Acute Diarrhea in Dogs: Are Some Breeds at Greater Risk Than Others?

A British study sheds new light on acute canine diarrhea. Conducted on more than two million dogs, this study reveals that certain dog breeds are more prone to developing this common digestive disorder.   One in twelve dogs is affected each year. In 2019, nearly 8.2% of dogs seen at British veterinary clinics were brought in for an episode of acute diarrhea. This figure provides insight into the prevalence of this condition in the canine population. Certain breeds are significantly overrepresented: the Maltese, the Miniature Poodle, the Cavapoo, the German Shepherd, and the Yorkshire Terrier top the list of breeds most at risk. Conversely, the Jack Russell Terrier and the Chihuahua appear to be less affected. Another risk factor identified is age. Puppies under one year old and dogs over nine years old are affected more frequently. According to the authors, this is due to immune system weakness, dietary errors, or underlying medical conditions. Sterilization also appears to play a role, with a slight increase in risk among dogs that have been sterilized. Among the associated clinical signs, nearly half of the affected dogs experienced vomiting, one in four showed lethargy, and about one-third suffered from bloody diarrhea—a clinical presentation that often requires emergency care. The study also highlights the diversity of veterinary practices regarding treatment. While 60% of the dogs underwent laboratory tests during their first visit, a dietary change was prescribed for only 44% of them. Antibiotics were administered in 38% of cases, and antiemetics in 24%. More in-depth diagnostic tests, such as biochemical analyses or pancreatitis tests, remain relatively rare.