My Dog Has Diarrhea! Now What Do I Do?
I know that when my dog has diarrhea, I am almost as miserable as she is. Thankfully, it doesnt happen often and can usually be traced back to some cause that I can hope to avoid in the future. Here are some of the major reasons for dog diarrhea:
Change in diet - If you change your dogs food suddenly it could cause diariea. Makes sense doesnt it? Your dog is used to an eating and then all of a sudden a totally different food is in his bowl. His digestive system might need a few days to switch tracks and get used to the new food. Of course you can an avoid this by gradually changing the food - mixing the two together using less of the old food and more and more of the new. This is particularly important with puppies are whose digestive systems are very delicate.
Worms - Worms can cause diarrhea and is a common cause of it in puppies. If this diarrhea is frothy this usually an indicates internal parasites. Get treatment for this at your local Vet.
Stress- Stress and mental upset a long trip or change in daily routine could cause dog diarrhea
Sickness - Sometimes your dog might just have a virus. Dogs don’t get sick as often as people do, but take him to the vet to be sure he isn’t sick if you think it might be the problem. You don’t want to ignore a serious illness.
Expired food - eating unfit meat can give a dog diarrhea just like it can give people diarrhea. When feeding your dog, please be as selective as when you feed your own family.
I know when my dog has diarrhea the most an important thing on my mind is how to make it go away. Not only is it uncomfortable for the dog but it makes a big mess too! While I recommend you get your dog to a vet right away if he has diarrhea here are some things you could try at home:
If the problem was caused by bad food you might try to a bit of caster oil. Sometimes a more drastic effort is requited and you might have to put your pet on a diet of plain rice.
Another option is to give milk mixed with arrowroot for thickness.
Keep your dog on the rice and milk diet for a couple days to give his system some recovery time and then gradually put him back on his regular food.
Gradually work for your way back towards normal food by including boiled hamburg or white fish boiled in milk in with the rice. If you notice the diarrhea starting up again go back to the previous level.
I am always worried first and foremost about my dog’s health when my dog has diarrhea, so my first step is always to call the vet. I advise that any pet owner do this. Your dog might not be happy about a visit to the vet, but better safe than sorry. Your vet can give suggestions about how to help your dog and may even prescribe medications to speed recovery along.
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