What causes diarrhea in dogs? Is it dangerous? home treatment

Diarrhea in dogs

Diarrhea in dogs is a common condition that occurs with abnormal liquefaction in intestinal movements. It occurs when the fingers (villi) in the intestine fail to function. Diarrhea can occur in dogs for many reasons. These may include bacterial or viral infections, parasites, nutritional disorders, allergies, medications or toxins. Symptoms of diarrhea in dogs may include watery or soft stools, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, and weakness. Diarrhea can sometimes be dangerous, especially if it leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Treatment may vary depending on the cause; Antibiotics, antiviral medications, parasite medications and dietary changes may be among the options. Since diarrhea in dogs can cause serious problems, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian.

What causes diarrhea in dogs?

A wide variety of factors can cause diarrhea in dogs. Infections caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites, wrong nutrition, allergies, stress, medications or digestive system disorders are some of these factors.

Infections caused by bacteria or viruses

Puppies, in particular, are more prone to infections because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Some diarrheal diseases caused by bacteria or viruses are also transmitted through tap water. For this reason, the best way to protect yourself from these diseases is not to use tap water or to purify it. Some of the infections that cause diarrhea in dogs are:

• Parvovirus and coronavirus:These viruses, which especially affect puppies more severely, cause vomiting, high fever and loss of appetite in addition to diarrhea.
• Salmonella: This bacteria settles in the digestive system and causes infection. The main symptom is severe diarrhea.
• Campylobacter: It is a bacterium that can also be transmitted to humans. If your dog has campylobacter infection, you need to be very careful about contact with its feces.
• Escherichia coli: This bacteria lives naturally in the body of dogs and does not cause disease, but especially in the presence of unhygienic care conditions or other diseases in puppies, the number of these bacteria in the intestine increases and this causes the dog to become sick.

Parasites that cause diarrhea in dogs

Parasites are caused by another living creature (host). They are microscopic organisms that are dependent on the host and harm them by using their nutrition, shelter and reproduction opportunities. They can grow in the intestines of dogs, damaging the digestive system and causing diarrhea. The main parasites that cause diarrhea in dogs include round, woolly or hookworms, coccidia and giardia. These parasites are usually transmitted through infected feces or insects such as ticks and fleas. Or it can be passed directly from one dog to another.

Parasite infections can cause symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue and abdominal pain, as well as diarrhea, and if left untreated, can lead to more serious diseases. Regularly checking and vaccinating your dog against parasites significantly reduces the risk of disease.

Some foods

Dogs' digestive systems do not have enough enzymes to digest some foods, and they may experience diarrhea when they consume these foods. For example; Milk and dairy products (especially cow's milk is not suitable for dogs to digest and causes diarrhea), fatty or spicy foods, chocolate, beer and alcoholic beverages, onions and garlic (they contain disulfide, a compound that causes digestive disorders in dogs), raw meat and bones (they carry the risk of bacterial infection) are some of the foods that dogs should not consume for their digestive health.

Allergies

Allergic reactions are another factor that causes diarrhea in dogs. These reactions may occur against food (especially components found in protein foods) or environmental factors (pollen, mold, house dust mites, etc.). Along with allergic reactions, your dog may experience itching, rash and ear infection. In addition to all these symptoms, allergies can cause inflammation in the intestines and trigger diarrhea.

Stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety in dogs usually occur for reasons such as environmental changes, encounters with strangers or other dogs, being left alone, or changes in routine at home. Such conditions can trigger gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea by increasing dogs' intestinal motility or causing inflammation in the intestines.

Some medications

Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and some painkillers are among the common medications that can cause diarrhea in dogs. While antibiotics kill digestive system bacteria, they can also kill beneficial bacteria, causing diarrhea. This is a side effect that also occurs in people taking antibiotics. Additionally, anti-inflammatories and some painkillers have side effects that can cause stomach ulcers and other digestive problems.

However, antiparasitic applications can also cause diarrhea in intense parasitic infestations (infection caused by multicellular parasites). In this case, it will be useful to follow the dog regularly. If this situation continues on the 2nd day, a veterinary clinic should be visited.

Use of Air Conditioning

As the weather gets hotter, the use of air conditioning also increases. Sudden hot and cold transitions can cause diarrhea in dogs, just like in humans. To avoid this situation, do not expose your dog directly to air conditioning when you take it to the car or bring it home from a walk.

How is diarrhea treated in dogs?

The important thing in the treatment of diarrhea is not to alleviate the symptoms, the underlying cause must first be determined. The treatment is determined accordingly. Therefore, it is important to consult a veterinarian when you see symptoms of diarrhea in your dog.

What medications are used for diarrhea in dogs?

Your veterinarian will recommend the appropriate treatment and medications according to your dog's condition. Medicines commonly used to treat diarrhea in dogs are:

• Antibiotics (in bacterial infections)
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (in diarrhea caused by inflammation in the intestines)
• Antidiarrheals (They are anti-diarrheal drugs and can relieve symptoms. However, in some cases, they can prevent the diagnosis and treatment of the root cause of diarrhea)
• Antispasmodics (intestinal muscles). They can help your dog relax by reducing spasms and abdominal pain).
• Electrolyte solutions (used to compensate for the loss of electrolytes that may occur as a result of diarrhea)

How to treat diarrhea in dogs at home?

Some measures you can take at home can reduce some of the symptoms your dog experiences and help him overcome the disease process more easily. For example:

• Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water during diarrhea can prevent possible dehydration. Your dog should always have access to clean, fresh water if possible. You can mix yoghurt or buttermilk into your dog's water to increase water intake.
• Give foods that will support the digestive system: The dog's digestive system may be irritated during diarrhea. Digestive system-friendly foods such as boiled chicken, rice, and boiled vegetables can speed up its recovery. (You can find more detailed information about foods that are good for diarrhea below)
• Feed him in small meals: Do not leave your dog hungry, but make him eat small and frequent meals instead of one big meal.
• Try to prevent him from getting tired: Rest helps your dog recover faster.
• Consult about food changes: If diarrhea is caused by food allergy, you should change your dog's food. It may be necessary. However, be sure to consult your veterinarian beforehand.
• Do not take it out too much: Going outside too much may irritate your dog's intestines.
• Massage its abdomen: By giving your dog a light massage, you can relieve the spasms that cause pain.
• Hot water bottle: A hot water bottle can help your dog relax.

In dogs. Foods that are good for diarrhea

It is also important to give your dog the right foods during diarrhea. Fibrous, probiotic and nutritious foods that your dog can easily digest and regulate his digestive system support his recovery. Cooked chicken or chicken liver, fish, boiled rice, yoghurt, pumpkin, boiled potatoes, beets are some of the foods recommended for the treatment of diarrhea.

When does diarrhea in dogs become dangerous?

Diarrhea in dogs usually goes away on its own within a few days and is not dangerous. But sometimes – especially in older dogs – it can be a sign of a serious health problem. For example, if the diarrhea is caused by diabetes, liver problems, pancreatitis, intestinal infections, poisoning, tumors or parasites, your dog may need urgent treatment. If your dog has severe or bloody diarrhea or vomiting that lasts for more than a day, or if diarrhea is accompanied by symptoms such as bloating, weakness, or dehydration, you should definitely consult a veterinarian for correct diagnosis and treatment.