Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea At Night?

Why does my dog have diarrhea at night? Your dog may suffer from diarrhea at night for a variety of reasons. But the most common reason one can see behind this suffering is the sudden change in its feed.

If your pet’s stomach is sensitive, the cause of the diarrhoea could be a sudden change in feed, such as if you changed the Kibble.

Dogs losing their bowels in the middle of the night is not an uncommon occurrence, as it occurs in the majority of dogs. There are, however, some serious signs you should always watch out for. So if your pet is going through the same phase, then you are at the right place, and here, we will let you know the answer to:

5 Causes Of Diarrhea In Dogs At Night

Your beloved dog may suffer from diarrhea at night for different reasons, as diarrhea can also be caused if the faecal material movement becomes faster in the intestine when combined with low water consumption, electrolytes, and nutrients.

Diarrhea in dogs is typically caused by an infection in the intestine from various viruses, bacteria, or worms.This type of infection only takes place in your pet’s intestine if your pet has any kind of eating disorder, which includes if your pet is eating garbage or rotten food.

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Suffering from diarrhea for a limited period of time is not dangerous at all, but if the suffering goes on for way too long, then the best thing for you to do is to take your pet to the vet as it may lead to something more severe.

Here are some of the reasons that can cause diarrhea in dogs at night.

1. Sudden Change in Kibble

A sudden change in Kibble can cause an upset in your Dog’s stomach, leading to diarrhea. Changing kibble for your dog should be handled with caution; most veterinarians recommend that the change be made gradually over time, beginning by slowly mixing the new feed into your dog’s old feed, and over time your pet’s stomach will begin to accept the new feed. You will save your pet from diarrhea.

2. Eating Rotten Food

Diarrhea in dogs can also be caused if your pet is eating rotten food or if your pet is destroying the neighbor’s garbage and eating from it. Eating rotten food or eating from garbage can seriously affect your pet’s stomach, making your pet seriously ill. Because different things can be found in people’s trash, you should take better care of your dog.

3. Medication Side Effect

The side effect of your pet medication can also be a cause for your Dog to suffer from diarrhea at night as most medicine that contains NSAIDS and NMDAR can be the primary source behind it.

When that is the case, you can ask your vet if there are any changes that can be made to the medicine or the timing of the medications.

4. Stress or Anxiety

Diarrhea can also be caused if your pet is going through a stressful period or if something is causing anxiety. For example, pets easily get stressed while traveling far away from home or staying away at night in someplace new.

5. Symptom of Kidney or Liver Disease

If your dog has diarrhea constantly, then it may be a symptom that there is something really wrong with your pet’s kidney or liver; this type of disease mainly occurs if your pet is old,, is going through cancer treatment, or has any kind of parasite.

So if the diarrhea episode is taking way too long to get better, you should contact your vet, as something can be seriously wrong with your pet.

Distinguishing Nighttime Diarrhea from Daytime Incidents

Understanding the difference between nighttime and daytime diarrhea can help you pinpoint potential causes and address them more effectively.

Circadian Rhythms and Digestive Patterns:

Just like humans, dogs have their own circadian rhythms that dictate their daily patterns of activity, rest, eating, and digestion. If your dog tends to eat later in the evening or consumes a larger meal before bedtime, their digestive system might be more active during the night, leading to nocturnal diarrhea episodes.

Behavioral Factors:

Dogs are creatures of habit. Some dogs might hold their bowel movements during the day due to behavioral reasons, such as not wanting to go out in the heat, not feeling comfortable defecating in certain areas, or avoiding going outside because of loud noises. When they finally relieve themselves, it might be nighttime, and if they’ve been holding in a loose stool, it will manifest as nighttime diarrhea.

Underlying Medical Conditions:

Certain medical conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome or specific digestive tract infections, might be more symptomatic during the night when the dog is at rest. The relaxed state might expedite bowel movements, resulting in diarrhea.

Environmental Triggers:

If your dog’s living or sleeping area experiences changes in temperature, or if they’re exposed to certain nighttime sounds (like nocturnal animals), it could result in stress-related diarrhea. This is especially pertinent for dogs that sleep outdoors.

Feeding Timing and Type of Food:

Diarrhea can also be influenced by the timing and type of food given. High-fat content foods or those they’re not accustomed to, if given late in the evening, might rush through their digestive system, leading to diarrhea at night.

Preventative Measures

Taking proactive steps to prevent nighttime diarrhea in your dog is not just crucial for their health but also for your peace of mind. Here are some preventative measures you can employ:

Consistent Feeding Schedule: Establishing a regular feeding routine ensures that your dog digests their food well before bedtime. Try to schedule the last meal at least 3-4 hours before they sleep.
Quality Diet: Offer a well-balanced, high-quality diet. Avoid giving your dog foods rich in fats or those with ingredients they’re not familiar with, especially during their evening meal.
Limit Late Evening Snacks: Avoid giving treats or snacks late in the evening. If you do provide treats, ensure they are digestible and suited for your dog’s dietary needs.
Create a Calming Sleeping Environment: If your dog is stressed due to environmental factors, consider using white noise machines or calming pet sprays to create a serene environment.
Regular Exercise: Regularly exercise your dog, ensuring they have ample opportunities to relieve themselves throughout the day. This can also help regulate their digestive system.
Stay Hydrated: Ensure your dog has access to clean water throughout the day. Proper hydration can help with digestion and stool consistency.
Monitor for Allergies: Some dogs develop allergies that can cause digestive disturbances. If you suspect an allergy, consult with your vet about possible tests and dietary adjustments.
Limit Stress: If your dog tends to be anxious or stressed, consider stress-reducing techniques or toys. This could include chew toys, interactive play, or even calming wraps.
Safe Sleep Space: If your dog sleeps outdoors, ensure their space is secure from nocturnal animals or any disturbances that might cause anxiety and subsequent digestive upsets.

Conclusion

Here in this article, we have discussed the question of why does my dog have diarrhea at night, and to answer this question, we have tried to let you know from our personal experience the 5 reasons behind your dog’s suffering from diarrhea at night.

It is just normal for dogs to suffer from diarrhea, so you do not need to be concerned about it, you don’t need to worry as it is normal for most dogs, but in case if your Dog is of old age or diarrhea has taken way too long to go, then you need to take your pet to vet as it can be a symptom of something fatal.

Do let us know your experiences with your Dog’s diarrhea and how did you handle all that mess at night?