My Dog has Diarrhea… What Should I Do?
Diarrhea is the increased frequency of bowel movements. This situation produces a greater amount of fecal matter. This discomfort is usually very recurrent in animals and if it is not treated in time, it can lead to a greater problem. Here are some tips to avoid this type of condition in dogs.
What are symptoms of diarrhea?
Diarrhea can be caused by a number of reasons. In many cases, animals usually present this discomfort because they have eaten some food that is in bad condition or that increases their intestinal movements.
Other causes can be environmental. Many times the curiosity of dogs can cause a lot of problems. They sometimes smell or lick products that can be toxic. That is why it is very important to be attentive to the movements of your little friend.
Do not give your dog any medication if it has not been indicated by your veterinarian. To diagnose diarrhea, the specialist will order a series of laboratory tests and other tests to help determine the discomfort.
The first tests the vet will do consist of a complete physical exam, which includes taking the dog’s temperature, checking the heartbeat, looking inside its mouth, feeling for the abdomen, checking for dehydration, and performing a rectal exam.
In all cases of diarrhea, the vet will also recommend a fecal examination to check for parasites such as worms. If a bacterial infection is suspected, a stool culture is done. For certain viral diseases, such as parvovirus, other stool tests can help in the diagnosis.
X-rays are appropriate if a tumor or anatomical problem is suspected. Other diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound can also be helpful. For some diseases, the only way to make an accurate diagnosis is by doing a biopsy.
How is diarrhea treated?
Prevention is the best way to keep your pet healthy. In that sense, it is very important that you observe the stool of your little friend. If they are bloody or black or tarry, pay close attention. If you suspect that he may have eaten something toxic or poisonous or notice that he is depressed, chances are that his gut is not working properly.
In many cases of diarrhea it is recommended that dogs do not eat food for at least 24 hours. It is also advisable to provide small amounts of water frequently. It is best to give him a light diet like boiled rice in small amounts. If the diarrhea does not recur, the animal should slowly return to its normal diet.
In some cases of diarrhea, you may need to change your diet permanently. You may need to avoid certain ingredients, add fiber to your eating plan, and decrease fat intake to increase digestion.
If the animal has intestinal parasites, the appropriate medication should be prescribed. It is also important to try to remove the worm eggs from the environment. For this it is important that the spaces that your pet usually frequents are cleaned and disinfected.
If the animal has an infection caused by batteries, antibiotics will be administered. That treatment may last a couple of weeks.
How can diarrhea in dogs be prevented?
To prevent diarrhea, it is important that dogs have the necessary vaccinations. You should also make sure that it is free of parasites. In that sense, don’t let your little friend have access to the garbage or eat spoiled food.
When you go out for a walk with your pet, watch what he eats in the street, especially if he eats vegetable products or drinks water in puddles or fountains.
Do not allow him to smell, much less eat feces of other animals and minimize the stress of your dog’s environment.
If you decide to change their food, it is best to introduce it gradually. The most effective is that you mix it with the current food to ensure an easier transition for your pet’s digestive tract.
Keep your dog with proper hygiene and clean the spaces where he sleeps, eats and plays.
Disinfect their feeder and drinker and ensure that your pet always has clean, fresh water to drink.
