Understanding Dog Diarrhea - CritterCures.com
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Like humans, dogs and puppies experience illnesses too. It's wonderful when a dog's health is good, but sometimes they tend to slip out of sight and ingest harmful substances. The result is often dog diarrhea -- a common problem for many pet owners.
Diarrhea in dogs can be mild or severe. You will know if your dog is suffering from diarrhea if they are frequently having bowel movements and if the excretions are watery. This could mean they are having stomach problems that must be tended to. Severe cases of diarrhea in dogs can require a visit to the veterinarian and a medical solution. Usually dog diarrhea goes away within a day, but in severe cases it can last more than 3 days. Less serious cases can be treated at home with prescribed medications or natural remedies.
If you notice you dog is having diarrhea, determine the cause. One of the main reasons that dogs get sick is that pet owners can't help but feed their dog's human food. Pet owners are discouraged from doing this because they can affect a dog's health.
Stress can also cause a dog to have diarrhea- or your dog might have gotten into the rotting food in the garbage or the cleaning products under the sink. If you believe your dog has ingested toxic substances, take him or her to a veterinarian immediately.
If your dog has not ingested a toxic substance and he or she does not seem to be suffering from a serious medical condition, the diarrhea can be treated at home
How to relieve your dog of diarrhea:
• The first thing to do is to make sure your dog is properly hydrated and is drinking water regularly.
• Fast your dog for 12 hours or until he or she is no longer having bowel movements. If the stools are voluminous and continue even when the dog has an empty system, see your vet as if could be a bacterial infection. Allow your dog to have plenty of water to drink during his or her fasting.
• After fasting, slowly start your dog on food. First feed him or her 100% pure canned pumpkin (not the kind with added sugar and spices). The fiber in the pumpkin helps to regulate the bowel and should help lessen his or her diarrhea symptoms.
• Feed your dog plain boiled chicken (without skin, oil, or seasoning). This is a gentle food for your dogs stomach.
• In a few days, start your dog on his or her regular food. If the diarrhea returns, see your veterinarian right away
There are also medicines that can help relieve your dog's diarrhea symptoms. Talk to your veterinarian about your treatment options.