Diarrhea in Dogs: What Causes It and How to Stop It
Oxford for dogs can be a typical cause of anxiety among pet lovers. If your pet animal is suffering from diarrhea the first priority is treating the issue. Today, our Oxford MS vets discuss typical causes and suggest ways to treat diarrhea in dogs.
Diarrhea in Dogs
The Oxford Veterinary vets see a number of patients suffering from diarrhea and this can be due to a variety of reasons.
Diarrhea that is mildly irritable is frequent in dogs. They may be caused by mild digestive distress caused by your pet eating a tiny amount of food that does not match their preferences, for example, leftovers from the table, or simply changing to a different flavor or brand of food.
However, there are a variety of more serious reasons your dog might be suffering from diarrhea.
What Causes Diarrhea in Dogs
Below are a few of the most frequently cited reasons for dogs to vomit:
- Anxiety or stress
- Change in diet or treats
- Food that is rotten or garbage
- Ingestion of foreign objects, such as toys, bones, and even fabric
- Consuming poisons or toxins
- Viral infections, such as coronavirus, distemper, or parvovirus
- Parasites: roundworms, hookworm whipworms Coccidian or Guardia
- Bacterial infections like salmonella
- Pancreatitis
- Inflammatory Bowel disease
- Colitis
- Kidney or liver disease
- Intestinal cancer
- Medicines such as antibiotics
But how can you tell the severity of diarrhea in your dog? An appointment with the vet?
When to Contact Your Vet
If your dog experiences one episode of diarrhea and is performing normally, it’s likely to be nothing to worry about. Check your dog’s bowel movements to see if the issues get better. A prolonged period of more than two episodes could suggest a problem. Therefore, it’s recommended to contact your veterinarian when your dog has at least two or more episodes of diarrhea.
If your pet is straining to pass stool but is only passing tiny quantities of watery diarrhea, they may be suffering from an uncomfortable blockage as a result of the consumption of a foreign object like toys. This is a major issue that requires veterinary care immediately. Contact your veterinarian or go to the closest emergency animal hospital for assistance.
Infrequent bouts of diarrhea for a short time may be an indication of a serious health problem, especially when your dog is old, young, or has a weak immune system. The parvovirus virus is extremely dangerous, infectious, and life-threatening. Make sure to contact your veterinarian immediately in the event that your pet is experiencing frequent episodes of diarrhea.
Animals with other signs along with diarrhea should be examined by a vet as quickly as possible. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, call your vet immediately to schedule an appointment:
- In the stool, blood
- Drooling is unusual
- Vomiting
- Lack of Appetite
- Weakness
- Dehydration symptoms (Sunken eyes that look dry nose, dry eyes, or gums that are dry and sticky)
If your dog is showing any signs that raise anxiety, speak to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will tell you if the signs of your pet’s illness suggest that an examination is required.
How to Treat Diarrhea in Dogs
Try not to give your canine any human medication without speaking with your vet. A lot of over-the-counter medicines which are safe for humans can be harmful to dogs.
If your dog suffered from one or two runs or soft stool you may wish to give your dog time to heal by eating a meal for 12 to 24 hours.
A simple diet for a couple of days might help in resolving the issue your dog is having. White rice that has been cooked plainly with a bit of chicken, and some plain pumpkin canned (not filled with pumpkin pie) could help ensure that your dog’s stomach is better. When your dog is feeling better, slowly introduce their normal diet.
Other options that could help soothe your dog’s stomach upset are probiotics, natural yogurt as well as peeled potatoes that have been boiled, cottage cheese, eggs with no oil added, specifically designed dog food, and prescription medications from your veterinarian.
When it comes to your most trusted pet’s health, it’s advised to stay in the direction of caution. Bringing your pet to the vet for an examination gives your veterinarian the chance to identify the root of diarrhea in your dog and suggest the most effective method of treatment.
If your dog is suffering from diarrhea, call us at Oxford Veterinary to book an exam for your pet. We’re here to make sure that they are feeling at their best.
