|
It's
messy, it can be painful, and it's also an indication
that something's not quite right with your pet.
Diarrhea is common in dogs, especially in those
who raid the garbage or snack on something tasty
off the street when their owners aren't looking.
With proper care, this condition usually clears
up in a day or two.
Dog Diarrhea Treatment Tips
If
your dog has eaten something he shouldn't, or if
you have changed his diet recently, he could wind
up with a bout of diarrhea; this could also be the
result of eating dairy products or a food he's allergic
to. You can help clear up your dog's simple diarrhea
by putting him on a 24-hour fast. If he seems better
after a day, put him on a bland diet of two parts
cooked rice and one part boiled skinless white-meat
chicken. Start him off with small amounts every
four hours. If he still has diarrhea after two days,
call the vet. If he's doing well, feed him about
1/4 of his regular food along with the bland diet;
gradually up the percentage over several days until
he's back on his normal diet.
Medicine for Dog Diarrhea
While
your dog is recuperating, make sure he's getting
enough water. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so
your veterinarian may recommend a drink enriched
with electrolytes; Pedialyte, a formula for babies
that's available in drug stores and supermarkets,
is often given to dogs to help replenish important
minerals depleted by diarrhea. Limit your pet's
level of exercise to short walks while he's recovering.
When Dog Diarrhea Becomes a Serious Health Concern
If
your dog has explosive or bloody diarrhea, is lethargic,
has lost his appetite, or if he seems to be straining,
he could be suffering from a serious disease, such
as colitis or inflammation of the pancreas. Diarrhea
can also result from intestinal worms, intestinal
obstruction from swallowing a foreign objet, or
a viral infection like hepatitis, parvovirus or
distemper. If his condition is serious, ANIMED
recommends that you see your veterinarian immediately.
|
