Have you ever wondered what is the cause of diarrhea in dogs or why your furry friend keeps getting ear infections that just won’t quit? You might be surprised to learn that the answer could be sitting right in their water bowl.

That’s right — the quality of your pet’s water could be the hidden culprit behind chronic issues like ear infections, diarrhea, and poor gut health.

Most of us don’t think twice about the tap water our pets drink every day. But if you live in a suburban area, your water likely contains chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals used to control bacteria. Unfortunately, while these additives may make the water safe for humans, they can wreak havoc on your pet’s gut biome.

Every sip of chemically treated water can disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria in your dog or cat’s digestive system — leading to more than just tummy troubles.

Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs & Cats - The Hidden Consequences of Chemical-Treated Water

You might not connect the dots, but an unhealthy gut can trigger a wide range of chronic problems in pets.

Here are a few that could be linked to your pet’s water and gut health for dogs:

• Persistent ear infections

• Ongoing diarrhea or long-term diarrhea in dogs

• Constant itching and skin irritation

• Eye discharge or redness

• Recurring joint inflammation or stiffness

So, can ear infections in dogs cause diarrhea or vice versa? While one doesn’t directly cause the other, they often share the same underlying issue — an imbalance in the gut microbiome caused by toxins or chemicals that strain the liver and digestive system.

What Causes Diarrhea in Dogs for Days?

If your dog has had diarrhea for several days, it’s time to look deeper than food changes or stress. The cause of diarrhea in dogs can often trace back to chemicals in their water, gut inflammation, or a weakened immune system.

The most common cause of diarrhea in dogs isn’t always parasites or spoiled food — it’s the breakdown of healthy gut bacteria due to chronic toxin or antibiotic exposure. When the gut loses its balance, digestion falters, and the immune system struggles, leading to recurring health issues.

How to Restore a Healthy Gut for Dogs and Cats

The good news? You can make simple changes that have a powerful impact.

Switch to filtered or spring water.

Removing chlorine and fluoride helps your pet maintain a balanced gut microbiome and reduces inflammation.

Support detoxification.

Herbs like milk thistle can help the liver filter out chemicals and restore balance to your pet’s system.

Add probiotics daily.

Whether through supplements, kefir, or cultured yogurt, probiotics rebuild beneficial gut bacteria and support digestive health for dogs (and cats!).

Feed a whole-food, enzyme-rich diet.

Real food fuels the body’s natural ability to heal, supporting both digestion and immunity.

Final Thoughts

If your pet is battling ongoing diarrhea, ear infections, or skin problems, take a closer look at their water source and overall gut health.

Clean, chemical-free water and a balanced microbiome can make all the difference. Combine that with natural liver support and probiotics, and you’ll be well on your way to restoring your pet’s vitality.

A healthy gut for dogs (and cats) truly starts with what they drink — because wellness begins from the inside out.