If your dog has diarrhea, then it is important that you change his diet. Acute diarrhea can be treated easily at home. But, if your dog is suffering from chronic diarrhea then you need to take the help of a vet. Depending on the condition, acute diarrhea can last from 2 to 5 days. A dog that has diarrhea significantly becomes weak and shows lack of energy.
Dogs chew and bite on a lot of things that they probably should not be doing like wood, stones and the like. Any of these unwanted items can result in diarrhea in dogs. It is the retaliation of the body in response to the toxins that probably do not go along well with the digestive system and the body as well. These toxins need to be thrown out of the body in the form of softer stools and it can be of a different color accompanied by a bad odor. Food allergies can also result in having diarrhea.
If the dog has diarrhea because of something that he has eaten, then it is important that you keep a watch on the diet. The first thing that you should do is to cut the diet of the dog and make sure that he eats less. Give the dog home cooked food because this does not contain any additives or preservative. A bland mixture will do well for the digestive system of the dog. Make a mixture of lean meat and rice or give him boiled potato. Avoid feeding raw food to your dog.
Adding probiotic powder in the dog’s food is also recommended. This can be bought from any pet health store. There are also pet foods that contain probiotics. Canned pumpkin is also a good option as it contains a lot of fiber and can be good for your dog’s digestive system. But, there are some dogs that do not eat pumpkin. Follow this diet for 2 to 3 days until the stools become normal. If the stool does not become normal, then take the pet to a veterinary doctor, as there can be a possibility of a parasite infection. Roundworm, giardia and coccidian are some of the parasites that cause infection.
Diarrhea results in severe dehydration. In case of puppies, this dehydration can often be fatal. Keep the dog hydrated, and change the water in the bowl frequently in a day so that the dog has fresh water. In addition, you can also make use of gastriplex, which is a good formula for intestinal transit. Get some fiber supplements, which help in better digestion and also help in absorption. Digestive enzymes also work well with dogs that have diarrhea.
If the dog starts vomiting or is lethargic and has fever with abdominal pain or you observe blood in the stool, then there is something seriously wrong. Also, if the diarrhea persists for more than a week then you need to visit the vet. In such cases, the diarrhea can just be a symptom for a severe condition.
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