Alice White
The joy is huge when a small dog moves into the home. The new family member should become a loyal friend and daily companion. He enriches the lives of his people, who of course only want the best for him. He should be healthy and happy. If the puppy has diarrhea, the owners usually ring all alarm bells right away. It doesn’t always have to be something bad, but chronic diarrhea can certainly indicate a serious illness.
Puppy Diarrhea
- There are several reasons for diarrhea in puppies;
- The puppy doesn’t always have to go to the vet. However, owners should recognize when medical advice is needed;
- Diarrhea can lead to serious problems;
- Digestive problems can be related to food.
Why Does the Dog or Puppy Have Diarrhea?
If the digestive system is unbalanced, puppies can suffer from diarrhea. Most of the time, it’s because of something wrong the puppy ate. Puppies explore the world with curiosity and want to try a lot. A wide variety of things are nibbled on or bitten into. Of course, something can quickly end up in the stomach or intestinal tract that doesn’t belong there and upset digestion. The foreign body should be removed by diarrhea, just as the organism – by the way, as with adult dogs – also tries to vomit.
Small dogs do not yet know what they can and cannot eat. Therefore, many puppies believe that everything is edible. This can also be leftover food or rubbish in the form of rotten food that he grabs and that is not good for his body. This in turn can lead to diarrhea. If there is nothing poisonous or something with sharp edges, in most cases the puppy will only have a harmless gastrointestinal upset.
However, if the puppy catches food that is really dangerous for him, you should consult a veterinarian immediately. Various things such as chocolate, cleaning agents, poison bait or medication pose an acute risk to the life of the small dog.
Parasites as a cause of diarrhea in puppies
Parasites in the form of various worms can also cause diarrhea. The small dog can pick them up by sniffing grass, plants, or other dog feces if there are worm eggs or worm larvae on them. It can also be transmitted by mice when caught and eaten. The veterinarian can prove the infestation by means of a fecal sample.
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that is very contagious, including in humans. They severely disrupt digestion. Giardia diarrhea is mushy, mushy, often yellow in color, and has a very unpleasant odor. The dogs are still fit as always but are losing weight all the time. In any case, a veterinarian should be consulted. The same applies to a heartworm infestation.
Stress, medication, or infections cause diarrhea
Another cause of diarrhea can be stress. Puppies can be overwhelmed by many new impressions and experiences, whereby sensitive characters are particularly susceptible. The stress does not have to be negative, positive stress can also affect digestion.
Some medicines for four-legged friends have side effects of diarrhea and vomiting. This can happen with some worming tablets, for example. The drug kills the worms, the body ensures that they are excreted as quickly as possible. The symptoms should go away after a short time.
Gastrointestinal infection can also affect the puppy and cause diarrhea. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi settle in the digestive system, but cannot yet be combated by the puppy’s weak immune system. He gets the infection and diarrhea. Further symptoms are a high need for sleep, vomiting, and general fatigue. Here the dog must be presented to a veterinarian.
Can Dangerous Diseases Also Cause Diarrhea?
Diarrhea can be caused by serious illnesses in puppies, as well as in adult dogs.
These include diseases of the liver, inflammation of the pancreas, or cancer.
When the digestive organs are diseased, there are disruptions in the system. Other diseases also affect the digestive system, they affect the entire organism. Fecal samples and further examinations from the vet are required here to help the puppy as best as possible.
Does the Dog Always Have to Go to the Vet?
It is not always necessary to show the puppy to a veterinarian. In some cases, it can be enough if the dog is given light food in small portions and plenty of freshwaters instead of the usual food. He also gets cooked chicken with cottage cheese and low-fat quark. You can also give your darling some cooked rice. Possibly also a very small pinch of salt and grape sugar. Squashing a banana is also an option. It also supplies energy at the same time. It should always be tried in small portions to see how the puppy can tolerate the diet. Light foods should be fed for at least three days. Changing the food too quickly could otherwise irritate the digestive tract again.
If a puppy has diarrhea for several days, it should definitely be presented to a veterinarian. The cause must be clarified here. It is good to take a sample of the feces with you to the vet, which can usually be used to determine the cause quickly. There doesn’t have to be a bad reason leading to the digestive disorders in the puppy. However, it is advisable to visit a veterinarian, as the puppy immediately excretes all nutrients through diarrhea. He also loses a lot of water, which can lead to dehydration. This can be a life-threatening condition for young dogs.
What Should Be Considered When Feeding?
- Puppies’ food should be changed slowly.
- The food can cause irritation, especially in puppies with sensitive digestive systems.
- Too varied a diet can unbalance the relatively sensitive digestive system of a puppy.
- If a puppy is to be changed in the food, at least one week should be planned for this. The changeover should take place gradually.
Some dogs can suffer from intolerance or allergies. These can cause diarrhea but must be diagnosed and ruled out by the veterinarian. The dog has other symptoms such as a rash or inflammation in the ears. The puppy should definitely see the vet if diarrhea persists for a few days or if it has bloodred diarrhea. It is important to make sure that the little dog does not try to eat everything that comes in front of him. He still cannot know what will harm him. It is also good to teach the puppy from an early age not to drink from puddles, as these can be contaminated. As soon as a puppy has diarrhea and other symptoms, such as fatigue or vomiting, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
