Why Does My Dog Have Orange Diarrhea?

Orange diarrhea can be a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

The color of the feces is caused by an excess of bile pigment in the intestines.

Bile is made in the liver and stored in the gallbladder until needed for digestion.

It contains a variety of chemicals, such as cholesterol and fatty acids, which help food break down into smaller particles so they can be absorbed by the body.

When too much bile enters the intestine, the intestines may become irritated and start producing more bile than they need, causing the stool to turn orange.

The most common causes of orange diarrhea include dietary changes, digestive problems, or infections.

Often, there is no explanation for the orange color, but if you believe your dog’s diarrhea is due to an underlying problem, it is important to see a veterinarian.

Causes of Orange Diarrhea

The most common reason for orange diarrhea in dogs is diet change.

Many commercial pet foods contain corn or wheat as the primary ingredient.

These grains break down into simple sugars that are easily digestible for the dog’s stomach.

This leads to rapid fermentation within the intestine.

As the bacteria ferment these sugars, they produce gas and create a foul odor.

The combination of this gas with the bile pigment creates the orange color in the stool.

Another common reason for orange diarrhea is digestive issues.

Certain medications such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs can irritate the lining of the intestine causing inflammation and pain.

This irritation results in increased fluid secretion from the intestinal mucosa (the innermost layer of tissue covering the inside of the intestines).

When there is too much moisture in the intestines, the stool becomes more watery than normal and appears orange.

In addition, certain gastrointestinal disorders may cause orange diarrhea.

One example includes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is an autoimmune disorder of the digestive tract.

In some cases, this can lead to chronic inflammation in the intestine and result in scarring of the intestinal wall.

This can lead to ulcers and blockages in the intestines, resulting in loss of fluid and bile, which then turn the stools bright orange.

Finally, infections can also cause orange diarrhea.

Bacterial or viral infections are the most common reasons for this.

For instance, dogs who have had recent contact with other pets often develop diarrhea.

It is possible that their fecal matter was contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or a mix of several of these agents.

Other animals, such as rodents, cats, birds, or reptiles, can harbor many of these same pathogens.

Once the pathogen invades the dog’s system, it can spread quickly throughout the body.

To determine if your dog has orange diarrhea, you should take him to see his veterinarian immediately.

The sooner the problem is diagnosed, the better the chances of recovery.

You should also make sure that your dog does not eat any food that he did not previously eat before the onset of symptoms.

When to Worry About Orange Diarrhea

The color of the stool will change from normal brown or yellow to a bright orange color.

This is due to an increase in bile pigment in the intestine.

The increased amount of bile pigment is usually caused by an infection, inflammation, or obstruction of the intestine.

Other possible reasons include a change in diet, overconsumption of protein foods, or an underlying health issue.

If you notice that your dog’s poop turns orange suddenly, this could be a sign of dehydration.

It may also signal a gastrointestinal (GI) tract disorder and should not be ignored.

Other signs of orange diarrhea include vomiting, weakness, lethargy, depression, loss of appetite, lack of energy, weight loss, and decreased thirst.

If any of these symptoms appear, contact your vet immediately.

Dogs with orange diarrhea often have a fever as well.

A high temperature indicates an illness that needs immediate medical attention.

Treatment for Orange Diarrhea

If you notice your dog has sudden onset of orange diarrhea, he may have eaten something toxic or contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or other harmful substances.

A veterinarian will examine your pet to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be causing the diarrhea.

Once the diagnosis is made, the vet will treat your dog for the specific illness.

There are several ways to treat orange diarrhea in dogs.

Your vet will prescribe medications to help alleviate symptoms and improve the health of your dog’s internal organs.

Home remedies include using over-the-counter products like Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, and Imodium, which help reduce stomach acidity and relieve nausea.

You should also try to keep your dog as hydrated as possible by offering water frequently throughout the day.

If your dog has frequent episodes of orange diarrhea, the vet may recommend putting him on a special diet called “rice based diets.” These types of diets tend to be grain free and low in fat because they rely more heavily on carbohydrates for energy.

They also contain ingredients that may help reduce inflammation in the gut.

The following are some home remedies that you can use to treat orange diarrhea in dogs.

• Pepto-Bismol

This brand contains aluminum and magnesium sulfates, which help reduce stomach acidity and prevent the spread of bacteria from the intestine into the bloodstream.

It can also help reduce mucus production in the intestinal tract.

• Kaopectate

This brand is another option to help reduce stomach acidity.

It contains kaolin, which helps absorb moisture and prevent dehydration.

It also contains pectin, which promotes normal peristaltic action in the intestines.

• Imodium

This medication contains loperamide, which reduces the secretion of fluid and electrolytes in the small intestines.

It also contains diphenhydramine, which acts as a mild antihistamine to calm down the nerves in the gastrointestinal tract.

• Coffee enemas

If the diarrhea is caused by bacterial infection, this may be helpful to flush the infected area out.

Home Remedies for Orange Diarrhea

When treating orange diarrhea at home, you have two options: 1) treat the diarrhea with over-the-counter remedies or 2) call your vet immediately.

For most cases, over-the-counter treatments will do the trick without needing to call out the vet.

However, if your dog is showing signs of life-threatening symptoms like weakness, lethargy, vomiting, or severe diarrhea, then you should contact your vet right away.

Some of these home remedies will not work on their own, but they may be helpful when combined with some other treatment.

1. Milk Thistle

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is one herb that can help reduce the effects of liver damage.

It also helps prevent the buildup of toxins in the body.

When taken orally, milk thistle is known to increase the amount of bilirubin in the bloodstream.

The extract of milk thistle works best when taken in capsule form.

Take one capsule twice daily, preferably after meals.

You can find this herb as a supplement at health food stores or online.

Check the label before purchasing any product containing milk thistle to make sure it does not contain any additives or fillers.

2. Ginger Root

Ginger root is another natural remedy that can help reduce the effects of liver damage.

In addition to reducing the effects of liver damage, ginger root is also used to alleviate nausea, which is common during episodes of diarrhea.

It also speeds up the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract.

To use ginger root in your dog’s diet, you will need to grind the root into a powder and mix it into their dry kibble.

Ginger root can be purchased from health food stores or ordered online.

Make sure that you purchase pure ginger root with no additives or filler ingredients.

Note: Do not give your dog more than one teaspoon (five grams) of ginger root per day.

3. Garlic

Garlic is another powerful ingredient that can help reduce the severity of diarrhea.

It contains sulfur compounds that aid in digestion.

It also stimulates the immune system, which fights off bacteria, viruses, and other harmful organisms in the body.

You can buy garlic supplements in pill form or order them online.

Be careful when buying garlic supplements because some supplements may contain fillers and additives that could affect your dog’s health.

To avoid this problem, look for brands that only sell raw garlic pills or capsules.

4. Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that keep our GI tracts healthy.

They assist in keeping harmful bacteria at bay, while promoting the growth of good bacteria.

This makes probiotics useful in preventing stomach ulcers, yeast infections, and other digestive disorders.

If you suspect that your dog has a yeast infection, take him or her to the vet immediately.

Yeast infections are painful and can lead to more serious conditions such as kidney failure, heart disease, diabetes, and skin problems.

You can try giving your dog probiotics in liquid form or using a supplement.

A popular brand of probiotic supplements is Flora Pro.

These supplements come in a variety of flavors and can be found at most pet supply stores and online retailers.

5. Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is another natural remedy that can help reduce inflammation.

Inflammation is often present in the case of diarrhea and can lead to many complications.

Flaxseed oil is available in both liquid and solid forms.

Both forms of flaxseed oil are commonly used in baked goods and salad dressings.

You can also buy flaxseed oil supplements for your dog.

Be careful when purchasing flaxseed oil supplements, because some products contain additives and fillers that may be harmful to your dog.

Prevention of Orange Diarrhea

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent orange diarrhea in dogs.

However, you should try to avoid giving your dog any foods or treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, which are often found in processed pet food.

These ingredients can alter the natural balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, causing gastrointestinal upset.

If your dog eats a lot of these types of food, he may experience some digestive problems such as vomiting or diarrhea.

It is best to give him fresh foods instead of canned or dry pet food products.

Raw meaty bones and raw liver are also recommended because they contain high levels of vitamin A, which helps to keep the intestine healthy.

Dietary Changes

You might notice that your dog’s stools start turning orange when you make a change to his diet.

Sometimes, this is just a temporary change until the new diet becomes more familiar.

You should not make major changes in your dog’s diet without consulting your veterinarian first, though.

Some common culprits of orange diarrhea include:

• High-protein diets (such as those containing lamb, chicken, fish, or horse) can cause severe intestinal inflammation and inflammation of the pancreas.

This can lead to stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• Low-fat diets can cause fatty acids to build up in the digestive system.

This can result in diarrhea, bloating, and gas.

• Protein supplements can cause diarrhea due to their high fiber content.

• Raw meats, especially beef, pork, poultry, and eggs, can cause diarrhea because of the presence of salmonella and other bacterial toxins.

• Glyphosate herbicides, used on lawns and gardens, have been linked to orange diarrhea in dogs.

They can affect the gut flora and increase the amount of fat in the stool.

• Certain vitamins, such as Vitamin B6, can cause an imbalance in the body’s electrolytes (which control fluid levels).

Other Causes of Orange Diarrhea

In addition to diet changes, there are several other factors that can contribute to orange diarrhea in dogs.

These include:

• Constipation
• Fever
• Cholecystitis
• Bloat or gastric torsion
• Intestinal worms
• Coccidiosis
• Kidney disease
• Foreign bodies in the digestive track
• Bacteria overgrowth
• Diagnostic procedures, such as endoscopy or colonoscopy

If you suspect that your dog has orange diarrhea, you should take him to the vet immediately.