Some of the health problems that a dog may experience are relatively common but there are times when they can be a serious issue. That is the case with diarrhea in dogs. Admittedly, most dogs will suffer from diarrhea at some time or another, typically because they will eat almost anything that is put in front of their face. When it is a serious problem, severe or if it is ongoing, it is something that should be cared for in a timely manner.
Most of us will recognize when a dog has a problem with diarrhea because we are there with them when they are relieving themselves. Diarrhea typically shows itself in loose stools and that is the easiest way for you to determine that they have a problem. There may also be other issues that are associated with diarrhea, including a loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, pain, weight loss and other symptoms that would show that they have an underlying condition.
Diarrhea in dogs tends to display itself in one of 2 different ways. Some dogs suffer from an acute case of diarrhea, which tends to come on quickly and does not last for an extended amount of time. Most cases of acute diarrhea are due to the dog eating something they shouldn’t have eaten, changing the diet too quickly or infections, including bacterial, viral and parasitic. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, can be a more serious issue. It may be brought on by allergies, parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic disease, certain types of cancer and stress. In addition, some cases of diarrhea may be secondary to diseases that do not take place inside of the gastrointestinal tract.
If your dog is suffering from diarrhea, keep a close eye on the situation. If your dog is predisposed to serious health conditions, is young or old, a veterinarian should be contacted right away. Even a mild case of diarrhea could be debilitating for such an animal. If the diarrhea your dog is experiencing becomes chronic or if it contains blood or is black, the veterinarian should be contacted right away.
Most cases of diarrhea can be treated successfully at home without the need to go to a veterinarian. Typically, you would want to ensure that your dog has plenty of water to avoid a problem with dehydration. If they need to drink more but are not willing to do so, try beef or chicken broth that has been diluted with water. You can also feed your dog some white meat chicken (no bones!) And white rice. If it continues to be a problem for more than 24 hours, contact a veterinarian.
Sometimes, it is necessary to take steps to prevent a problem with diarrhea in dogs. This would include maintaining a steady diet of the same foods, avoiding toys that could be torn apart and swallowed and not feeding your dog from the dinner table. With some work on your part, your dog may be able to avoid the problem.