|
Diarrhea in Your Dog
Many pups end up with diarrhea when they go to their new homes. There are many causes for this, most of which are covered in the article below. Most common with the pups, is just the stress of leaving a surrounding that they know and are familiar with, to one where they are not. It could also be a change in food, or as simple as a change in water. Something I recently learned about treating diarrhea is the use of fresh cooked or canned pumpkin. (not pumpkin pie filling). Pumpkin - about 1 tsp. for a small dog, less for a pup, per day, will help soothe the tummy and quickly reduce and put an end to the diahhrea. So, when you have a dog it's wise to keep a can of pumpkin in the cupboard! Once opened, you can freeze small amounts to give when needed. I have read that it is something good for your dog, and that you can use it on a regular basis (weekly) without doing any harm to your dog. One article mentioned freezing ice cube sizes and giving them as a treat on hot summer days. (adult dogs only) This is something I am going to be doing!
Another thing you can try is to switch to a simple meal of cooked white rice with a bit of cooked chicken or cooked ground beef. Plain white yogurt is also good for dogs in small quantities. Pups also can come down with the affects of Coccidiosis - Young puppies are frequently infected with coccidia and often develop active Coccidiosis—even puppies obtained from diligent professional breeders. Infected puppies almost always have received the parasite from their mother's feces. Typically, healthy adult animals shedding the parasite's oocysts in their feces will be asymptomatic because of their developed immune systems. However, undeveloped immune systems make puppies more susceptible. Further, stressors such as new owners, travel, weather changes, and unsanitary conditions are believed to activate infections in susceptible animals. Symptoms in young dogs are universal: at some point around 2–3 months of age, an infected dog develops persistently loose stools. This diarrhea proceeds to stool containing liquid, thick mucus, and light colored fecal matter. As the infection progresses, spots of blood may become apparent in the stool, and sudden bowel movements may surprise both dog and owner alike. Other symptoms may include poor appetite, vomiting, dehydration, and sometimes death. Coccidia infection is so common that any pup under 4 months old with these symptoms can almost surely be assumed to have coccidiosis. This is information I gleaned from the internet on Diahhrea in your dog. Excerpts below are taken from www.dogchatforum.com
Diarrhea is not a disease itself but rather a symptom that something is not right with your dog's health or gastrointestinal system. Diarrhea is the passing of unformed, frequent, and increased volume of stool. Many dogs, like humans, may occasionally suffer from an acute bout of diarrhea. Acute means coming on suddenly and lasting no longer than a few days. If your dog is well and has no other symptoms other than a frequent loose bowel motion there is probably no cause for immediate alarm and you can treat it at home. There are many causes for diarrhea, for example your dog may have eaten something disagreeable. Other causes could include a sudden change in diet, food allergies, worm infestation or viral or bacterial infection.
If your dog has any of the following symptoms
in conjunction with diarrhea seek veterinary advice
Fever What you can do at home for diarrhea Withhold food (but not water) for 24 hours (12 hours for young puppies) to give your dog's digestive system a rest. Then feed him a bland diet of 50% boiled rice and 50% chicken or 50/50 boiled rice and cooked hamburger for the next two to three days. If the diarrhea doesn't resolve seek advice from your vet. Watch out for dehydration A lot of water is lost from the dog's system when passing frequent watery motions so watch your dog for symptoms of dehydration. Sticky or dry gums can often indicate dehydration. Encourage him to drink plenty of water or Lectade may be given. Lectade, an oral re-hydration therapy for cats and dogs can be used to reverse the effects of dehydration and loss of electrolytes following diarrhea. In the first 24 hours this should be given at the rate of 8-30mls every half hour by mouth. For example a small toy dog would require 8mls and a large dog such as a german shepherd would require 30mls. Diet can cause diarrhea in dogs If the diarrhea has come on suddenly consider if you have made any changes to his diet. Often cheaper brand dog foods can cause diarrhea as can a sudden change in diet. Feed your dog a good high quality diet. Cheap dog food may ultimately cost you more with higher vet bills. My advice is to feed your dog the best possible food that you can afford. Cheaper dog foods are bulked out with vegetables and carbohydrates which pass straight through your dog. Rule of thumb: If you put rubbish into your dog, rubbish will come out of your dog. Diarrhea can also be caused by dairy intake in dogs due to lactose intolerance. Dogs and puppies do not need to be given milk to drink. Don't feed dogs people food. Especially spicy food. Worms can cause diarrhea in dogs Worms, such as roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm can cause diarrhea in dogs so ensure they are given de-worming medication regularly. Viral Infections that cause Diarrhea in dogs and puppies
Parvovirus
Distemper
Bacterial Infections that cause Diarrhea in puppies and dogs
Parasites that cause diarrhea in Dogs and Puppies
Giardia
Pumpkin for Diarrhea and Constipation
Chronic Diarrhea Some Possible Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs and Puppies
As you can see there are many causes of diarrhea in dogs and puppies. If diarrhea persists you should seek advice from your vet.
|