In this article we are going to talk about diarrhea in dogs. It is a common problem that is usually not of major importance. However, in some cases it can be a symptom of something more serious, especially if it persists, or is accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting or bleeding in the stool.
The causes of its appearance are similar to those of humans, as is the way to stop it. If it appears, you should not worry, it is most likely a temporary problem. Although you don't have to trust it either since sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious illness or disorder.
We are going to try to answer all the questions that may arise regarding this topic:
How can I tell if my dog has diarrhea? - Symptoms
The first signs of its appearance are easy to detect. The stools appear soft and there is an increase in the frequency of their bowel movements, sometimes the decomposition is accompanied by loss of appetite and flatulence. Once we put into practice the ways to stop diarrhea that we will explain, its duration will be 24 hours or so.
If its duration is prolonged or appears intermittently, it is advisable to see a specialist.
If blood appears in the stool, is dark in color, or is accompanied by vomiting, it is better not to waste time with home remedies and go to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Another symptom, apart from decomposition, is the temperature, which in dogs is higher than in humans. The normal thing is that it is 37.50 to 39. C. You have to observe this information since it will be one of the questions that the veterinarian will ask you, in case you need to take it.
Why does my dog have diarrhea?
Are you eating adequate feed?
Our friend's intestine may be sensitive to changes in diet. If you have recently changed your feed, it is normal for decomposition to appear. It is advisable to change feed gradually. It is important to feed him a quality feed, low in fat and rich in sodium and potassium, which reduce intestinal disorders. You may also have some type of food allergy or intolerance. A very common intolerance is that developed towards cereals. You can try some grain-free food for your dog .
He may have eaten something he shouldn't have on the street.
The dog, unlike the cat, is a scavenger and not a hunter, its instinct leads it to eat all types of food it finds. You may have ingested something spoiled, causing a digestive disorder.
He may have been a victim of poisoning.
By eating everything they come across, there is a possibility that they will ingest some poisoned food. In these cases, severe vomiting, stomach pains, fever, spasms, and paralysis may also appear. It is easy to detect due to the severity of the symptoms, you should go to the vet immediately. If your pet has been poisoned, tell people who walk in the same area with their furry friends so they can be very careful.
Have you experienced a stressful situation lately?
A change in your habits, your environment or your routine can affect your intestine. They are very sensitive to noise, especially that produced by rockets and firecrackers. Diarrhea can appear after moments of stress suffered by the animal.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If diarrhea persists and becomes chronic, it may be due to any of the following causes and may be more serious: intestinal parasites, parvovirus, viral infections, kidney, liver or pancreas diseases, oncological diseases, distemper. These symptoms are usually accompanied by vomiting and blood in the stool.
How to stop my dog's diarrhea? - Home remedies
- Give him water to drink frequently. Boiled rice water works very well. Due to diarrhea, there is a loss of fluids that must be recovered. If he doesn't want to drink, you can give him IV with a syringe.
- It is highly recommended that you rest as much as possible. With movement, your intestine stays active and you need to rest.
- A few hours of fasting. Your gut has to stop working to recover. After fasting we will feed you small amounts approximately every two hours. And the diet must be “soft”; boiled chicken with rice, or some special feed that contains an easy-to-digest protein.
- If after applying these home remedies, the problem does not decrease and there is no noticeable improvement, we recommend that you visit your veterinarian for advice.
Does the appearance of the poop tell me anything?
It is very important to monitor the appearance of your pet's stool. Its shape, appearance and color inform us of things that may be happening to your furry friend. The following image can provide you with a little clarity on this topic.
How to avoid diarrhea in a dog? - The importance of prevention
We must insist on the importance of prevention when it comes to pets.
Following a good diet is the basis for your pet to be healthy and strong. At Paraíso Mascota we have a varied range of products that respond to all the needs and tastes of your best friend.
To combat stress, another cause of the topic at hand, don't forget toys . They can be an ideal remedy to calm him down and release his doggy tensions. Surprise him with the variety. If we like to have several leisure options, why does your pet always have to play with the same “bone”?
You should also keep in mind that education never fails, you have to educate him so that he does not eat strange foods on the street or sniff other dogs' feces. We know it is difficult but the dog is another member of our family, we must give them all the attention and effort they require.
Finally, I must remind you that when diarrhea or vomiting appears, you should not worry too much but do not relax either. All the advice and warnings that you have found in this article must be accompanied by two virtues: “observation” and “logic”, because if each person is a world, our four-legged friend is also unique.