Sunday, September 20, 2009

Is Diarrhea In Dogs Dangerous?

By Moses Wright

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.

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.

It is a veterinarian emergency if the dog is struggling to breathe. If weight loss occurs or the dog doesn't seem to be able to relax or lie still, the dog owner should have the dog examined by the veterinarian as soon as possible.

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 dog first experiences diarrhea, the dog owner should remove the dog's food and water. By restricting the dog's food and water intake, the dog owner allows the dog's digestive system to settle down. Occasionally, the dog owner should allow the dog to drink small amounts of water.

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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