Diarrhea in dogs: Causes, treatment and prevention

Introduction

Diarrhea in dogs, also known as diarrhea, is a common condition that can occur in four-legged friends of any age. Whether puppies or older dogs, diarrhea can be worrying for pet owners. In this article you will learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatment options as well as the measures to prevent diarrhea in dogs.

Causes of diarrhea in dogs

There are many causes of diarrhea in dogs, ranging from harmless food intolerances to serious infections. A sudden change in diet can put a strain on the dog's digestive tract and lead to diarrhea. Some dogs are sensitive to certain ingredients in their food. Worm infestations or other parasitic infections can also cause diarrhea. Bacterial infections such as salmonella or Escherichia coli can infect the intestines, while viral infections such as parvovirus are a serious illness that is often accompanied by bloody diarrhea. The change of teeth in puppies can put a strain on the immune system and lead to digestive problems. Stress caused by changes in the environment or stressful situations can also affect the gastrointestinal tract.

Types of diarrhea

There are two main types of diarrhea in dogs, which have different causes and treatment approaches. Small bowel diarrhea is characterized by large amounts of liquid feces. This can be caused by a disruption of the intestinal wall cells or an infection of the small intestine. Large bowel diarrhea, on the other hand, often occurs in small amounts, often mixed with mucus or blood, and is often associated with problems in the large intestine.

Symptoms and risks

Typical symptoms of diarrhea in dogs are frequent, watery feces, abdominal pain or cramps, vomiting, fever and a reduced general condition. A serious complication of persistent diarrhea is dehydration. The loss of fluids can quickly become critical, especially in puppies and older dogs.

Diagnosis in the veterinary practice

If diarrhea persists, a visit to the veterinary practice is essential. The vet will take a comprehensive medical history and arrange for a fecal examination to determine the cause of the illness. Further examinations such as blood tests or ultrasound may be necessary.

Treatment of diarrhea

The treatment of diarrhea in dogs depends on the cause. A light diet with easily digestible foods such as cottage cheese and cooked rice can help to relieve the bowel. The Moro's carrot soup is a traditional home remedy that can help in the treatment of diarrhea. In cases of severe dehydration, it is important to provide the dog with sufficient fluids, possibly in the form of meat broth. In some cases, medication such as anti-inflammatories or antibiotics are necessary. After a diarrheal illness, intestinal rehabilitation with prebiotics can help to rebuild the intestinal flora.

Prevention of diarrhea

To prevent diarrhea, you should slowly change your dog's food to avoid stress in the digestive tract. Regular worming can prevent parasite infestation. Clean feeding and drinking bowls reduce the risk of bacterial infections. Vaccinations, especially against the parvovirusare essential.

Dog health insurance

Dog health insurance can be useful to cover the costs of veterinary treatment for diarrhea or other health problems.

Conclusion

Diarrhea in dogs is a common problem, but in most cases it is easily treatable. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to avoid serious complications. With a healthy diet, regular preventative care and loving care, you can help to maintain your dog's health and prevent diarrhea.

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