Diarrhoea in dogs – causes and feeding tips
A problem that affects every dog owner sooner or later is diarrhoea in the dog or soft faeces/stools. In the rarest cases, this is a sign of a disease, but diarrhoea indicates a detoxification or intolerance. An accompanying laxity can only be seen if the diarrhoea lasts days and the dog eats nothing. Then the owner must quickly clarify the cause and possibly visit the vet: allergies, infections, parasites such as worms or giardia, stress or uncertainties – and especially drugs (vaccination, chemical worming, tick-spot-on) can cause abnormalities. We have compiled for you further possible triggers and tips for gentle guidance.
Diarrhoea in dogs – definition and background information
Diarrhoea if the dog is manifested by the appearance of non-solid or shaped droppings for a single day or over several days, but pulpy or watery stool. Often this is associated with a sudden unexpected defecation. The isolated diarrhoea is often a cleansing action from the body after contact with intestinal toxins. Persistent diarrhoea may indicate irritation of the intestinal mucous membranes and should be investigated.
Acute Diarrhoea
Sudden diarrhoea should be investigated if the dog is otherwise fit and without any other abnormalities. In these cases, a little helping of carrot granules can help regulate the gut. A food change may be unsettling resulting in diarrhoea.
If the dog is suffering from acute diarrhoea, accompanied by fever, loss of appetite and lethargy, the condition should be remedied with natural home remedies such as carrot soup or light diet with rice and chicken. A visit to the veterinarian should be made to clarify further.
Chronic Diarrhoea
Recurrent diarrhoea may indicate irritation of the intestinal mucosa and should be sensitively supported. Firstly, it is important to find and correct the cause. This can be a food intolerance or synthetic additives in the feed, as well as previous burdens of worming cures and antibiotics. In most cases, the intestine must be supported with good intestinal bacteria and the feed must be permanently optimized.
Naturavetal Info
If puppies are raised only with BARF and respond to a new diet with diarrhoea, it must be remembered that they are not used to anything else. The intestinal mucosa has a large number of inherent, industrious bacteria and this must get to know different types of food in order to be able to digest everything. Thus, the puppy may be in the learning phase, so it may react with soft faeces on unfamiliar food. Frequently, the necessary carbohydrates in the dry food are the trigger of the soft stool, if the puppies were not familiar with it before.
Your Dog has Diarrhoea? What is the cause?
Allergies, intolerances, infections, parasites such as worms or giardia, stress or uncertainties, as well as medications such as vaccines, chemical worming or chemical spot-ons can cause unwanted reactions such as diarrhoea. A change of diet, puppies as well as adult dogs can react with thinner faeces. When it comes to vomiting diarrhoea, the owner must react quickly and try to reduce the symptoms rapidly e.g. see a vet
Poisoning
If a dog has diarrhoea and is restless, growls and has cramps, the color of the mucous membranes is changed, vomit or blood is detectable in the feces, there could be the suspicion of an intake of poison. In this case you should urgently take your animal to the vet. Insecticides such as snail or rat poison, also artificial fertilizer is sometimes inadvertently absorbed by the animal and leads to a serious health risk. Quiet behavior and immediate action is then required by the dog owner. Even after overcoming poisoning the intestinal flora should be rebuilt with appropriate preparations. Feeding the dog healthy natural food can help in the recovery of strained kidney and liver and promote regeneration.
Organ Disease
Diarrhoea can be a secondary symptom of irritation to other digestive organs. The liver is also responsible for detoxification. If this is overwhelmed, substances enter the intestine, which as such are not intended for this purpose, but can no longer be processed by the liver. The result for the dog is diarrhoea, which should quickly rid the intestine of these indigestible substances. Here, the cause of the organ weakness should be clarified and corrected so that a regeneration of the corresponding organs can be supported.
Feeding unfamiliar food
If the digestive system of the dog is always used to only one type of feed, it is possible that when switching to a new type of feed, e.g. Diet food due to an allergy or organ disease, a first reaction with pulpy faeces may occur. This does not mean that the new food is not tolerated, but that the intestine at first uses its protective mechanisms in the form of diarrhoea to get rid of the unusual. Here a gentle conversion of the feed can promote a slow intestinal adaptation.
Allergies
Repetitive diarrhoea without severe accompanying symptoms of the dog may indicate an intolerance to food or an allergy. Allergies have their cause in the intestine, because that’s where the main part of the immune system is. Therefore, it is important to treat the intestine in case of any allergies. This will enable the dog to digest the newly selected food and to be able to use all valuable nutrients from the feed.
Naturavetal Tip
Intestinal rehabilitation can be helpful in allergies. More about this topic can be found in our article: The Beneficial intestinal rehabilitation.
Veterinary treatment and nutrition change
A change in diet should always favor naturalness of the new food. Do not be afraid to question newly recommended feed and to analyze the ingredients exactly. Particular attention should be paid to avoiding any synthetic additives and synthetic vitamins and to have genuine, pure ingredients. Only then can the intestinal tract sustainably improve.
When should you go to the Vet?
If there is a suspicion of a strong parasite or giardia infestation, it will be necessary to have a fecal examination at the vet. Consultation with a Vet is necessary with the following symptoms, prolonged diarrhoea, diarrhoea with extreme laxity, restlessness, panting or cramping, altered color of the mucous membranes, blood in the faeces and vomiting of the dog.
Home remedies for the dog with diarrhoea?
Feed the dog light food such as rice, carrots and chicken. Fasting can also help. Slowly mix the gentle ingredients with the dog food day after day. In addition, the dog must take lots of fluids. Prepare a second bowl for this by adding a dash of oil, cottage cheese or vegetable stock to the drinking water. Then you can also schedule a colon cleansing with Canis Extra Petflora to replenish lost intestinal bacteria.
Species-appropriate feeding for your dog for the prevention of diarrhoea
Dietary changes
An abrupt change of diet can occur in a healthy dog without gastrointestinal discomfort. In the case of pre-loading of the digestive tract, a gradual changeover should be agreed with our advisory team with the help of small portions. In no case should extrudate be mixed with cold pressed food. Colon cleansing with Canis Extra Petflora can also help with the conversion.
Puppy Diet
A natural diet is the right start to a healthy life, with a flexible and intact intestinal flora. To build and maintain them, it makes sense to get the little ones used to all types of food, both dry food (cold pressed), raw, cooked meat or canned meals. The food types should always be without any additives, because these can be harmful to a puppy in the long run just as much, to an older animal.
Convenience food versus home-made food
A natural ready-to-eat food, which contains pure food as ingredients, is first-rate and at the same time convenient diet for all situations in the dog’s life. Home-prepared food has advantages when it comes to diets and it enables you to indulge your pet individually. Should you choose to home cook food then you need to ensure the dog gets all the necessary nutrients, Naturavetal have a selection of natural supplementary feeds, e.g. Calcium and oils that are necessary for dogs. We are happy to help with a consultation.
Naturavetal-Info
Should you have any questions or need any advice on dog diarrhoea and diet, our team of experts will gladly assist you personally by calling 0208 – 531 7804
