Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea After Grooming?

Grooming is a large part of keeping your dog healthy and clean, but some pet owners notice their dog experiences diarrhea after a grooming session. While it can be alarming, this reaction is not uncommon, and there are several potential causes. Let's explore why this might happen and what you can do to help your furry friend recover quickly.

Stress Colitis: A Common Culprit

One of the leading causes of diarrhea after grooming is stress colitis, which occurs when stress triggers inflammation in the colon, leading to loose stools. This condition is often seen in dogs who experience anxiety or stress, which may occur during grooming due to unfamiliar environments, new people, or the grooming process itself. Even dogs who regularly visit a groomer may experience stress colitis, especially if they are naturally more anxious or sensitive.

Stress colitis occurs due to a chain reaction in the dog's body. When a dog experiences stress, it releases stress hormones, such as cortisol, which disrupts the balance of the gut microbiome. This disruption leads to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and inflammation in the colon. The inflamed colon becomes less effective at absorbing water, resulting in watery diarrhea. The condition can also cause other symptoms like abdominal cramping, urgency to defecate, and flatulence.

The disruption of the gut microbiome is central to stress colitis. When the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria is disturbed, the digestive system's overall health suffers. Harmful bacteria can trigger inflammatory responses in the intestinal lining, weakening it further. This results in the typical symptoms of stress colitis, such as diarrhea, sometimes mixed with mucus or small amounts of blood.

Fortunately, stress colitis in dogs is typically self-limiting, resolving on its own within a few days. However, treatment can speed up recovery and make your dog more comfortable. Veterinarians often recommend a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice, to ease digestion. In some cases, fiber supplements like psyllium or canned pumpkin can help improve stool consistency. Additionally, probiotics can aid in restoring healthy gut bacteria, especially after stressful events like grooming.

By managing your dog’s stress levels and incorporating probiotics or calming supplements before grooming sessions, you can help prevent future occurrences of stress colitis. For dogs prone to stress, it’s essential to choose a groomer who is patient and accommodating to their needs

Reaction to Grooming Products

Another potential cause of diarrhea in dogs after grooming is a reaction to the products used during the session. Shampoos, conditioners, and other grooming chemicals can sometimes irritate your dog’s skin or digestive system, especially if they are accidentally ingested. Dogs may lick themselves after grooming, ingesting residues from these products, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

If you suspect this is the cause, speak with your groomer about the products used and consider switching to hypoallergenic or natural grooming products.

Dietary Indiscretions

When dogs are stressed or anxious, such as during grooming, they may engage in dietary indiscretion, consuming non-food items like rocks, sticks, or grooming tools. This behavior, also known as pica, can irritate the stomach and lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Ingesting non-food items can be dangerous and potentially lead to obstructions, which may require surgical intervention. 

If a dog regularly ingests non-food items, it can lead to serious complications such as intestinal blockages. These blockages may cause severe pain, vomiting, and lethargy, and may require surgical intervention if the items do not pass naturally through the digestive tract. In some cases, ingested objects may also lead to perforations in the intestines, creating a risk of infection or internal bleeding. It’s critical for dog owners to be vigilant if their pet is prone to eating non-food items, particularly in stressful environments like a grooming salon. Training your dog to "drop" objects on command, along with regular supervision, can help prevent these dangerous episodes​.

 Behavioral triggers such as boredom, stress, or anxiety can exacerbate pica tendencies To prevent this, ensure your dog's environment is free of harmful objects and consider using distraction techniques like toys or chew items to refocus their energy during stressful moments​. Moreover, addressing your dog’s anxiety through behavioral training or calming supplements can help reduce pica behavior.

​Infection Risks at Grooming Facilities

While most grooming facilities prioritize cleanliness, your dog could still be exposed to infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites if the grooming tools or surfaces are not properly sanitized. Giardia, a common parasite, can easily spread through contaminated water or equipment and lead to severe diarrhea in dogs. Roundworms and other intestinal parasites can thrive in environments where dogs frequently come into contact with shared tools. 

Symptoms include diarrhea with mucus or blood, vomiting, and visible worms in the stool. Veterinarians can diagnose these infections through fecal tests and prescribe antiparasitic medications to eliminate the infestation​.

These infections are more likely to affect dogs with compromised immune systems or those who are already stressed. Ensuring your dog is up to date on vaccinations and deworming treatments is crucial in minimizing these risks. Additionally, opting for a grooming facility with strict hygiene practices can significantly reduce the chances of infection​.

Behavioral Changes and Post-Grooming Diarrhea

The stress of grooming can cause behavioral changes in some dogs, triggering gastrointestinal issues like stress-induced diarrhea. This is also due to the release of cortisol, a stress hormone that disrupts the digestive system by speeding up bowel movements, resulting in loose stools. 

Dogs that are particularly anxious during grooming may also experience loss of appetite, lethargy, or increased irritability post-grooming, which can exacerbate diarrhea. Monitoring your dog for signs of dehydration, such as dry gums or sluggishness, is essential during recovery. If stress continues to be an issue, behavioral therapy or switching to a groomer who uses calming techniques could help reduce anxiety and prevent further gastrointestinal disturbances​.​

Prolonged stress can not only trigger temporary diarrhea but can also lead to long-term digestive issues, such as chronic colitis, where the colon remains inflamed over extended periods. Chronic colitis often presents with recurring bouts of diarrhea, and dogs suffering from it may have difficulty maintaining healthy body weight. Addressing the root cause of stress—whether through environmental changes, grooming modifications, or calming supplements—is essential for long-term digestive health. Behavioral modifications, such as desensitizing your dog to the grooming process and gradually increasing their comfort level, can also help reduce the incidence of post-grooming digestive distress​.

What You Can Do to Help

If your dog experiences diarrhea after grooming, there are several steps you can take to help them recover:

1. Monitor Their Diet: Start with a bland diet to give your dog's digestive system time to heal. Foods like plain boiled chicken and rice are gentle on the stomach. Under The Weather’s bland diet products are an excellent option for a more convenient solution. These products are formulated with clean, simple ingredients like white rice, chicken, and pumpkin, offering a highly digestible and gentle option for your dog. This helps alleviate digestive upset without compromising on essential nutrients, supporting your dog's recovery from diarrhea more effectively than home-cooked meals.
   
   
2. Hydration Is Key: Diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, so make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water. If your dog isn’t drinking, offering water with Under The Weather's electrolyte options in the bland diet food can help restore fluids and essential electrolytes lost during bouts of diarrhea. These solutions are specifically designed for pets and are easier for them to absorb, helping to prevent dehydration during recovery.
   
   
3. Probiotics: Introducing probiotics can help balance your dog's gut flora, especially if the diarrhea is related to stress or a minor bacterial imbalance. Under The Weather's

 Ready Cal is a high-calorie supplement that contains probiotics and essential vitamins to support digestive health and gut flora balance. These supplements are ideal for dogs needing extra calories and a boost to their digestive system, promoting faster recovery.

1. Change Groomers If Needed: If your dog constantly has diarrhea after grooming at a specific place, consider changing groomers. Finding a calm, patient groomer who takes extra time to reduce your dog's anxiety may help prevent future episodes.

Using Under The Weather’s trusted, veterinarian-formulated products provides peace of mind, knowing you're helping your dog recover gently and effectively.

When to See a Vet

In most cases, diarrhea after grooming is temporary and resolves on its own. However, there are some signs that indicate it’s time to visit the vet:

• Persistent diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours
• Diarrhea accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or dehydration
• Blood in the stool or dark, tarry stools
  

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, your veterinarian can perform diagnostic tests, such as fecal exams or blood tests, to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatments​.

Final Thoughts

While it can be concerning, diarrhea after grooming is usually a mild and manageable issue. By understanding the potential causes—whether it’s stress, a reaction to grooming products, or exposure to infections—you can take steps to help your dog recover quickly. Providing a bland diet, ensuring hydration, and considering probiotics are all ways to soothe their digestive system.

If your dog’s diarrhea persists or worsens, contact your vet to rule out more serious conditions. At Under The Weather, we offer products like bland diets and high-calorie supplements to support your pet’s health during these uncomfortable times, so they can bounce back to their happy, tail-wagging self.