What To Do When The Dog Has Diarrhea

Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, which results in a greater amount of fecal matter. This malaise tends to be very common in animals and, if not treated in time, can turn into a more serious problem. Below we share some tips to avoid this type of suffering in dogs.

What are the symptoms of diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be due to a variety of reasons. This disorder often occurs in animals due to the ingestion of some food that has gone bad or that has increased their bowel movements.

Another cause can be the environmental one. Many times the typical curiosity of dogs can bring them many problems. In fact, these animals often tend to smell and lick substances that can be toxic, so it is very important to pay attention to the movements of your four-legged friends.

Do not give your dog any medicine that has not been given to him by the veterinarian. To diagnose diarrhea, the specialist will point out a series of laboratory tests and other tests that can help you identify this disorder.

The vet will first perform a complete physical exam, which will include taking the dog’s temperature, measuring his heartbeat, looking into his mouth, feeling his abdomen, checking for dehydration, and performing a rectal exam.

In all cases of diarrhea, the vet will also recommend a stool exam to check for parasites such as worms. In case of suspicion of bacterial infections, a sample of the animal’s faeces will be recovered. In the presence of some viral diseases (such as parvovirus), other tests relating to the excrement may help in the diagnosis.

Radiographs are an appropriate system if a tumor or anatomical problem is suspected. Ultrasound, another exam that uses images, can also prove helpful. For other diseases, however, the only way to make a diagnosis is through a biopsy.

How is diarrhea treated?

Preventing disease is the best way to safeguard your pet’s health. In this sense, it is very important that you observe the feces of your little friend. If they show traces of blood or are black or tar-like in consistency, be very careful. If you think he may have eaten something poisonous or poisonous or you notice that he is a little depressed, it is likely that his bowels are not functioning properly.

In most cases of diarrhea it is recommended that dogs do not ingest any food for at least 24 hours. It is also advisable to give him small amounts of water frequently. The best thing to do is prepare him a light diet of boiled rice, to be served in small quantities. If the diarrhea does not recur, the animal will gradually return to its normal diet.

In some cases of diarrhea it may be necessary to change the diet permanently. You may need to avoid certain ingredients, add fiber to your meal plan, and decrease the number of fats to boost digestion.

If the animal has intestinal parasites it will need to be treated appropriately. It is also important to try to eliminate the eggs of the worms present in the surrounding environments, so all the spaces that your pet usually frequent must be cleaned and disinfected.

If the animal has an infection caused by bacteria, it will need to be given antibiotics, which may take a couple of weeks.

How can diarrhea be prevented in dogs?

To prevent diarrhea it is important that dogs get all the necessary vaccinations, as well as making sure they are free from parasites. For this reason, do not let your four-legged friend access the garbage or eat spoiled food.

When you go out for a walk with your pet, pay attention to anything it may ingest on the street, especially if it is elements of nature or if it drinks from fountains or puddles.

Do not let him sniff or ingest the excrement of other animals, and try to reduce the stress level of the environment around him.

If you opt for a diet change, the best thing to do is to introduce it gradually. Mix new foods with current food to ensure a less impactful transition to your pet’s digestive tract.

Take care of your dog’s hygiene properly and clean the spaces where he sleeps, eats and plays.

Disinfect the food and water bowl and make sure it always has clean, fresh water to drink.