What to do when your dog has diarrhea? Despite no changes in dietary habits, why would your dog have loose stools? Dogs, being somewhat mischievous animals, may occasionally rummage through the trash or eat wild grasses from the roadside, leading to gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, conditions worse than food poisoning, such as intestinal parasites or gastritis, could be the cause. Therefore, understanding the common reasons for your dog’s diarrhea and knowing how to assess them is crucial! **Further Reading**: Common Parasites in Dogs and Cats, Which Can Also Infect Mammals (Including Humans), Require Special Attention! Beyond this, knowing how to care for a dog with diarrhea and when to take your dog to the vet is also very important. More recommended lists of veterinary hospitals across Taiwan. This article will inform dog parents about the knowledge points related to dog diarrhea: common causes of dog diarrhea, symptoms of diarrhea, how to care for a dog with diarrhea, when to take a dog with diarrhea to the doctor, and how to take care of your dog’s gastrointestinal health to prevent diarrhea? Sometimes dogs may have diarrhea due to ingesting foreign objects, so dog parents should pay special attention to what their dogs eat. **Article Table of Contents** Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs Common Cause 1: Sudden Change of Food Common Cause 2: Food/Medicine Poisoning Common Cause 3: Ingestion of Foreign Objects Common Cause 4: Change in Feeding Time or Eating Too Fast Leading to Indigestion Common Cause 5: Psychological Anxiety and Stress Common Cause 6: Weather or Seasonal Changes Common Cause 7: Gastrointestinal Illness or Inflammation Common Cause 8: Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infection How to Confirm the Health Status from the Shape of a Dog’s Stool? Type 1: Yellow Liquid Type 2: Green Liquid Type 3: Blue Liquid Type 4: Dark Black or Coffee-Colored Liquid Type 5: Grey, Floating Grease Liquid Type 6: Bloody Stool Type 7: Basically Normal but with Mucus Secretion How to Distinguish Between Diarrhea and Gastroenteritis in Dogs? Diarrhea accompanied by the following symptoms indicates canine gastroenteritis! How to Care for Dogs with Diarrhea or Gastroenteritis? How to care for a dog with diarrhea? How to care for a dog with gastritis? When should you take a dog with diarrhea to the vet? What to prepare when taking a dog with diarrhea to the vet? What should a dog with diarrhea eat, and how to care for them normally? Is it important to supplement with good pet probiotics for daily health care? Common Questions about Dog Diarrhea Diarrhea is a symptom, not a disease. Dogs do not have diarrhea without reason; it is usually caused by external factors that make the gastrointestinal motility too rapid, and the water is not absorbed by the large intestine in time, leading to loose or soft stools in dogs. **The following are the common causes of dog diarrhea** Common Cause 1: Sudden Change of Food Although it is dog food, the formulations vary, and the nutritional components are usually different. Not only changing the brand of dog food, but also suddenly switching from dog food to fresh food, can cause the dog’s gastrointestinal tract to not adapt to the difference in food, leading to diarrhea. Sometimes a sudden change in food can also cause the dog to not adapt to the new formula and have diarrhea. Common Cause 2: Food/Medicine Poisoning If dogs accidentally eat human food or medication, they may have signs of poisoning or allergies, leading to diarrhea.
In addition, human food, especially if too salty, can burden a dog’s kidneys and large intestine, and may even lead to poisoning and death, which is something to pay great attention to. **Dog Foods to Avoid**: Chocolate is a no-go for dogs! A comprehensive list of foods that dogs should not eat is available for extended reading. **Extended Reading**: A compilation of fruits that dogs should not eat, with a downloadable checklist table for routine daily inspection. Common Cause 3: Ingestion of Foreign Objects If a dog ingests garbage, bones, small toys, or small items, it can block the digestive tract, leading to indigestion and causing diarrhea or constipation. In severe cases, it can lead to vomiting, stomach pain, megacolon, and even death, so it is essential to be especially careful about what dogs eat. Common Cause 4: Changing Feeding Times or Eating Too Fast Indigestion If the dog’s feed has not been changed, and no foreign objects have been swallowed, it could be a change in eating habits causing the dog to have diarrhea. For example, changing feeding times might lead to the dog eating feed late, causing the feed to sit for too long and become unfresh, resulting in diarrhea. Alternatively, if the dog does not secrete enough stomach acid to digest food properly, it can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Eating too fast or too much feed can also cause indigestion and diarrhea, and in severe cases, it might even trigger gastroenteritis. Gastritis and regular diarrhea are somewhat different, and severe inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to death, which is a problem that must not be ignored. In the following sections, the head of the vet clinic will introduce the differences between gastroenteritis and diarrhea, so please continue to watch. Most causes of discomfort in dogs are related to changes or abnormalities in eating habits. If a dog has diarrhea, pet parents can check to see if it is due to common changes in eating habits. Common Cause 5: Psychological Anxiety and Stress Various reasons can lead to dogs feeling emotionally tense and uncomfortable, even anxious, which can result in diarrhea. This is because when dogs are mentally tense and anxious, the sympathetic nervous system concentrates blood supply to vital organs such as the heart, lungs, brain, and muscles, leading to reduced blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract. Reduced blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract slows down the digestive motility, preventing the absorption of nutrients and water, leading to dog diarrhea. Common Cause 6: Weather or Seasonal Changes Seasonal transitions, often between spring and summer or autumn and winter, can cause stomach upset and diarrhea, or make the fresh food or feed consumed not fresh enough, leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction in dogs and inability to absorb nutrients, resulting in diarrhea. Common Cause 7: Gastrointestinal Illness and Inflammation Diarrhea is a primary symptom of canine gastroenteritis. If a dog has been diarrhea for several days and is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, significant abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and lethargy, special attention should be given. Dog health requires much attention from pet parents. Avoid excessive nervousness in pets to prevent diarrhea symptoms. Any abnormalities could be gastroenteritis, and prompt medical attention is necessary. Common Cause 8: Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections Dogs that frequently go outdoors and do not have regular deworming may be infected with parasites outside, or if the fresh food consumed is not carefully handled, parasites may also settle in the dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Many parasites reside in a dog’s gastrointestinal tract and absorb nutrients, leading to diarrhea or constipation and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Generally, when there is loss of appetite, vomiting, even bloody stools, and worms in the feces, special attention should be paid as it may be infected with parasites. At this time, take the dog to see a doctor to avoid delaying treatment and making the situation worse. [Extended Reading] Common parasites that both dogs and cats can get, and humans may also be infected. Special attention is needed! In addition, if food moves too slowly in the large intestine and intestinal tract, it will lead to excessive absorption of moisture and constipation. In any case, pay good attention to the gastrointestinal health of dogs.??Take good care of the dog’s gastrointestinal condition! | What to do if a dog is constipated? 6 common causes + solutions. How to confirm the health status from the shape of a dog’s stool? The causes and severity of diarrhea and loose stools in dogs can be observed from the fecal form. Healthy dog stools are usually brown and long strip-shaped. Other states all indicate that the gastrointestinal tract is in an unhealthy state. Form 1: Yellow liquid state. It may be a problem with the liver, pancreas, or gallbladder, such as insufficient bile secretion and damaged liver function. Another possibility is infection with coccidia. Form 2: Green liquid state. If the dog’s stomach is slightly green, it may be hyperactive gastrointestinal function or a problem with bile secretion (appearing yellow-green). Another possibility is eating too many vegetables or eating wild grass on the roadside when going out. However, it may be necessary to take the dog to see a doctor because most of the reasons for dogs to eat grass are to relieve abdominal discomfort. If the dog has an uncomfortable stomach, it may also choose to eat grass to relieve it. Therefore, it is recommended that pet parents take the dog to see a doctor to confirm the condition. Form 3: Blue liquid state. Blue feces is not a normal state. It may be because the dog has eaten substances with blue pigments such as rat poison, cleaning agents, toys… This may cause acute poisoning in dogs and lead to death from kidney failure. It is recommended that pet parents collect the feces and urgently take the dog to the animal hospital. [Extended Reading] List of 24-hour animal hospitals in various regions across Taiwan. Add to ‘Favorites’ and go there at any time! Form 4: Dark black or coffee-colored liquid state. Healthy dog stools are usually light coffee-colored. If a dog’s stool is very dark black or coffee-colored, it usually means there is some blood. Generally speaking, it means there may be bleeding in the upper digestive tract (stomach). Kidney diseases, pancreatitis, gastritis, and parasites (parasitizing in the upper digestive tract) may all cause a dog’s stool to appear dark black or dark coffee-colored. Form 5: Gray, liquid state with floating oil. If a dog has diarrhea and appears gray with liquid and floating oil, it means there may be problems with the pancreas (pancreas) or gallbladder secretion, resulting in the inability to secrete bile to absorb the oil in food. Another possibility is also parasites. Abnormal fecal forms in dogs usually represent certain health problems. To protect the dog’s smile, pet parents need to pay special attention to the form of dog feces. Form 6: Bloody stools. When diarrhea occurs, fresh red blood can be seen, which may represent bacterial infection, viral infection, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis or colitis. It is recommended to take it to the veterinarian for examination regardless of whether there is listlessness. Form 7: Generally normal, but with mucus secretion. Mucus is mostly a normal situation. It may be large intestine fluid. In order to allow chyme (digested food) to pass through the intestinal tract, the large intestine will secrete mucus to help intestinal peristalsis.
In general, if there are no other abnormal conditions in dogs, some mucus can be ignored. How to distinguish between dog diarrhea and gastroenteritis? There are still some differences between dog diarrhea and gastroenteritis. Diarrhea: Dog diarrhea is a symptom, indicating that the body may be invaded by bacteria or viruses. However, the dog’s immune system plays a role in preventing the intestinal tract from absorbing these harmful substances, which leads to dog diarrhea. Dog gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis is very serious. When a dog accidentally encounters a more serious infection, it will not only have diarrhea but also have fever, vomiting, and mental lethargy. This is a pathological gastrointestinal symptom! So how should we distinguish the difference between ‘dog diarrhea’ and ‘dog gastroenteritis’? Diarrhea accompanied by the following symptoms is dog gastroenteritis! When a dog has the following symptoms while having ‘diarrhea’, it is very likely to have gastroenteritis and should seek medical attention immediately: Praying posture due to abdominal pain: Curled up in a corner and not moving, walking with the back arched, in a praying posture with the chest on the floor and the buttocks raised. Sparse and foul-smelling feces: Bloody stools, mostly in the form of water with a strong foul smell. Vomiting: In addition to an increased frequency of vomiting, the vomit also contains white foam, bile, and undigested food. Fever and dehydration: Obvious poor mental state and an increase in body surface temperature. Gastroenteritis may also be one of the symptoms of other serious diseases. Therefore, dog owners should pay more attention to the condition of dog diarrhea. When a dog has symptoms other than diarrhea, dog owners should notice that it is not ordinary gastrointestinal discomfort causing diarrhea. It is likely that the gastrointestinal tract is already inflamed. Please take the dog to the veterinary hospital immediately for examination and treatment. How to take care of a dog with diarrhea or gastroenteritis? In this section, Director Mao will tell dog owners how to take care of a dog if it has diarrhea symptoms. How to take care of a dog with diarrhea? When a dog has an uncomfortable gastrointestinal tract and diarrhea and there are no other serious infection symptoms, we should first take the following measures: Temporary fasting: Temporarily stop feeding within 12 – 24 hours after the dog has diarrhea. If you are worried about the dog’s health, you can also feed in small and frequent meals. Do not give too much food at one time and feed easily digestible food. For what to feed, you can refer to the section ‘What should a dog eat when it has diarrhea and how to take care of it平时如何照顧？’. Supplement more water: After a dog has diarrhea, it will be in a dehydrated state. Therefore, pay more attention to whether the dog is drinking water. Feed light food: During the period when a dog has diarrhea, it is recommended to give low-fat, low-protein, and high-fiber foods. For example, fruits and vegetables are okay, but be careful not to feed fruits and vegetables that dogs cannot eat. Take the dog for deworming and health check-ups: Sometimes parasites can also cause dogs to have diarrhea. If the diarrhea persists for 1 – 3 days without improvement, it is recommended that dog owners take the dog to the veterinarian for a complete examination. Feed probiotics: When a dog has diarrhea, you can urgently supplement pet intestinal probiotics to let the good bacteria help the body drive out the bad bacteria. But don’t forget to take good care of it on a daily basis! When there is any change in the symptoms, such as if the dog suddenly has a fever or abdominal pain, take the dog to see a veterinarian! How to take care of a dog with gastroenteritis? If a dog is confirmed to have gastroenteritis, how should we take care of a dog with gastroenteritis?
Generally, you can refer to the methods mentioned above for caring for a dog with diarrhea, but it is necessary to take the dog to the veterinarian and follow the prescription for medication treatment. If the gastroenteritis is caused by parasites, deworming treatment will usually be given, and regular follow-up deworming appointments will be scheduled. For viral or bacterial infections, an antibiotic course will be used. It is recommended to combine with high-quality pet gastrointestinal probiotics for daily health care. Additionally, the main treatment method for gastroenteritis is to ‘rehydrate and restore the body’s electrolyte balance’, so it is also important to ensure that the dog gets plenty of fluids. When should you take a dog with diarrhea to the vet? Just like humans occasionally get diarrhea from eating spoiled food and their gut flora will naturally balance out, mammals have an innate immune system that can quickly restore gastrointestinal health. The same applies to dogs with diarrhea; if the dog is healthy, its gastrointestinal immune system can metabolize the bad bacteria, so if the dog suddenly has diarrhea for one or two days and its mental state is not affected, dog parents do not need to worry too much. However, if the dog exhibits any of the following conditions, it is advised that dog parents take the dog to the emergency vet immediately: Chronic illness: If the dog has a chronic illness, such as diabetes or kidney disease, even if it is the first time having diarrhea, take the dog to the vet. Bloody stool: If you suddenly see fresh red blood in the diarrhea, seek emergency veterinary care. Gastrointestinal inflammation symptoms: If there are the aforementioned gastrointestinal inflammation symptoms, take the dog to the vet. Diarrhea caused by ingesting foreign objects: If the dog has eaten foods that are toxic to them, such as chocolate or grapes, or if the diarrhea is caused by toys or garbage, seek immediate veterinary care. If any of the above symptoms are present, take the dog to the vet right away! What should you prepare when taking a dog with diarrhea to the vet? Before taking the dog to the vet, dog parents can prepare the following and explain the situation to the veterinarian: Collect a fecal sample: Collect a sample of the dog’s feces or take a clear photo to help the vet determine the main cause of the dog’s diarrhea from the stool type. Duration of diarrhea: Inform the vet about when the dog started having diarrhea. Dietary habits: The dog’s usual dietary habits and any changes during the diarrhea period, including any changes in feeding time or brand, should be clearly communicated. Dog’s usual behavior: Whether the dog has habits of rummaging through the trash or eating roadside weeds. Any complications: Whether the dog has other common symptoms of gastroenteritis. Dog’s physical condition: Any chronic diseases and whether the dog has taken any medication in the past three months. What should a dog with diarrhea eat, and how to care for it normally? Caring for a dog’s gastrointestinal health is similar to caring for human health; it is best to avoid overly seasoned foods (especially leftovers). If you want to feed raw or fresh foods, it is recommended to purchase from professional and quality sources and avoid homemade preparations. During the period of diarrhea, care can be provided according to the content of the above sections and in accordance with the vet’s instructions. After the dog’s treatment is completed, the following foods can be used to adjust the dog’s gastrointestinal health: Rice water / Rice flour water: You can cook rice water or rice flour water like porridge, then remove the rice or rice flour after boiling, and add some canned soup or baby food for the dog to eat. Pumpkin puree / Sweet potato puree / Mashed potatoes: You can cook it yourself or buy it ready-made, but be careful not to have too many additives and seasonings.
Special formula feed: Some merchants will produce high-quality feed for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Remember to consult a veterinarian before using it. Yogurt (containing probiotics and sugar-free): If the dog does not have lactose intolerance, some yogurt rich in probiotics can be supplemented. Note to choose yogurt without any fruit flavor and sugar-free. Protein: It can be supplemented from meat. Chicken would be a good choice. Herbs that can soothe the gastrointestinal tract such as fennel: Can be supplemented in moderation, but do not add too much. Pet probiotics: Supplementing some pet gastrointestinal probiotics with high palatability, patented strains, and transparent product ingredients in an appropriate amount every day is also a good choice. Is supplementing good pet probiotics important for daily health care? Supplementing good pet probiotics is very important for daily health care. Taking young or old dogs as examples, the digestive system of puppies is still in a sensitive state. At this time, supplementing gastrointestinal probiotics in an appropriate amount can help puppies improve the balance of intestinal flora and maintain intestinal health from an early age. Old dogs gradually decline in physiological functions and the functions of the digestive system, and are also prone to chronic diseases or bacterial infections. At this time, supplementing good intestinal bacteria in an appropriate amount to help old dogs maintain digestive function can make dogs accompany pet parents healthily even in old age! ❗️The director of Mao is dedicated to developing the most palatable nutritional health products for cats and dogs. The director of Mao is composed of a professional nutrition team, including nutritionists and veterinarians with double licenses in Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Through science and professional animal nutrition research, the highest palatable nutritional health products for cats and dogs are manufactured, hoping to go further with pet owners and furry kids. Understand the brand story of ‘Director Mao’. No detours in cat and dog nutrition. Seriously and wholeheartedly only for furry babies. Common questions about dog diarrhea. Why does a dog have diarrhea? Dog diarrhea is an immune mechanism of the gastrointestinal system. Diarrhea is a symptom, not a disease. Dogs will not have diarrhea for no reason. Usually, it is because external factors cause the gastrointestinal tract to move too quickly, and the moisture is not absorbed by the large intestine in time, which will lead to loose stools or soft stools in dogs. Things like eating something bad, parasites, gastroenteritis, etc. may all be the main causes of dog diarrhea. Does a dog need to see a doctor if it has diarrhea? If a dog has diarrhea due to eating something bad, there is no need to be overly nervous. Just take care of the dog with diarrhea according to the relevant sections of this article. But if there are the following symptoms, it means that the dog may have gastroenteritis and must seek medical attention as soon as possible: 1. Prayer posture due to abdominal pain: Curled up in a corner and not moving, walking with the back arched, in a prayer-like posture with the chest on the floor and the buttocks raised. 2. Sparse and foul-smelling feces: Bloody stools, mostly in the form of water with a strong foul smell. 3. Vomiting: In addition to an increased frequency of vomiting, the vomit also contains white foam, bile, and undigested food. 4. Fever and dehydration: The spirit is obviously poor and the body surface temperature rises. Limited-time experience set, only 50 yuan, and there is also a free shipping coupon code. Click to use it. ❗️petdaddy. Thank you all for watching. If you find the director’s article very useful, you can click the share button below and share it to LINE and FB for all those who need information.
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What to do when your dog has diarrhea? Even if the diet has not changed, why does your dog have loose stools? Dogs are somewhat mischievous animals and may occasionally rummage through the trash or eat roadside weeds… causing gastrointestinal issues. In addition to diarrhea caused by spoiled food, it could also be due to internal parasites or gastroenteritis. Therefore, understanding the common causes of dog diarrhea and knowing how to diagnose it is very important! **Extended Reading** Common Parasites in Dogs and Cats, Mammals (Including Humans) May Also Be Infected, Pay Special Attention! In addition to this, knowing how to care for dogs with diarrhea and when to take them to the vet is also crucial. More recommendations for the best veterinary hospitals in Taiwan. This article will inform dog parents about the knowledge points related to dog diarrhea: common causes of dog diarrhea, symptoms of diarrhea, how to care for dogs with diarrhea, and when to take dogs with diarrhea to see a doctor? How to take care of the dog’s gastrointestinal health to prevent diarrhea? Sometimes dogs may have diarrhea due to ingesting foreign objects, so dog parents need to pay special attention to what dogs eat. OPEN article index: Common causes of dog diarrhea, symptoms, how to care for dogs with diarrhea, when to take dogs with diarrhea to see a doctor, how to care for dogs’ gastrointestinal health to prevent diarrhea. Sometimes dogs may have diarrhea due to ingesting foreign objects, so dog parents need to pay special attention to what dogs eat. Common causes of dog diarrhea: Common cause 1: Sudden change of pet food. Although it is dog food, the formulation of pet food varies, and the nutritional components are usually different. Not only changing pet food, but also if suddenly switching from pet food to fresh food, it may cause the dog’s stomach and intestines to not adapt to the difference in food, leading to diarrhea. Sometimes suddenly changing pet food can also cause dogs to not adapt to the new formula and result in diarrhea. Common cause 2: Food/medication poisoning. If dogs accidentally eat human food or medication, they may have signs of poisoning or allergy, leading to dog diarrhea.
Additionally, human food can burden a dog’s kidneys and large intestine due to excessive saltiness and may even lead to fatal poisoning, which is something to pay great attention to. **Extended Reading: Dogs Should Not Eat Chocolate! A Comprehensive List of Foods Dogs Should Not Eat.** **Extended Reading: A Detailed Compilation of Fruits Dogs Should Not Eat, Download the Checklist for Routine Daily Inspection.** Common Cause 3: Ingestion of Foreign Objects If dogs ingest garbage, bones, small toys, or small items, they may block the digestive tract, leading to indigestion and causing diarrhea or constipation. In severe cases, it can lead to vomiting, stomach pain, megacolon, and even death, so it is crucial to be particularly attentive to what dogs consume. Common Cause 4: Changes in Feeding Time or Eating Too Fast Indigestion Even if the feed has not been changed and the dog has not swallowed any foreign objects, it is possible that a change in dietary habits is causing the dog to have diarrhea. For instance, changing feeding times might lead to the dog eating feed later, causing the feed to sit for too long and become unfresh, which can lead to diarrhea. Alternatively, the dog might not be able to secrete enough stomach acid to properly digest food, causing discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. Or, eating too fast or too much feed can lead to indigestion and diarrhea. If severe, it might even trigger gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis and regular diarrhea are distinct, and severe inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract can be fatal, which is a problem that must be taken seriously. In the following sections, the vet will introduce the differences between gastroenteritis and diarrhea, so please continue watching! Most causes of discomfort in dogs are related to changes or abnormalities in dietary habits. If a dog has diarrhea, pet parents should check if it is due to changes in dietary habits. Common Cause 5: Psychological Anxiety and Stress Various reasons can cause dogs to feel emotionally tense and uncomfortable, even leading to anxiety, which can result in diarrhea. This is because when dogs are mentally tense and anxious, the sympathetic nervous system concentrates blood supply to vital organs such as the heart, lungs, brain, and muscles. This leads to reduced blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract. Reduced blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract slows down digestive motility, preventing the smooth absorption of nutrients and water, which can lead to dog diarrhea. Common Cause 6: Weather or Seasonal Changes Seasonal transitions, often referring to the times between spring and summer or autumn and winter, can lead to stomach cooling and diarrhea, or make the fresh food or feed consumed not fresh enough, causing gastrointestinal dysfunction in dogs and leading to diarrhea due to the inability to absorb nutrients smoothly. Common Cause 7: Gastrointestinal Illness and Inflammation Diarrhea is a primary symptom of canine gastroenteritis. If a dog has diarrhea for several days and is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, significant abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and lethargy, special attention should be paid. Dog health requires much attention from pet parents. Avoid letting your pet become overly nervous to prevent diarrhea symptoms. Any abnormality could be gastroenteritis, and immediate medical attention is necessary. Common Cause 8: Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections Dogs that frequently go outdoors and do not undergo regular deworming may become infected with parasites outside, or the fresh food they consume might not be carefully processed, which can also lead to parasites residing in the dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Many parasites reside in a dog’s gastrointestinal tract to absorb nutrients, leading to diarrhea or constipation and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Generally, when there is loss of appetite, vomiting, even bloody stools, and worms in the feces, special attention should be paid as it may be a parasitic infection. At this time, take the dog to see a doctor to avoid delaying treatment and making the situation worse. [Extended Reading] Common parasites that dogs and cats can get, and humans may also be infected. Special attention is needed! In addition, if food moves too slowly in the large intestine and intestinal tract, it will lead to excessive absorption of water and constipation. In any case, pay good attention to the dog’s intestinal health.??Take good care of the dog’s gastrointestinal condition! | What should I do if my dog is constipated? 6 common causes + solutions. How to confirm the health status from the shape of a dog’s stool? The causes and severity of symptoms of dog diarrhea can be observed from the stool pattern. The stools of a healthy dog are usually brown and long. Any other state indicates an unhealthy gastrointestinal tract. Pattern 1: Yellow liquid state. It may be a problem with the liver, pancreas, or gallbladder, such as insufficient bile secretion or damaged liver function. Another possibility is infection with coccidia. Pattern 2: Green liquid state. If the dog’s stomach is slightly green, it may be hyperactive gastrointestinal function or a problem with bile secretion (appearing yellow-green). Another possibility is eating too many vegetables or eating wild grass on the roadside when going out. However, it may be necessary to take the dog to see a doctor because most of the reasons for dogs to eat grass are to relieve abdominal discomfort. If the dog’s stomach is uncomfortable, it may also choose to eat grass for relief. Therefore, it is recommended that dog parents take the dog to see a doctor to confirm the condition. Pattern 3: Blue liquid state. Blue feces is not a normal state. It may be because the dog has eaten substances with blue pigments such as rat poison, detergent, toys… This may lead to acute poisoning in dogs and cause death from kidney failure. It is recommended that dog parents collect the feces and urgently take the dog to the animal hospital. [Extended Reading] List of 24-hour animal hospitals in various regions across Taiwan. Add it to ‘My Favorites’ and go there at any time! Pattern 4: Dark black or coffee-colored liquid state. The stools of a healthy dog are usually light coffee-colored. If the dog’s stools are very dark black or coffee-colored, it usually means there is some blood. Generally speaking, it means there may be bleeding in the upper digestive tract (stomach). Kidney diseases, pancreatitis, gastritis, and parasites (parasitic in the upper digestive tract) may all cause the dog’s stools to appear dark black or dark coffee-colored. Pattern 5: Gray, liquid state with floating oil. If a dog has diarrhea and appears gray with floating oil, it means there may be problems with the pancreas (pancreas) or gallbladder secretion, resulting in the inability to secrete bile to absorb the oil in food. Another possibility is also parasites. Abnormal stool patterns of dogs usually indicate certain health problems. To protect the dog’s smile, dog parents need to pay special attention to the pattern of the dog’s stools. Pattern 6: Bloody stools. When diarrhea occurs, fresh red blood can be seen, which may represent bacterial infection, viral infection, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis or colitis. It is recommended to take the dog to the veterinarian for examination regardless of whether there is listlessness. Pattern 7: Generally normal, but with mucus secretion. Most of the time, mucus is normal. It may be large intestinal fluid. To allow chyme (digested food) to pass through the intestinal tract, the large intestine secretes mucus to help intestinal peristalsis.
Overall, if there are no other abnormalities with the dog, some mucus in the stool is not a cause for concern. How to differentiate between dog diarrhea and gastroenteritis? There is a distinction between dog diarrhea and gastroenteritis. Diarrhea: Dog diarrhea is a symptom, indicating that the body may have been invaded by bacteria or viruses, but the dog’s immune system is functioning to prevent the intestines from absorbing these harmful substances, leading to diarrhea. Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis is very severe. When a dog encounters a more serious infection, it will not only have diarrhea but also fever, vomiting, and lethargy, indicating a pathological state of gastrointestinal inflammation! So, how do we differentiate between ‘dog diarrhea’ and ‘dog gastroenteritis’? Diarrhea accompanied by the following symptoms indicates dog gastroenteritis! When a dog is ‘having diarrhea’ and also has the following symptoms, it is highly likely that the dog has gastroenteritis and should seek medical attention immediately: Abdominal pain leading to a prayer posture: Curled up in a corner motionless, walking with an arched back, in a prayer-like position with the chest pressed to the floor and the buttocks raised. Scant and foul-smelling feces: Bloody stools, often watery, with a strong foul odor. Vomiting: Increased frequency of vomiting, with white foam, bile, and undigested food in the vomit. Fever and dehydration: Clearly poor spirits, with an increased body surface temperature. Gastroenteritis could also be a symptom of other serious diseases, so pet parents should pay close attention to the dog’s condition of diarrhea. When a dog has diarrhea accompanied by the above symptoms, pet parents should realize that the dog’s diarrhea is not due to ordinary gastrointestinal discomfort but likely indicates inflammation of the intestines. Please take the dog to the veterinary hospital immediately for examination and treatment. How to care for dogs with diarrhea or gastroenteritis? In this section, the pet expert will tell pet parents how to care for dogs with diarrhea. How to care for a dog with diarrhea? When a dog has an upset stomach and diarrhea without any other serious infectious symptoms, we should first take the following measures: Temporary fasting: For 12-24 hours after the dog has diarrhea, temporarily stop feeding. If concerned about the dog’s health, you can also feed small amounts frequently, avoiding giving too much food at once, and feeding easily digestible foods. For what to feed, you can refer to the section ‘What to feed a dog with diarrhea, and how to care for it normally?’. Rehydrate: After diarrhea, dogs will be dehydrated, so pay close attention to whether the dog is drinking water. Feed light food: During the period of diarrhea, it is recommended to give low-fat, low-protein, high-fiber foods, such as fruits and vegetables, but be careful not to feed fruits and vegetables that are not suitable for dogs. Bring the dog for deworming and health check: Sometimes parasites can also cause diarrhea in dogs. If the diarrhea persists for 1-3 days without improvement, it is recommended that pet parents take the dog to the vet for a complete checkup. Feed probiotics: When a dog has diarrhea, you can urgently supplement with pet intestinal probiotics to let good bacteria help the body drive out bad bacteria, but remember to maintain good health care regularly! If there are any changes in symptoms, such as the dog suddenly having a fever or abdominal pain, take the dog to the vet!
Essentially, you can refer to the methods mentioned above for caring for dogs with diarrhea, but it is necessary to take your dog to a veterinarian and follow the prescribed medication treatment. If the gastroenteritis is caused by parasites, deworming treatment will typically be given, along with regular follow-up appointments for deworming. In cases of viral or bacterial infections, an antibiotic course will be used. It is recommended to consume high-quality pet gut probiotics along with the treatment for daily health maintenance. Additionally, the main treatment method for gastroenteritis is to ‘rehydrate and restore the body’s electrolyte balance,’ so it is also important to ensure that your dog drinks plenty of water. When should you take your dog with diarrhea to the vet? Just like humans who occasionally have diarrhea after eating something bad, the gut flora will naturally balance itself out, mammals possess an immune system that can quickly restore gastrointestinal health. The same applies to dogs; if they are healthy, their gastrointestinal immune system can metabolize bad bacteria. Therefore, if your dog has diarrhea suddenly for a day or two and their mental state is not affected, pet parents need not worry excessively. However, if your dog exhibits any of the following conditions, it is advised that pet parents should take their dog to the vet urgently: Chronic diseases: If your dog has chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney disease, even if it’s the first time experiencing diarrhea, take your dog to the vet. Bloody stool: If there is a sudden appearance of bright red blood in the diarrhea, seek urgent medical attention. Gastrointestinal inflammation: If there are signs of gastrointestinal inflammation as mentioned above, take your dog to the vet. Diarrhea caused by ingesting foreign objects: If your dog has eaten foods it should not, such as chocolate or grapes, or if it has consumed toys or garbage, seek immediate medical attention. If any of these symptoms are present, take your dog to the vet promptly! What to prepare when taking a dog with diarrhea to the vet? Before taking your dog to the vet, pet parents can prepare the following and explain these conditions to the veterinarian: Collecting fecal samples: Collect your dog’s fecal samples or take clear photos to help the vet determine the main cause of the diarrhea from the stool’s condition. Duration of diarrhea: Inform the vet of the time your dog started having diarrhea. Dietary habits: The dog’s usual dietary habits, and any changes during the diarrhea period, including any changes in feeding time or brand, should be clearly communicated. Dog’s usual behavior: Whether the dog has habits of rummaging through trash cans or eating roadside weeds. Any complications: If the dog has any other common symptoms of gastroenteritis. Dog’s physical condition: Any chronic diseases, and whether any medications have been taken within the last three months. What to feed a dog with diarrhea, and how to care for them normally? Caring for a dog’s gastrointestinal health is similar to caring for human health; it is best to avoid overly seasoned foods (especially leftovers). If feeding raw or fresh foods, it is recommended to purchase from professional and high-quality sources, and avoid homemade. During the period of diarrhea, care can be carried out according to the content of the above sections and in conjunction with the vet’s instructions. Once the dog’s treatment is over, the following foods can be used to adjust the dog’s gut: Rice water / Rice flour water: You can cook rice water or rice flour water like porridge, then remove the rice or rice flour after boiling, and add some canned soup or baby food for the dog to eat. Pumpkin puree / Sweet potato puree / Mashed potatoes: You can cook it yourself or buy it ready-made, but be careful not to have too many additives and seasonings.
Special formula feed: Some manufacturers produce high-quality feed for dogs with sensitive stomachs, but remember to consult a veterinarian before use. Yogurt (probiotic and sugar-free): If the dog does not have lactose intolerance, you can supplement with yogurt rich in probiotics, making sure to choose yogurt without any fruit flavoring and sugar-free. Protein: Can be supplemented from meat, chicken is a good choice. Fennel and other herbs that can soothe the stomach: Can be supplemented in moderation, but do not add excessively. Pet probiotics: Daily moderate supplementation of pet gut probiotics with high palatability, patented strains, and transparent product ingredients is also a good choice. Is it important to supplement good pet probiotics for daily health care? Supplementing good pet probiotics is very important for daily health care. For example, puppies and senior dogs, the digestive system of puppies is still sensitive, and moderate supplementation of gut probiotics can help puppies improve gut flora balance from an early age and maintain intestinal health. Senior dogs, due to the gradual decline in physiological functions and digestive system functions, are more prone to chronic diseases or bacterial infections. At this time, moderate supplementation of good bacteria helps senior dogs maintain digestive function, allowing dogs to be healthy companions even in old age! ? ? ? ? Pet Director focuses on developing the most palatable cat and dog nutritional health care products. Pet Director is composed of a professional nutrition team, including Taiwan/UK dual-certificate nutritionists and veterinarians. Through scientific and animal nutrition research expertise, they manufacture the most palatable cat and dog nutritional health care products, hoping to accompany pet owners and their furry friends for a longer journey. Get to know the brand story of ‘Pet Director’, no detours in cat and dog nutrition, serious and dedicated for the furry babies. Why do dogs have diarrhea? Diarrhea in dogs is an immune mechanism of the gastrointestinal system. Diarrhea is a symptom, not a disease. Dogs do not have diarrhea for no reason, usually because there are external causes that cause the intestines to move too quickly, and the water is not absorbed by the large intestine in time, leading to dogs having loose stools or soft stools. Such as: eating spoiled food, parasites, gastroenteritis… etc., could be the main cause of dogs having diarrhea. Do dogs need to see a doctor if they have diarrhea? If dogs have diarrhea due to eating spoiled food, it is not necessary to be overly anxious, just take care of the dogs with diarrhea according to the relevant sections of this article. However, if there are the following symptoms, it means the dog may have gastroenteritis and must seek medical attention as soon as possible: 1. Due to abdominal pain leading to a praying posture: curled up in a corner motionless, walking with an arched back, praying chest pressed on the floor, and buttocks raised. 2. Feces are sparse and smelly: bloody stools, the stool shape is mostly water, with a strong odor. 3. Vomiting: an increase in vomiting frequency, and the vomit also has white foam, bile, and undigested food. 4. Fever, dehydration: the spirit is obviously not good, and the body surface temperature rises. Limited time experience group, only 50 yuan, and there is also a free shipping coupon code, click to use ?? Pet Daddy thanks everyone for watching, if you think the director’s article is very useful, you can click the share button below and share it to LINE, FB for all who need information.
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