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.
Dog Diarrhea And Best Dog Cures
Dog Diarrhea Cure when the Vet Is Not Available or Close by…
There is an immediate safe cure that can be tried in emergencies right at home with the use of a simple, natural product found at the corner grocery store.
Pumpkin for Diarrhea and Constipation – It’s quite amazing that canned, plain, pureed pumpkin 100% natural UNSWEETENED does wonders for both the occasional bout of diarrhea. And, it will also cure the opposite, constipation in dogs. I’ve used it over the last two years with great success as it firms up dog’s loose stools or diarrhea within a few hours. When diarrhea first begins, stop feeding all foods immediately and keep fresh ample water nearby. Depending on the size of the dog, a couple of teaspoons of pure, unsweetened pumpkin for a small dog or a couple of tablespoons for a larger dog will start helping the dog diarrhea
Make sure that there is FRESH water always available to keep the pet from dehydration. If your dog will not eat it the pumpkin, add some brown rice with a small amount of very finely shredded chicken breast for flavor and scent. If your dog has chronic diarrhea seek medical help as it can be life threatening – especially for puppies.
First, Some Hard Core Facts about Dog Diarrhea…
If the diarrhea has come on suddenly, consider if you have made any changes to diet or if the dog ate something it should not have like candy or a snack food that people eat – like potatoe chips. Big point to remember is that cheap dog foods with junk fillers and full of salt often cause diarrhea. A sudden change in diet can also rumble a tummy. Feed your dog a good, high quality diet – feed your dog the best possible food that you can afford as you would your baby. Cheap dog foods are filled with useless carbohydrates and high levels of salt which pass straight through your dog. Bottom line: If you put in rubbish, rubbish will come out. The type of pet cure is crucial to overall well being.
Very important is that diarrhea can also be caused by dairy intake in dogs due to lactose intolerance. Dogs and puppies should not be given milk or ice cream to eat or to drink. Steer away from all people food. It is a proven fact that a good, high quality diet can keep any dog alive for at least 20 years. Hey, my large Labrador dog is now going on 14 years and the vet said most labs are blind or crippled at 12 years or dead. He is given brown rice, organic eggs and green peas every day. Good food, exercise and diet can improve any pets life and extend it too! There are some basic supplements that will greatly improve dog health
Closing Thoughts…
In most almost cases, dogs and cats can get a bout of diarrhea when they eat something that is not good for their stomachs which is human food. Table left over’s “scraps” or deserts can wreak disaster with your pet, so don’t think that you are doing them favors when you give them a “treat”. For example, ice cream is a bad culprit while spicy or salty foods can cause major problems too.
As we mentioned in other chapters, dogs and cats should be thought of like babies that never grown up and require attention and close observation so you can insure that nothing goes wrong – they can’t talk and it has been discovered that animals are pretty tough and stoic. You wouldn’t feed a baby table human food like fried chicken, meatloaf, spaghetti, bacon, or doughnuts would you? This is exactly why aliments like dog diarrhea occur.
My Dog Is Sick…?
How can I help my dog and he is throwing up(with a little bit of blood), having diarrhea, and won’t eat or drink much. Is there any medications or natural remedy that will cure these symptoms???