When Should Diarrhea In Dogs Prompt A Veterinary Examination?

Diarrhea in dogs is a common occurrence. Though diarrhea and dogs is not always threatening to dogs health, the dog owner should know when to consult the veterinarian.

Eating something that upset their stomachs such as something from the trash, a viral or bacterial illness, or a digestive intolerance to something in the dog's food can cause dogs to have diarrhea. The diarrhea is often the body's way of expelling toxins from the dog's body.

The dog owner should contact the veterinarian immediately if there is blood in the diarrhea or the diarrhea lasts for more than a day or two. If the dog owner suspects that the dog may have ingested poison or there are other signs of illness such as vomiting or fever, the dog should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

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.

The dog owner should take away the dog's food and water at the onset of the diarrhea. The dog owner should occasionally give the dog small amounts of water. By restricting food and water intake, the dog's digestive system may 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.

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