If your canine companion is suffering from dog diarrhea, it is important that you determine the cause immediately. Quite often, the cause is something the dog has eaten – but in some cases, dog diarrhea is a symptom of an underlying illness. Some illnesses that include diarrhea symptoms can be deadly.
Dog Diarrhea Pain
Diarrhea that is left untreated can be taxing on the body – even worse, it can lead to your pet’s death. Be sure to call your vet if diarrhea is severe or ongoing. Here is a guide to some of the most common causes of dog diarrhea.
Parvo – Are your dog’s vaccines up to date? Parvo is not normally a problem in adult dogs who have current vaccinations. It is most common in unvaccinated puppies or puppies who have not finished their vaccine series. The dehydration that comes from the severe vomiting and diarrhea that the virus causes can kill a puppy in just a few hours. Many pups die within just two days of the first signs of the virus – just one more reason to get to the vet quickly.
Diarrhea associated with Parvo is often tinged with blood. This is because the Canine Parvovirus attacks the inner lining of the intestines and causes them to degrade quickly. The more advanced the Parvo, the bloodier the diarrhea. Normally, diarrhea caused by Parvo begins as loose stools. It advances quickly, and is often accompanied by foul smelling vomit as well. There is no way to confirm a Parvo diagnosis at home. Your dog will need to be tested, and will need to undergo intensive, aggressive treatment right away if he or she is to survive.
Dietary Indiscretion – Many dogs will eat just about anything. If your dog has a bad habit of getting into the wastebasket, and recently ate something he shouldn’t have, then it is very likely that the diarrhea he is suffering from has been caused by his indiscriminate eating. Be sure that you keep him well hydrated, and if the diarrhea does not go away within twenty-four hours, contact your vet.
Dog with Diarrhea
Internal Parasites – Keep your pet on a regular parasite control regimen to prevent the persistent dog diarrhea that is caused by severe intestinal parasites. Although you may see worms in your dog’s stool when this type of diarrhea is present, they will not always be there. Take a stool sample to the vet so it can be tested. Your vet can determine the best course of treatment and will recommend the right combination of medications to rid the body of the parasites most quickly and completely. Do not rely on over the counter worming medications – they are often not effective against severe, existing parasitic infections.
Bacterial Infections – Bacteria like Coccidia and Giardia can cause dog diarrhea, and these bacteria can affect humans as well. Diarrhea associated with bacterial infections may be yellowish, and it is often streaked with mucous or blood. Although it is wise to handle any diarrhea cautiously, it is very important to avoid skin contact with this particular type since the bacteria can give you the same symptoms as your dog. Your vet can confirm a diagnosis and provide treatment – be sure to have this type of dog diarrhea taken care of immediately, since it can weaken your pet and even causes death in severe cases.
Viruses, parasites, and bacteria can live on soil and other surfaces for months and even years in some cases. Be sure to dispose of any materials that have come in contact with dog diarrhea, and talk to your vet about the best way to disinfect any areas where your dog has been. Knocking out viruses, parasites and bacteria can be time consuming – but in the end, your healthy pet will thank you.
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