How can Diarrhea be prevented?
Diarrhea involves increase in frequency, fluidity or volume of bowel movements. It is quite a common complaint amongst dogs – both pups and adults.
Causes and Symptoms:
Diet is the main factor that influences the normality or abnormality in the consistency of passing of feces. The more frequent the defecation, the more loose the consistency of the feces, as less time is available to the dog for absorption of water in the intestinal tract. Simple diarrhea may be due to dietary changes which may end in diet restriction or may even be self-limiting.
Simple diarrhea can also result from nervousness, fright or excitement. Contaminated or spoiled food may cause this problem.
If the diarrhea persists, it may be due to several diseases like worms, distemper, parvo virus disease or corona virus infection, depending upon the dog’s history and other symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that diarrhea is a sign or symptom of a disease and not a specific disease process. Sometimes current drug therapy like certain antibiotics can cause diarrhea.
Treatment and Prevention:
As a first aid for diarrhea, food should be withheld for 24 hours. Loss of water and other electrolytes through the process of diarrhea should be replaced, if possible by mouth, or else by intravenous injection.
If diarrhea persists in spite of withholding food and giving electrolytes for about 24 hours, and especially if the feces are foul smelling or blood streaked, veterinary help should not be delayed.