Diarrhea is not a disease in and of itself, but rather a symptom of many different diseases. Diarrhea caused by minor conditions is frequently resolved quickly with simple treatments. Diarrhea can also be caused by serious or life-threatening illnesses like organ failure or cancer. Even mild illnesses can cause severe diarrhea if treatment is not started promptly.
Here, we will give you a complete guide about diarrhea in dogs.
Symptoms
- Lack of Appetite
- Blood in stool
- Signs of dehydration (Sunken dry-looking eyes, dry nose, or dry, sticky gums)
- Unusual drooling
- Weakness
- Vomiting
Causes
- Eating garbage or spoiled food
- Medications such as antibiotics
- Stress or anxiety
- Intestinal cancer
- Colitis
- Pancreatitis
- Change in treats or overall diet
- Ingesting poisons or toxins
- Ingestion of foreign objects such as fabric, bones and toys
- Viral infections such as distemper, coronavirus or parvovirus
- Liver or kidney disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Parasites — Giardia, coccidia, whipworms, roundworms or hookworms
- Bacterial infections, including salmonella
Treat your dog’s diarrhea at home
- Fasting
It is possible to eliminate the cause of the upset and give the digestive system time to settle by depriving them of food for 12 to 24 hours and giving them small amounts of water frequently. It is usually the first line of defense against diarrhea. Before you decide to fast your dog, make sure he or she is in good enough health to do so. Puppies and senior dogs, for example, require nutrients. A fast may also be inappropriate for small dogs, who lack the physical reserves of their larger cousins.
Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so make sure your dog always has access to water. Under the supervision of a veterinarian, you may also offer unflavored Pedialyte to help maintain electrolyte balance.
- Kitchen Remedies
- Boiled potatoes without skin
- Plain white rice
- Plain yogurt
- Rice water
- Pumpkin
- Cottage cheese
- Plain protein sources such as egg and chicken
When should you consult a vet?
It’s probably nothing to worry about if your dog has only experienced one episode of diarrhea and otherwise seems healthy. Keep track of your dog’s bowel movements to see if he or she begins to feel better on his or her own. More than two episodes of diarrhea may be cause for concern because they may indicate a health problem, so it’s a good idea to contact your vet if your dog has two or more bouts of diarrhea.
If your dog is straining to pass a stool but only passing small amounts of watery diarrhea, he or she may be suffering from a painful blockage caused by the ingestion of a foreign object, such as a toy. This is a veterinary emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Please contact your vet.
