It’s possible that your dog has had diarrhea at some point in his life. Diarrhea refers to the passing of watery, or very soft stool. It is the most common sign of illness that dog owners have reported. Dog owners must be aware of the reasons dogs get diarrhea and how to treat it. Flatulence can be accompanied by vomiting, nausea, lethargy and loss of appetite.
Why do dogs get diarrhea?
Diarrhea can occur in dogs, and it may be due to a number of factors. Diarrhea could be due to a simple food indiscretion. We all know dogs that eat too much or go to the dump. You may also have an infectious disease or ingest toxic substances.
Occasional diarrhea should not be considered normal. You should see your vet if your dog is experiencing diarrhea on and off for more than a few weeks. A stool sample is necessary to diagnose your dog’s condition.
Treatment and Prevention
To begin with, get over the “yucky” part. Everyone poops. As the dog’s caregiver, it is your responsibility to inspect your dog’s stool and discuss it with your vet. You should always use gloves or a bag to hold the stool. Handling your dog’s stool or dog’s stool should be done with care.
A few episodes of diarrhea do not mean that you should panic. Some cases are self-limiting and resolve by themselves. A good sign is if your dog still eats and drinks. Your vet should be consulted before you give your dog prescription or over-the counter medications. If you are at all concerned, take your dog to see the veterinarian.
Chronic diarrhea can cause dehydration and weight loss, which could indicate an underlying disease. When your dog becomes sick, you should not ignore signs. Dogs can act normal and pretend they are fine, hiding their illness.
What causes diarrhea?
Diarrhea can be caused by a faster movement in fecal material through your dog’s intestines, as well as decreased absorption and uptake of water, nutrients, or electrolytes. A simple problem, such as an intestinal infection caused by bacteria, viruses or coccidia, may cause diarrhea in dogs. Common causes of acute (sudden diarrhea) in dogs include dietary indiscretion, which can be caused by eating trash or other harmful or irritating material. Acute diarrhea can also occur due to stress, such as after traveling, boarding, and other changes in the environment.
But, diarrhea may also be an indication of a more serious condition such as allergies or bacterial or viral infection, inflammatory intestinal disease or organ dysfunction, or another systemic illness.
How serious is diarrhea for dogs?
The severity of diarrhea will depend on the duration of the diarrhea and the presence or absence other symptoms. Your dog may have severe bloody diarrhea or more generalized symptoms such as fever, vomiting, nausea, weight loss, or dehydration. Parvovirus can be a serious viral infection in dogs that causes diarrhea.
