Diarrhea In Dogs

By Moses Wright

Diarrhea in dogs is a common health problem that often goes away on its own. However, dog owners should know when the dog should be examined by a veterinarian.

The common causes of diarrhea in dogs is eating something that the dog shouldn't have eaten such as rotten food from the trash, a digestive intolerance to something in the dog's food, or a viral illness. The diarrhea may be the body's way of flushing out toxins and in this way is often a healthy process.

If there is blood in the diarrhea or the diarrhea lasts for more than a day or two, the dog needs to be seen by a veterinarian. The dog should be taken to the veterinarian immediately if the dog owner suspects that the dog may have ingested poison.

If the dog appears to be struggling to breathe, this is a veterinary emergency. The dog should be seen by a veterinarian if the dog has lost weight or doesn't seem to be able to relax or lie still.

Dogs that have frequent bouts of diarrhea or diarrhea in puppies that have not have all their vaccinations should be examined by a veterinarian. Intestinal parasites are a common cause of diarrhea in puppies.

When the diarrhea begins, the dog owner should take away the dog's food and water. Occasionally, the dog owners should allow the dog to drink small amounts of water. Restricting the water and food intake of the dog allows the dog's digestive tract to settle down.

When the dog is recovering from diarrhea, the dog owner should feed the dog bland foods. One recommended food for recovery after diarrhea is a mixture of two thirds cooked rice and one third lean, cooked meat. Examples of the lean, cooked meat can be a hamburger that is patted with a paper towel to remove excess fat or a chicken breast.

Two or three tablespoons of plain yogurt can be added to the dog's bland food mixture. The yogurt may help calm the stomach and replenish some of the healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. The special bland diet for the dog should be followed for a few days. - 29895

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