Diarrhea in Dogs: What Causes It and How to Treat It
Every pet owner has had to cope with their pet becoming ill at some point. Diarrhea is one of the most frequent ailments that pets can contract, and various factors can cause it. We worry about nutritional issues in young pets, such as eating foods they shouldn't. Diarrhea is frequently a sign of a more serious underlying issue in elderly pets.
We may pinpoint the specific reason for diarrhea in many situations, such as a rapid dietary change. In certain situations, however, laboratory tests (e.g., blood and stool sample analysis) and potentially imaging, such as x-rays or ultrasound, are required to determine the reason. Whatever the case may be, the tips below should help you get through your pet's next attack of diarrhea.
The Digestive System of Dogs
There are significant variations in how canines and humans digest food. For example, a morsel in the mouth will begin to break down due to the structure of the human jaw and salivary enzymes. On the other hand, dogs have lips and jaws that are designed to shred, smash, and wolf down food. Because their salivary enzymes are primarily intended to destroy germs, they can withstand substances that send their human counterparts to the hospital.
Food passes quickly down the canine esophagus and into the stomach, where it is digested in pieces. Because canine stomach acids are three times stronger than human stomach acids, dogs can digest mostly undamaged food. Under normal conditions, the time it takes for food to go from the mouth to the small and large intestines should be less than 10 hours, with a firm, well-formed stool at the conclusion.
What causes dogs to have diarrhea?
The passage of feces causes diarrhea through the gut quicker than water, nutrients, and electrolytes are absorbed. If your dog's primary symptom of the illness is diarrhea, the reason might be a specific condition such as an intestinal infection caused by bacteria, viruses, coccidia, or intestinal worms. A significant cause of acute (sudden) diarrhea in dogs is dietary indiscretion (eating rubbish or other unpleasant or irritating items) or a change in diet. Acute diarrhea can also be caused by stress, especially after travel, boarding, or other changes in the environment.
However, diarrhea may indicate a more serious underlying condition such as allergies, bacterial or viral infections, inflammatory bowel disease, organ failure, or another systemic ailment.
Dietary Changes/ Ate something not healthy.
The GI tract might be disturbed if you switch to a new diet too fast. When your dog eats something they shouldn't, like decaying veggies from the garbage, a turkey carcass from the counter, or an unexplained dead object in the yard, this is usually the cause.
Stress may cause diarrhea in dogs, especially those that are worried. Moving, staying at a boarding kennel, losing a family member, and even going to the vet's office can all cause diarrhea.
Inflammatory bowel illness, colitis, and malignancy are examples.
Your veterinarian will warn you about drugs that cause diarrhea as a side effect; however, each dog may react differently to treatments.
Diarrhea can be an early symptom of poisoning if your dog has consumed anything toxic, such as medicines, hazardous foods like chocolate or grapes and raisins, poisonous plants, toxic home cleansers, or pest control chemicals.
Worms, Giardia, and coccidia are parasites that irritate the GI system and produce diarrhea. Worms or worm segments may be seen in your dog's feces in certain circumstances.
Diarrhea and other signs of sickness are caused by infections such as parvovirus and distemper. As well as Infections such as E. coli and Salmonella might be among them.
Food Intolerances and Allergies
Dogs' dietary allergies are uncommon, but food intolerances can strike at any age. These ailments are difficult to identify and are treated by avoiding the offending component (s).
This happens when your dog consumes anything that isn't food, such as a toy or a piece of clothes. These objects might become lodged in the GI tract and block it. In addition to diarrhea, an afflicted dog will likely have stomach pain, a loss of appetite, and maybe vomit. The obstruction may require surgery to be removed.
What is the severity of diarrhea in dogs?
The severity of diarrhea is determined by how long it has been present and how many additional symptoms are present. If your dog has severe bloody diarrhea or other symptoms of sickness such as weakness, fever, vomiting, stomach discomfort, or loss of appetite, or if the diarrhea is accompanied by dehydration, the reason might be more serious. Diarrhea, for example, is one of the earliest symptoms of parvovirus, a viral infection that can cause life-threatening diseases in dogs.
Is Your Dog's Diarrhea Chronic or Acute?
Chronic diarrhea is a type of diarrhea that happens regularly. If your dog has repeated bouts of diarrhea despite trying numerous treatments, he may have an underlying medical condition that requires the expertise of a veterinarian to identify.
Acute diarrhea can strike at any time. It's a pretty regular occurrence, and it's generally caused by something that gets into your dog's intestines. Consider how often your dog eats or tastes anything he finds outside; it's not uncommon for him to swallow something that will irritate his stomach. The symptoms will usually go away independently, and your stool will return to normal without your intervention. However, it is occasionally essential to seek the advice of a veterinarian.
Diarrhea Treatment for dogs
- You can assist your dog go back to normal by doing a few things. Before making any substantial changes to your dog's food, speak with your veterinarian, and if your dog has a medical issue that is causing diarrhea, your veterinarian may have some particular remedies to prescribe
- 12 to 24 hours of fasting should help. If your dog has diarrhea due to anything she ate, this therapy allows her stomach to relax and expel whatever she ate. To avoid dehydration, make sure you have enough fresh water on h
- After that brief fasting time, offer your dog bland dog meals or your combination of cooked chicken, beef, or turkey with white or brown rice that contains no irritants. (Keep in mind that a change in diet can occasionally bring diarrhea back, primarily if a food allergy caused it in the first place.) To minimize stomach problems, serve the food slowly — divide the dish into four portions and feed your dog every 4-6 hours. If your dog's stool improves, feed him two meals each day for a few days until the stools return to normal, then go back to a regular diet.
- Probiotics and fiber should be added but first, consult your veterinarian about supplements that might help your dog's gut flora grow and support proper digestion. There are also high-fiber supplements that can assist your dog's system stay in check.
Methods that work for one dog may not work for another, so you may need to perform some trial and error to discover the ideal combination. It's also a good idea to jot down what works and what doesn't so you know what to do the next time you're faced with a mess.
Once you've found a recovery diet that works for your dog and doesn't create a relapse, gradually increase the portions over a few days, then gradually introduce tiny amounts of your dog's usual food until things are back to normal.
When Diarrhea in a Dog Requires a Vet Visit
Your dog's typical behavior determines the best time to consult a veterinarian. Sadly, certain dogs are more susceptible to digestive issues than others, so you should be on the lookout for anything unusual on a case-by-case basis.
If any of the following situations apply, contact your veterinarian right away
Lethargy, fever, vomiting, dry, sticky, pale gums, or weakness are other physical signs. Diarrhea that persists after previously successful home treatments; Dehydration; Long duration (some claim a few days, while others suggest a few weeks). This is completely reliant on your dog's usual behavior.. For example, a dog on antibiotics may be medicated. Existing problems include advanced age, diabetes, Cushing's syndrome, cancer, or any other medical problem, or when something doesn't feel right. You are the only one who knows your dog better than anyone else, and you are the only one who can detect the telltale signs that something is amiss. Respect your instincts, and if you believe you require veterinarian assistance.
Diarrhea cannot be avoided entirely, as you are already aware. To avoid diarrhea, you should take preventative steps connected to your dog's nutrition. Table scraps, human food, and allowing your dog to ingest unfamiliar objects or materials outside are all things to avoid. All of these things may wreak havoc on a dog's gastrointestinal tract and create stomach problems.