The most obvious sign of diarrhea is loose stools and increased frequency of bowel movements. Other symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Coughing or sneezing
- Weakness or lethargy
There are a few things (from most to least severe) to look out if your pup passes loose stools:
-
Diarrhea with Blood
Reddish brown spots present in the blood. This generally implies colonic inflammation and required vet assistance. -
Diarrhea with Mucus
This could be due to simple indigestion or be indicative of underlying diseases such as colonic inflammation. -
Diarrhea and Vomiting
This could be a sign of underlying disease and result in extreme dehydration from high fluid loss. -
Yellow Diarrhea
May indicate liver dysfunction or dietary issues. Monitor closely and consult your vet if it doesn’t resolve in a couple of days.
If your dog's diarrhea does not contain blood or mucus, monitor them for abnormal digestive activities for 60 minutes after the incident. If the condition does not improve within 24 to 48 hours, consult a veterinarian.
Take a picture of the stool to help your vet diagnose the issue.
Source - www.pumpkin.care
During treatment for diarrhea it is best to ensure your pups diet in light on the stomach. Foods that help prevent further bowel irritation are:
- Plain boiled rice
- Simple boiled lean protein (e.g., chicken)
- Cooked pumpkin
- Boiled carrots
- Mashed sweet potatoes (without added sugar or spices)
- Boiled or steamed green beans
Hydration: Ensure your dog is well-hydrated, as fluid loss during diarrhea can lead to serious health issues.
Avoid Fatty Foods: Do not feed your dog fatty foods like raw meat, fried foods, as they can worsen symptoms of indigestion.
Diarrhea in dogs often results from low intestinal activity and faulty absorption of fluids and electrolytes by the small and large intestines. It can be triggered by various factors, including:
- Digestion of spoiled foods, table scraps, or garbage
- Environmental changes, which may lead to stress and anxiety
- Infections, either bacterial or viral
- Underlying diseases, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disorder (IBD)
A clean diet, healthy environment, and appropriate exercise can significantly reduce the likelihood of digestive disorders. Here are some helpful tips for pet parents:
-
Support Digestive Health
Provide your pup with clean and balanced meals, such as the ones offered by Dino's fresh dog food. -
Monitor Water Intake
Ensure your dog does not consume unclean water from puddles, gutters, or the toilet bowl, as these may contain harmful parasites. -
Maintain a Clean Environment
Keep your dog's living space clean and ensure they do not have access to garbage. -
Regular Vaccinations
Stay up-to-date with your dog's vaccination schedule to prevent infections.
No, while the bacteria in yogurt improves digestion in humans, it does not soothe such symptoms in dogs.
Diarrhea is common in puppies and is generally resolved in a couple of days at home. However, prolonged symptoms must be addressed by a vet.
Prolonged diarrhea, blood in stools or stool discoloration, are signs of probable disease. If observed, take your dog to the vet immediately.
Certain foods can trigger digestive upset in dogs. Here are a few to avoid:
- Avocados: Contain persin, a toxin harmful to dogs.
- Alcohol: Toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
- Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure.
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, a stimulant toxic to dogs.
- Onions and Garlic: Can damage red blood cells.
- Bacon and Fatty Foods: Can lead to pancreatitis.
