Diarrhea is one of the most ubiquitous maladies in canines, and various matters can engender it. Therefore, pet owners need to be aware of the potential causes of diarrhea in dog companions to diagnose and treat the issue properly. This article will discuss the common causes of diarrhea in dogs and offer helpful tips for managing and preventing the condition.
What is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is an abnormal increase in the frequency and volume of stool or its water content. It is usually accompanied by an increase in urgency and a decrease in consistency. Diarrhea can span from unobtrusive to intense and can be fleeting (temporary) or continuing (perpetual). In dogs, diarrhea can range from soft stools to liquid stools containing mucus and blood.
Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs
Many potential causes of canine diarrhea exist, but some are more common than others. The most common causes include dietary indiscretion, parasites, infections, foreign bodies, stress, allergies, digestive enzyme deficiencies, pancreatitis, cancer, and medications.
Dietary Indiscretion
Dietary indiscretion is one of the most common causes of canine diarrhea. This transpires when a canine consumes something it ought not to have partaken of—such as refuse or leftovers—or ingests excess sustenance too rapidly. It can also occur if a dog ingests spoiled food or drinks too much water at once. This type of diarrhea usually resolves independently, with no medical intervention required.
Parasites
Internally-situated organisms like ascarids, ancylostomiasis, trichurids, and giardia are prevalent sources of pup looseness of the bowels. These parasites live in the intestines and feed off the nutrients intended for the dog’s body; they can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to loose stools or diarrhea. Consequently, a stool specimen ought to be brought to a doctor of veterinary medicine for analysis to ascertain if these bugs exist so that the most suitable therapy can be recommended.
Infections
Infectious organisms such as viruses (parvovirus), bacteria (salmonella), or protozoans (coccidia) can likewise provoke canine looseness of the bowels. These agents can be contracted through contact with contaminated surfaces or food sources and passed from one animal to another through saliva or feces. The care regimen will be contingent upon the contagion; antibiotics could be directed for bacterial contagions, while antivirals could be utilized for viral contagions.
Foreign Bodies
Ingestion of foreign bodies such as sticks, stones, or toys can cause dogs to experience bouts of acute diarrhea due to irritation within the intestines; this type of irritation usually resolves itself without medical intervention within a few days unless there is a blockage present due to a large object being ingested which may require surgical removal in some cases.
Stress
Stress can also play a role in causing canine diarrhea; this is usually seen when dogs are moved into new homes or environments where they experience anxiety due to unfamiliar surroundings or people; this type of stress-induced diarrhea usually resolves itself once the dog has become accustomed to its new environment, but if it persists then medical attention should be sought out as other underlying issues could potentially be present such as allergies or infections which need treatment accordingly.
Allergies
Allergies are an infrequent basis of doggy diarrhea; these sensitivities can display themselves through contact with special edibles or ecological catalysts such as spores or lawns, which provoke the digestive system eliciting outbursts of soft stool or diarrhea; diagnosis and treatment will depend on the kind of allergy present and may necessitate a combination of dietary alterations, medicaments, and additions.
Digestive Enzyme Deficiencies
Deficiencies in digestive enzymes can cause canine diarrhea; when the body is not producing enough of these enzymes to break down food appropriately, this can result in loose stools or diarrhea. Diagnosing and treating the underlying enzyme deficiency depends on its specific type and may necessitate supplementation with digestive enzymes or probiotics to facilitate better food breakdown.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is another potential source of canine diarrhea; this affliction arises when the pancreas is inflamed because of an underlying issue such as infection, harm, or alimentary imprudence; diagnosis and therapy will depend on the root trigger and may encompass a blend of medicines, dietary alterations, and adjuncts.
Cancer
Cancer can also be a root of canine diarrhea; this is customarily noticed in senior dogs who have engendered tumors within their digestive system, which can spark chafe and redness, leading to eruptions of loose stools or diarrhea; diagnosis and therapy will rely on the kind of cancer present and may necessitate operation, chemotherapy or radiation therapy depending on the harshness.
Medications
Certain pharmaceuticals can likewise provoke pooch looseness of the bowels; this is frequently observed when anti-infection agents are endorsed for disease, as they can upset the typical equalization of microbes inside the entrails prompting free stools or looseness of the bowels; if this happens, at that point it is critical to get in touch with your veterinarian so they can modify the portion or switch to another medication which may be better endured.
Tips for Managing Canine Diarrhea
There are several steps that pet owners can take to help manage their dog’s diarrhea:
- Offer small amounts of plain cooked white rice mixed with boiled chicken or lean ground beef as a bland diet for your dog. This will help soothe an irritated stomach while providing some necessary nutrients.
- Offer plenty of fresh water to keep your dog hydrated, as dehydration can quickly become an issue with bouts of diarrhea.
- Avoid feeding your dog any treats, table scraps, or other human foods during bouts of diarrhea, as these can often worsen symptoms.
- We strongly advise you to consult your vet if your pup has had diarrhea for over two days.
- Provide a calm environment for your dog during bouts of diarrhea, as stress can often worsen symptoms.
- It is important to consult your veterinarian if your puppy takes any medication, as certain medications can lead to or exacerbate diarrhea.
Conclusion
Canines often suffer from diarrhea, which can have a variety of origins. Pet owners must be aware of the potential causes of canine diarrhea to diagnose and treat the issue properly. Common causes of canine diarrhea include dietary indiscretion, parasites, infections, foreign bodies, stress, allergies, digestive enzyme deficiencies, pancreatitis, cancer, and medications. Pet owners can also take steps to help manage and prevent bouts of diarrhea in their furry companions. It is crucial that you contact a vet without delay.
