Diarrhea in Dachshunds: 5 Tips That Can Help Your Pet

Posted by

Tanja

March 18, 2025

On March 20, 2025

We bet every dog owner has faced stomach issues in their dog at some point. This breed has a sensitive digestive system, so diarrhea is a common concern. Whether your dachshund has diarrhea occasionally or has dachshund diarrhea all the time, you need to know what’s causing it and how to treat it. Diarrhea in dachshunds can be mild and short-lived or severe and chronic.

If your dog has diarrhea for a day and still eats and drinks normally, it’s not a big deal. But if your dachshund has diarrhea and vomiting all the time, it could be a bigger issue like an infection or food intolerance.

Knowing how to handle runny poop in dachshunds can make a big difference in their health. In this guide we’ll cover everything from causes to home remedies and vet-approved treatments. If you’ve ever thought My dachshund is having diarrhea—what do I do? you’re in the right place!

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dachshunds

Dietary Indiscretion

Dachshunds are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t. Whether it’s food scraps, garbage or something mysterious they found on a walk, their curiosity often leads to dachshund stomach issues. Many cases of diarrhea in dachshunds are caused by dietary indiscretion, meaning your pup ate something it wasn’t supposed to.

Common culprits are:

Spoiled or rotten food
Greasy or fatty human food
Non-food items like socks, toys or dirt
Table scraps with harmful ingredients

When a dachshund has diarrhea due to eating something bad, their body works hard to flush it out. This can cause runny poop in dachshunds and sometimes dachshund diarrhea and vomiting.

To prevent this, keep your pup away from garbage and don’t feed them leftovers. If your dachshund is having diarrhea after eating something weird, monitor their condition closely. Most mild cases will resolve on their own but if symptoms persist, a vet visit is necessary.

Food Allergies or Intolerances

Just like people, dachshunds can have food sensitivities. If your pup experiences dachshund diarrhea frequently, their diet could be the culprit. Common allergens include chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, and artificial additives.

Symptoms of food intolerance in dachshunds include:

Runny poop in dachshunds
Chronic ear infections
Itchy skin or rashes
Gas and bloating

If you suspect your dachshund’s stomach issue is caused by food, try switching to a limited-ingredient diet. Grain-free or hypoallergenic dog food can be beneficial. A food trial, eliminating certain ingredients and slowly reintroducing them, can help identify the problem.

When my dachshund was having diarrhea, I realized his kibble contained chicken, which he didn’t tolerate well. After switching to lamb-based food, his stomach issues improved dramatically!

Infections and Parasites

Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can all cause diarrhea in dachshunds. If your dog has the runs and also seems lethargic, refuses food, or has a fever, an infection could be the cause.

Common infections include:

Bacterial infections (Salmonella, E. coli)
Viral infections (Parvovirus, Distemper)
Parasites (Giardia, worms)

Parasites are especially common in young dachshunds. If your dachshund is having diarrhea frequently, check their stool for worms or unusual substances.

Stress and Anxiety

Dachshunds are highly sensitive and emotional dogs. Stress, anxiety, and major changes in their environment can trigger runny poop in dachshunds. If your dachshund is having diarrhea during stressful situations (e.g., moving homes, being left alone for long hours, or meeting new pets), anxiety might be the root cause.

Ways to reduce stress-related dachshund diarrhea:

Keep a consistent daily routine
Provide plenty of exercise and playtime
Use calming supplements or pheromone diffusers
Avoid leaving your dog alone for extended periods

When my dachshund had diarrhea after we moved to a new apartment, I found that giving him a cozy space with his favorite toys and blankets helped him feel more secure. Besides, I left him my T-shirt because the dog specialist told us that my scent would give him a sense of security.

Sudden Diet Changes

A quick change in diet can upset your dachshund’s stomach. If you recently switched dog food brands or introduced new treats, your pup might develop dachshund diarrhea as their digestive system adjusts.

To prevent runny poop in dachshunds, always transition to new food gradually:

Mix 25% new food with 75% old food for 2-3 days
Increase to 50/50 for another few days
Move to 75% new food, 25% old food
After about a week, switch to 100% new food

This slow process helps your dachshund’s stomach issue settle without shocking their system. If you notice persistent dachshund diarrhea and vomiting, revert to their old diet and consult a vet.

Underlying Health Conditions

If your dachshund is having diarrhea often and it doesn’t resolve with dietary changes, there might be a more serious issue. Chronic dachshund diarrhea can be caused by:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – A condition where the intestines become inflamed, causing runny poop in dachshunds.
Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by fatty foods. Symptoms include dachshund diarrhea and vomiting.
Liver or kidney disease – These conditions can disrupt digestion and cause diarrhea.

Signs and Symptoms of Dachshund Diarrhea

Understanding the signs of diarrhea in dachshunds will help you determine if it’s a minor issue or an emergency. Poop is runny in dachshunds but other signs often go with it.

Frequency and Consistency of Stool

If your dachshund has the runs multiple times a day it’s a sign something is irritating their digestive system. Occasional loose stool isn’t uncommon but if your dachshund is having diarrhea for over 24 hours it’s time to act.

Blood or Mucus in Stool

Blood in your dachshunds stool is scary. Bright red blood means irritation in the lower digestive tract, black or tarry stools means internal bleeding. Mucus covered poop means infection or inflammatory condition.

Vomiting Alongside Diarrhea

If dachshund diarrhea and vomiting occur together dehydration can become an emergency. Vomiting means your dog isn’t retaining fluids which can lead to weakness and further complications.

Lethargy and Dehydration

A tired, lazy dachshund who won’t eat or drink is dehydrated. Check their gums—if they’re dry or sticky your pup needs immediate hydration. Severe dehydration is life-threatening and needs vet care.

When to Worry: Serious Signs That Require a Vet Visit

While mild dachshund diarrhea often clears up on its own, some cases require professional medical attention. Here are red flags that indicate a more serious problem:

Persistent Diarrhea Lasting More Than 48 Hours

If your dachshund has diarrhea for more than two days without improvement, there may be an underlying cause like an infection, food intolerance, or illness that needs treatment.

Blood in Stool (Black or Bright Red)

Any sign of blood, whether bright red or black and tarry, should prompt a vet visit. This could indicate anything from parasites to more severe conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or ulcers.

Severe Dehydration Symptoms

Signs of dehydration in dachshunds include:

Dry, sticky gums
Loss of skin elasticity (if you pinch the skin and it doesn’t snap back quickly)
Sunken eyes
Weakness or collapse

Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss

If your dachshund is having diarrhea and refuses to eat, their body isn’t absorbing essential nutrients. Rapid weight loss is a sign of a more serious condition that needs veterinary attention.

How to Heal Diarrhea in a Dachshund: Immediate Steps

When your dachshund has the runs, act fast to prevent complications. Here’s what to do:

Withhold Food for 12-24 Hours

Fasting is like hitting the reset button on the digestive system. For adult dachshunds, withholding food for 12-24 hours can clear mild dachshund stomach issues. Puppies should not be fasted for too long since they have high energy needs.

Provide Plenty of Water and Electrolytes

Dehydration is a big risk with dachshund diarrhea. Offer clean water all the time and consider giving an electrolyte solution for dogs to replenish lost fluids.

Slowly Reintroduce a Bland Diet

Once your pup’s stomach has settled, start feeding a bland diet:

Boiled chicken and rice (no seasoning)
Plain boiled turkey

Feed small amounts and gradually go back to regular food in a few days.

Home Remedies for Diarrhea in Dachshunds

If your dachshund is having diarrhea, home remedies can help:

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin is high in fiber and helps firm up stool. Give 1-2 teaspoons for small dachshunds or 1 tablespoon for bigger ones. However, do not overdo it by adding it to your dog’s meals. Otherwise, it can cause unexpected cleansing of your dog’s digestive system.

Boiled Chicken and Rice

This classic remedy is easy on the stomach and provides necessary nutrients without irritating the digestive tract. Do not add salt or any other spice because they can harm your dog’s digestive system.

Probiotics and Plain Yogurt

Probiotics restore healthy gut bacteria, reducing runny poop in dachshunds. Plain, unsweetened yogurt or a probiotic supplement can help. You can serve it over a boiled rice in case your dog is having diarrhea.

Slippery Elm Bark

This natural supplement soothes the digestive tract and reduces inflammation. It’s great for chronic dachshund stomach issues.

Bone Broth for Hydration

Bone broth provides hydration and essential nutrients, perfect for sick dogs who aren’t eating much.This super food is healthy not only for humans but also for our pets. By giving your Doxie a bone broth, you can prevent it from dehydration.

Best Medicines for Diarrhea in Dachshunds

If home remedies don’t work, medication might be necessary. Always consult your vet before giving any medicine.

Vet-Recommended Anti-Diarrheal Medications

Your vet may prescribe medications like Metronidazole or Tylosin to treat infections and inflammation.

Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes

Adding probiotics and digestive enzymes to your dachshund’s diet can improve gut health and prevent future episodes of dachshund diarrhea.

Activated Charcoal for Toxin Absorption

If your dog has the runs due to ingesting something toxic, activated charcoal may help absorb the harmful substance. However, this should only be used under vet supervision.

Over-the-Counter Options (When Safe)

Some vets recommend Pepto-Bismol in small doses, but never give human medication without checking with your vet first.

Preventing Runny Poop in Dachshunds

Preventing dachshund diarrhea is easier than treating it. Here’s how:

Maintain a Consistent Diet

Frequent food changes can upset your dachshund’s stomach. Stick to high-quality, digestible dog food. Talk to your vet if your pooch

Avoid Table Scraps and Harmful Foods

Human food, especially fatty or spicy items, can cause dachshund stomach issues. Avoid feeding leftovers.

Gradually Transition to New Foods

Sudden dietary changes are a common cause of runny poop in dachshunds. Always transition food over 7-10 days.

Regular Deworming and Vaccinations

Parasites and infections can cause dachshund diarrhea. Keep up with deworming and vaccinations to protect your pup.

Dealing With Diarrhea in Dachshunds: Wrapping Up

If your dachshund is having diarrhea, don’t panic. Most cases resolve on their own with simple home treatments like fasting, hydration, and a bland diet. However, persistent dachshund diarrhea and vomiting require a vet visit to rule out serious conditions.

By maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress, and keeping up with vet check-ups, you can help prevent dachshund stomach issues before they start. Always monitor your pup’s health closely and take action when needed!