One of the toughest problems facing dogs and pooch parents is chronic canine diarrhea — the kind that lasts or crops up intermittently for weeks to months. There are many causes, and even after lengthy diagnostic testing, a definitive diagnosis may be elusive. That’s when modifying the dog’s diet may help.

An elimination diet trial is often recommended first to look for problematic ingredients. If no food allergy is found — and it rarely is — two approaches can be taken. Some dogs improve on a highly digestible reduced fat diet, while others, like those with inflammation of the colon, may respond to increased fiber.

Parents of affected dogs might consider working with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to help them through the diagnostic and treatment.