Diarrhea - Let's acknowledge right from the start that this isn't the most pleasant subject. Nevertheless, it's a common issue seen in pets at veterinary clinics on a daily basis. While the underlying cause can sometimes be minor, it's essential to understand that this isn't always the case. In this blog post, we'll delve into the potential causes of your dog's diarrhea and assess the severity of each scenario.
Dog Diarrhea Causes
Parvo - A Significant Concern
One of the most severe causes of diarrhea in young, unvaccinated puppies is Parvovirus, or Parvo. This highly contagious virus attacks the intestines and can lead to severe, often bloody diarrhea. It also weakens a puppy's immune system, making them susceptible to bacterial infections. Without proper treatment, survival rates for Parvo are less than 25%. However, with intensive veterinary care, including antiviral drugs, antibiotics, and fluids, survival can rise to approximately 75%.
It's essential to note that Parvo is not uncommon in our area, and cases can be particularly prevalent. However, the good news is that Parvo can be easily prevented through a series of effective and affordable vaccines, starting at 6-8 weeks of age and continuing until the puppy is at least 12-16 weeks old.
Worms - A Frequent Culprit
Another common cause of dog diarrhea in the Glendale area is intestinal parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, giardia, and coccidia. To detect these parasites, veterinarians often require stool samples, which can help us identify and treat cases specific to our region.
Dispelling Myths about Parvo and Worms
- Myth: "Parvo has a distinctive smell that's easy to identify."
Fact: The smell often associated with Parvo is due to blood in the stool, which can also occur with hookworm infestations. The key is to diagnose Parvo before blood appears, as early treatment with antivirals is more effective. - Myth: "I don't see any worms in my dog's poop, so there can't be any worms."
Fact: Most adult worms remain inside the body, releasing only microscopic eggs in the stool. These eggs are detected through laboratory testing, which is essential in our region to diagnose cases effectively. - Myth: "My breeder dewormed my dog, so they can't have worms."
Fact: Most dewormers target only adult worms and require multiple treatments to eliminate worms that were still in the egg stage at the time of treatment. Breeders' deworming may not cover all potential parasites, making it necessary to address region-specific concerns. - Myth: "Only Parvo is deadly; other causes of diarrhea are less serious."
Fact: Several conditions, such as hookworm infestations, roundworms, and coccidia, can be life-threatening, and these cases can be prevalent in our area. Dogs can suffer severe consequences, including dehydration and even death. - Myth: "Blood in a dog's stool always means Parvo."
Fact: While blood in the stool is concerning, it doesn't automatically indicate Parvo. Dogs can experience rectal bleeding from the strain of diarrhea, which may not be related to Parvo.
Other Causes of Dog Diarrhea
Garbage Guts, Food Poisoning, and Stress
Stress, whether from anxiety or dietary changes, can lead to bacterial shifts in a dog's gut, causing diarrhea. These shifts are similar to those caused by food poisoning, including Salmonella and E. coli, which are concerns for dogs in our region as well.
To help restore the normal intestinal flora in dogs, veterinarians typically follow a three-step process:
- Antibiotics to eliminate inappropriate bacteria in the gut.
- Probiotics to reintroduce beneficial bacteria.
- Prescription intestinal food to support the growth of the probiotic bacteria.
Remedies for Dog Diarrhea
- Antibiotics: These are prescription drugs and should only be obtained from your veterinarian.
- Probiotics: While some pet stores offer probiotics, veterinary supplements with proprietary strains of bacteria are often more effective.
- Bland Diet: You can assist at home by providing a bland diet, which usually consists of cooked rice and a fat-free protein, like skinless, boneless chicken breast, or boiled 95% fat-free ground beef. However, do not feed a bland diet for more than 48 hours without consulting your veterinarian, as prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
If your dog experiences diarrhea, it's essential to contact your veterinarian immediately, even if you don't plan to rush your pet in. By documenting the issue, your veterinarian can track its frequency and provide personalized advice. Seek veterinary care right away if your dog:
- Continues to have diarrhea for more than 48 hours.
- Exhibits signs of illness such as lethargy, decreased appetite, or vomiting.
- Passes more than a few spots of blood.
- Has a fever (normal body temperature is up to 102.5°F).
Imodium or Pepto Bismol for Dogs?
Do not administer human medications to your dog without consulting your veterinarian. While you may find online dosing guidelines for these medications, they could mask the symptoms of a more severe illness or even lead to stomach ulcers. Stick to the home remedies mentioned above, such as a bland diet and probiotics, until you can contact your veterinarian.
Remember, as pet parents in Glendale, your dog's health and well-being are top priorities, and our furry friends can’t tell us when they aren’t feeling their best. That’s why it is essential to be cognisant of the warning signs that your dog may be suffering from something more serious than normal tummy upset. If you're uncertain about your dog's condition, don't hesitate to reach out to us so we can get your pet back on the path to health. We’re always here to help.