Chronic diarrhea in dogs can sometimes lead to weight loss, a dry and unthrifty hair coat, and lethargy. If your pet is continuously exposed to a diet that they are sensitive to, this can also cause chronic intermittent diarrhea. Some dog and cat foods that are marketed as healthier for your pet can also be high in fat and protein. Grain-free diets remove healthy fiber content from the dog food, which can be very rough on a sensitive system.
It is important to look for balance in a diet and that it comes from a reputable company that is doing their homework when it comes to their formulations. When dog diarrhea occurs with vomiting, a new section of the gastrointestinal tract has entered the picture. Gastroenteritis is the group term for inflammation of both the stomach and the upper GI tract. Sometimes a high-fat treat, even a small one, can trigger pancreatitis—a condition wherein the pancreas, which produces digestive enzymes, among other things, becomes inflamed.
This condition can cause acute vomiting and diarrhea as well as abdominal pain. In very severe cases, pancreatitis can even be fatal.
Vomit that contains blood can look red, brown, or black. Unlike a small amount of blood in the stool, any amount of blood in vomit is concerning and should result in a trip to the vet right away. Simply put, lighter colored foods will result in a lighter colored poop. There are a few color indicators that are important to note when talking to your vet. Yellow diarrhea is most typically caused when a pet parent has started feeding a bland diet, such as chicken and rice.
The chicken and rice are white, and when they mix with yellow bile in the gastrointestinal tract, it comes out as yellow stools. Bloody diarrhea or hematochezia is caused when there is large bowel diarrhea or colitis.
This occurs when small blood vessels in the lower part of the GI tract break open and bleed a bit into the stool. A small amount of blood is not overly concerning, but if the stool is primarily blood, your pet should be taken to the vet right away. Black diarrhea or melena is caused when blood is being digested before it is passed. This stool looks like newborn baby poop and can have a black or greenish color.
You should never use your own human medications on your pets. They may respond to a regimen of very basic treatments, including:. Over-the-Counter Dog Diarrhea Treatments.
Withholding food for 12 to 24 hours, and providing water in small amounts frequently, can clear the cause of the upset and allow the gastrointestinal tract to settle. Before you decide on a fast, be sure that your dog is healthy enough to endure it. Puppies, and elderly dogs, for example, need nutrients. Also, a fast may not be appropriate for small dogs who do not have the physical reserves of their larger cousins. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so make sure to give your dog access to water at all times.
After a fast, simple foods are usually introduced slowly. Many dog owners start with foods that act as binders, which can help normalize stool consistency. Some tried-and-true methods include:. Methods that work for one dog may not help another, so you might need to do a little experimentation to find the right formula. Unfortunately, some dogs are more prone to digestive disorders than others, so you have to be very aware of the things that are out-of-the-ordinary on an individual basis.
AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration. Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. Rice water is the creamy liquid that results from boiling white rice in water.
To make rice water, boil one cup of white rice in four cups of water for 10 to 30 minutes slightly uncovered or until the water turns creamy white. Decant the liquid and allow it to cool. You can serve the rice water to your dog as often as she will drink it. Hint: One cup of white rice makes a lot of rice water! These live microorganisms are found in yogurt, and are also available from a health food store or your veterinarian as high-potency powdered acidophilus cultures, which are more effective than yogurt for diarrhea.
Mix these cultures into the rice water that you are serving your pet during their fast. Green poop? Gross breath? Never give your dog human medications without consulting your veterinarian. Many over-the-counter medications that work well for people can be toxic to dogs.
If your dog has had one or two runny or soft stools, you might want to give your dog some time to recover by simply fasting for 12 - 24 hours.
A bland diet for a day or two can also help your pooch's issue. Plain-cooked white rice with a little chicken and some canned plain pumpkin not pumpkin pie filling could also help your pup's tummy feel better. Once your dog is feeling better gradually reintroduce their regular food. Other things that might help soothe your dog's upset tummy include natural yogurt, probiotics, peeled boiled potatoes, cottage cheese, egg with no oil added, specially formulated dog foods and medications prescribed by your vet.
When it comes to your best buddy's health it is always best to err on the side of caution.
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