How To Prevent And Treat Dog Diarrhea
The digestive system of the dog is an efficient system, and dog diarrhea is fairly uncommon. But I’ve found that when my dog has diarrhea it is usually due to something very specific, if I think about it. Diarrhea in dogs is most often caused by things like:
Disruption in the normal diet - If you suddenly give new foods to your dog, it can give them diarrhea. Doesn’t that make sense? Your dog’s digestive system gets used to something, and then a strange new food appears in his dish. It may take his system a few days to acclimate to the new food. You can avoid this unpleasant process by introducing the new food in steps. Try mixing the two together and gradually increasing the amount of the new food and decreasing the amount of the old. Puppies are particularly sensitive to changes in diet.
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
Virus - Sometimes your dog might have a virus or illness even though its not something that happens as often as it does with people. If you think its possible your dog may have one of these its best to have your veterinarian take a look to determine what treatment is best.
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.
When my dog has diarrhea, the only thing I want is for it to go away and never come back. Not only do I sympathize with my poor dog, but I get sick of cleaning up the mess! While I think you should always take a dog with diarrhea to the vet just to be safe, you can also try these steps 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 remedy is milk stiffened with arrowroot flour.
Don’t be in a big rush to return your dog back to his normal diet. Keep feeding him rice and milk for several days to give his digestive system a chance to recuperate.
Slowly make your way back to regular food by mixing boiled hamburger or white fish boiled in milk with the rice. If diarrhea starts to come back, return to the previous type of food for a while.
When my dog has diarrhea, I like to get her to the Vet right away. This is important because the et may be able to prescribe medications that will help speed up your pets recovery. Your dog may not be very excited to go to the Vet, but when she begins feeling better, so will you!
