the nervous system.
Infections trigger the body’s immune system, causing muscle spasms or twitching as a secondary symptom.
The loss of fluids from diarrhea exacerbates the twitching because it leads to electrolyte imbalances, affecting nerve and muscle function.
Related: Dog diarrhea and not eating (Explained)
2. Poisoning or Toxin Exposure
When dogs ingest poisonous substances, whether through food, household cleaners, or plants, they may exhibit a range of symptoms, including diarrhea and twitching.
Some toxins directly affect the nervous system, causing muscle spasms, while others may lead to gastrointestinal upset as part of the body’s attempt to expel the toxin.
Ingesting human medications, pesticides, or even certain foods like chocolate or grapes can be toxic to dogs, resulting in symptoms such as:
Diarrhea or vomiting
Muscle twitching or seizures
Lethargy or weakness
Increased heart rate
Toxic exposure requires immediate veterinary attention as the toxins can quickly affect major organs, including the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
3. Stress and Anxiety
Dogs can experience stress for many reasons, including changes in their environment, loud noises, or separation anxiety.
Stress can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea as well as physical symptoms like twitching or trembling.
When a dog is stressed, their body releases hormones like cortisol, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
At the same time, stress can cause muscle twitching as part of the fight-or-flight response.
For some dogs, the nervous system becomes overly stimulated, leading to involuntary muscle movements.
Related: Dog diarrhea and vomiting after eating (Explained)
4. Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders in dogs, such as seizures, nerve damage, or brain inflammation, can cause both diarrhea and twitching.
Seizures, in particular, are characterized by muscle spasms or twitching, and they often follow a period of gastrointestinal upset.
Seizures can be caused by a range of factors, including:
Epilepsy
Brain tumors
Infections (e.g., meningitis)
Head trauma
In such cases, twitching may accompany diarrhea due to the dog’s body being under stress and the nervous system being compromised.
5. Dietary Sensitivities and Food Intolerances
Certain food sensitivities or allergies can cause both diarrhea and twitching in dogs.
If your dog’s digestive system reacts poorly to certain ingredients in their food, it may lead to gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea.
Also, some food intolerances or allergies can affect the nervous system, leading to twitching or shaking.
High-fat foods, dairy products, or artificial additives can be common triggers for food sensitivities.
Switching to a hypoallergenic or specialized diet under veterinary guidance may help alleviate these symptoms.
6. Medications and Side Effects
Some medications that dogs are prescribed may cause side effects, including diarrhea and twitching.
For example, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs can upset the stomach and lead to loose stools.
At the same time, some medications, especially those that affect the nervous system, can cause muscle spasms or twitching.
Steroids, diuretics, and certain pain relievers may increase the risk of dehydration, leading to electrolyte imbalances that affect the muscles and nervous system, causing twitching.
Related: My dog had diarrhea and now can’t poop (Explained)
What Should You Do if Your Dog Has Diarrhea and Twitching?
If your dog is experiencing both diarrhea and twitching, it’s important to take action immediately to prevent dehydration, address any underlying issues, and ensure your dog’s well-being.
Here are steps you should take:
1. Monitor the Symptoms
Pay attention to the severity and duration of the diarrhea and twitching.
If the twitching is persistent or the diarrhea is severe or bloody, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Other concerning signs include lethargy, vomiting, or changes in behavior.
2. Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can exacerbate twitching and other symptoms.
Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times.
You may also offer an electrolyte solution designed for pets to help replenish lost fluids.
3. Consult Your Veterinarian
If your dog’s symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or if they seem to worsen, it’s time to contact a veterinarian. A vet will perform a thorough examination, potentially including blood tests, fecal analysis, and imaging, to determine the root cause of the diarrhea and twitching.
4. Follow Treatment Recommendations
Once the underlying cause is identified, follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for treatment.
This may include medication, dietary changes, or hydration support.
For toxin exposure, immediate treatment may involve decontamination or antidotes to reverse the effects of the poison.
When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care
While diarrhea and twitching can sometimes resolve on their own, there are certain situations where urgent veterinary care is needed.
These include:
Severe or bloody diarrhea
Prolonged twitching or seizures
Dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, lethargy)
Poisoning or toxin ingestion
Accompanying vomiting or fever
Key Takeaway: Dog Diarrhea and Twitching
Dog diarrhea and twitching can indicate a variety of health issues, from infections and poisoning to stress and neurological disorders.
While occasional diarrhea may not be a cause for concern, when combined with twitching, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out more serious conditions.
By acting quickly and ensuring your dog receives appropriate care, you can help them recover and prevent further complications.
Always stay alert to changes in your dog’s behavior and health, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed.