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4mo ago

UK Study Identifies Six Dog Breeds at Elevated Diarrhea Risk and Flags Antibiotic Overuse

Analysis of more than two million veterinary records reveals that dogs younger than three years old alongside those over nine face significantly higher diarrhea risk than middle-aged dogs.

Image
© Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH via Shutterstock
A stock image of a small white and brown dog going to the bathroom outside in the grass.
Maltese are among the dog breeds that could be more susceptible to diarrhea.

Overview

  • The Maltese, Miniature Poodle, Cavapoo, German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier and Cockapoo were significantly more likely to receive a diarrhea diagnosis than mixed-breed dogs.
  • Approximately one in 12 dogs in the UK were diagnosed with diarrhea during 2019 based on analysis of over two million veterinary records.
  • Around 38 percent of diarrhea cases were treated with antibiotics despite guidelines advising against their use in mild to moderate cases.
  • More than 80 percent of affected dogs recovered after a single veterinary visit, although about 29 percent of cases involved blood in the stool.
  • Common accompanying symptoms included vomiting in 44 percent of cases, reduced appetite in 28 percent and lethargy in 24 percent.