Keeping Your Pet Healthy in the New Year

Every year, I compile a list of New Year’s Day resolutions. Typically, the same items top my list each year. For instance, I always desire to lose weight and spend more time with my family members. Perhaps, you want to get healthier in the New Year. You may also wish for your beloved pet to enjoy better health this year. To help you accomplish this important task, schedule regular appointments for your pet with his or her veterinarian. A veterinarian can inform you of any health problems your pet may be experiencing. On this blog, I hope you will discover the importance of taking your pet to annual veterinarian appointments. Enjoy!

Dogs And Diarrhea: What You Need To Know

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If your dog is suffering from diarrhea, or loose bowel movements, you may have many questions. You may find yourself wondering what causes this issue, if this is normal and if this is something you should take your dog to a vet or emergency vet for. Here is some information you will want to know about dogs and diarrhea.

What Causes Diarrhea in Dogs?

Just like in people, there are a number of reasons why your dog may be suffering from diarrhea. Some of the reasons for this include:

  • A change in your dog's diet
  • Allergies
  • Parasites
  • Consuming a poisonous substance
  • Eating something that doesn't agree with your dog's stomach
  • Eating something they cannot digest
  • A virus or illness
  • Stress

What Can You Do to Help Your Dog With Diarrhea?

If your dog is alert and willing to eat, there are a few things at home that you can do to help your dog deal with the diarrhea. First and foremost, you will want to keep your pet hydrated. Diarrhea can cause your dog to become dehydrated. Offer them water throughout the day. If they refuse to drink the water, you can try adding a small amount of low or no sodium chicken or beef broth to their water. Additionally, you may want to try hydrating them with Pedialyte or a similar substance.

If your dog is interested in eating, offer them some boiled white chicken and white rice. Both of these items are easy on the stomach and will help to firm up the stool. Continue offering this food in small portions every two hours until the diarrhea goes away and your pet's stool is back to normal.

When Should You Be Concerned About Diarrhea in Dogs?

Diarrhea in dogs is fairly normal and not something you should be overly concerned with by itself. However, if your dog has diarrhea and you have reason to suspect he or she may have eaten something poisonous or something that cannot be digested in their stomach, you may want to take them to an emergency vet clinic.

If the diarrhea is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a dog acting lethargic or appearing to be in pain, you may want to take your dog to a vet or emergency vet.

Lastly, most cases of diarrhea will clear up in a dog within a few days. If your dog's condition has not improved in a few days, or has worsened, you will want to take him or her to be examined by a vet.

If your dog has diarrhea, you should not panic or worry. Just like people, dogs occasionally experience an upset stomach or illness that causes this symptom. However, diarrhea can also be a sign that something is wrong with your pet. If the diarrhea does not improve within a few days, you will want to visit a vet or emergency vet clinic to get your dog the treatment that may be needed.   

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22 February 2017