Dog Diarrhea First Aid
Because diarrhea is a common disorder in dogs, dog owners would be aware what first aid methods can be used to stop the pet from passing soft stools. Dogs may succumb to diarrhea several times in their lifetime without showing ill effects, thus dog owners are not really concerned with the pet’s condition. The dog’s diarrhea is generally self-limiting as even if the owner did not administer treatment, the dog’s condition will be resolved.
Passing watery unformed stools is a typical symptom of diarrhea. Although the stool is soft and watery, the dog will be seen straining to defecate and oftentimes may not be able to defecate but only pass gas. The watery stool would have a different color and very bad odor. The dog’s defecation abnormality can be chronic or acute. Acute diarrhea is not a disease but the result of the dog’s dietary habits.
Dogs will put anything in their mouth. Dogs eat dirt, rotten carcasses of prey, spoiled food and their own and other animal’s feces. Diarrhea is the body’s way of removing toxic substances and indigestible objects ingested by the dog. While acute diarrhea can be resolved without treatment, chronic diarrhea is more serious and needs urgent medical attention. Chronic diarrhea can be an indication of the dog’s underlying concern. This digestive disorder can be caused by parasite infestation, viral and bacterial infection and by other canine diseases.
Diarrhea, whether acute or chronic has to be addressed as this disorder would result to loss of essential nutrients. Weakness and susceptibility to other canine diseases are possible outcomes of diarrhea that is allowed to progress. Dehydration is a life threatening condition that can occur in dogs with diarrhea. Themost important first aid for diarrhea is to let the dog’s stomach rest. This means that solid food should be withheld. Adult dogs must not be allowed to eat for 24 hours. Water may be withheld as well but not for dogs that are showing signs of dehydration. For 12 hours, puppies should not be allowed to eat but fresh drinking water should always be made available. If the passing of soft stool has eased, the pet can be given bland foods like boiled rice and boiled chicken.
This first aid treatment should stop the dog’s diarrhea but of the frequent passing of soft stool persists, the pet must be rushed to the vet’s for medical treatment. More about diarrhea and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.
How to Cope With Dog Diarrhea
Many dogs are taken to veterinary clinics due to diarrhea. Dogs usually suffer from frequent passing of soft stools that can last either for a few days or for longer periods of time. Contrary to the general belief, diarrhea is not an illness but a symptom of an underlying medical concern that is often associated with the dog’s gastrointestinal system.
Diarrhea can be caused by bacterial or viral infection, intestinal parasites, food allergies or the dog’s inability to digest the ingested food. Apart from having a great appetite, dogs are also indiscriminate eaters. Ingestion of spoiled food and substances that are not tolerated by the dog’s stomach will result to diarrhea. Ingestion of foreign objects can be another reason why the dog is passing soft stool.
To treat the pet’s loose bowel movement, a pet parent has to have an idea what causes the condition. Canine diarrhea can be treated with over the counter medication and by changing the dog’s diet. What food can you give to a pet with diarrhea?
Diarrhea normally resolves in a day or two after the normal balance of the dog’s system is restored so that a pet owner may not have to take the dog to a veterinary facility. However, pet owners should be aware that frequent passing of stool can lead to dehydration. The dog must be given enough water to drink. It would even be much better if the drinking water is mixed with Gatorade or any other oral rehydration therapy as this will rehydrate the pet and replenish fluids and electrolytes. Fasting for 24 hours for mature dogs and 12 hours for puppies will allow the stomach to rest. A bland diet of boiled rice or chicken can be given to the dog after the fasting period.
Fasting empties the stomach thus it is expected that diarrhea will stop but if this is not the case, it is imperative for the dog to have immediate medical attention. It is highly probable that the pet’s chronic diarrhea was not caused by dietary indiscretion. A serious underlying concern like distemper, parvovirus, bacterial infections and internal parasite infestation can be the reason why the dog’s body is not absorbing nutrients so that system imbalance is created.
Learn more about what can you give a dog for diarrhea and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.