Dog Diarrhea"Dog diarrhea has a number of causes ranging from infection, ingestion of foreign objects, food allergy, food intolerance (inability to digest) and parasites. The key to treatment is to remove any underlying cause and restore balance to the digestive system through dietary change. Usually a simple diet of chicken and rice will help. If symptoms don't improve after 24 hours or if diarrhea is frequent see your veterinarian to avoid dehydration and for a complete diagnosis." The dog health guide is a complete resource for understanding the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of canine diarrhea. Quick Links to information on Canine Diarrhea Control Dog Diarrhea Dog with Diarrhea Symptoms Treatment of Dog With Diarrhea Diet Overview Dog Diarrhea ProblemsCanine diarrhea is a symptom of many diseases and is a reflection of a problem in the way your dog's body is absorbing nutrients. When this system becomes out of balance due to an infection, illness, allergy, parasites or medication that your dog doesn't tolerate well, the body reacts with diarrhea.
Approach to Dog with Diarrhea TreatmentMost veterinarians will begin treatment by checking your dog for parasitic causes of diarrhea. If this is ruled out then they move on to dietary change.Dietary change begins with switching your dog's current diet to a commercially available hypoallergenic diet to see if food allergy is the cause. This type of diet can also be prepared at home. Many vets suggest a commercial diet that contain hydrolyzed proteins since this type of protein is absorbed better into the body. Most dogs do well with this type of diet and will respond in one week to 10 days. If this doesn't help, medications are prescribed that help with canine diarrhea caused by issues such as colitis. Usually this involves the drug metronidazole and an increase of fiber in the diet. Other choices include antibiotics to fight any bacterial infection (metronidazole, tylosine, tetracycline). If this doesn't work then additional testing is done including blood tests, examination of the digestive system and biopsies of the intestines. After ruling out other causes your veterinarian may indicate that your dog as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBD). Treatment for this condition includes several weeks of prescription corticosteroids. If it works the drug is slowly decreased in dose over time. If diarrhea is a persistent problem and all of the above has been ruled out, then it might make sense to try restoring balance to your dogs digestive system such as PetAlive. Ingredients include Plantago major (Plantain), Alchemilla vulgaris (Lady’s Mantle) and Podophyllum (6C), all known for helping to restore normal stools. Discuss this option with your veterinarian. SourcesHow I Treat Chronic Canine Enteropathies - Old and New OptionsF.P. Gaschen School of Veterinary Medicine Louisiana State University From Canine Diarrhea to Dog Health Guide Home
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