Preventing Diarrhea in Dogs
Dog Breeds
Fortunately for your dog, and you, there are steps that you can take to help prevent diarrhea in your dog. you can give your dog a good chance of staying healthy by keeping up to date on all vaccines recommended by your veterinarian, feeding your dog a healthy balanced diet, and giving your dog plenty of play and exercise time.
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Introduction
Dogs that are affected with diarrhea experience the same symptoms that people do. It is a highly uncomfortable condition, and untreated diarrhea can sometimes be dangerous to a dog’s health. Fortunately for your dog, and you, there are steps that you can take to help prevent diarrhea in your dog.
Preventing Diarrhea in Dogs
Diarrhea is most often caused by illness, parasitic infections, drinking contaminated water, and a change in diet. While you cannot protect your dog from all illnesses, you can give your dog a good chance of staying healthy by keeping up to date on all vaccines recommended by your veterinarian, feeding your dog a healthy balanced diet, and giving your dog plenty of play and exercise time.
Diarrhea Caused by Parasites
Parasitic infections such as roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms are notorious for causing diarrhea, especially in younger dogs. Give your dog a monthly de-wormer to keep worms, and diarrhea, at bay. Protozoan organisms like Giardia which sometimes live in contaminated water can cause diarrhea in your dog as well. Prevent exposure to contaminated water by regularly patrolling your dog’s outside environment. Empty any containers collecting water, and keep water bowls clean. Discourage your dog from drinking water out of puddles on walks, no matter how clean they look, and bring some bottled water and a small dish instead.
Diarrhea Caused by Changes in Diet
A change in diet is a leading cause of diarrhea in dogs. Often this change is a little treat that the dog normally does not get such as a snack from the table or a new type of doggy cookie. To reduce any incidence of diarrhea in your dog, always implement changes in diet or exposure to new foods slowly. If you want to give your dog a new snack, offer a very tiny piece and wait 24 hours before you give anymore. If you are changing your dog’s diet, mix a small portion of the new food with the old food; gradually increase the amount of new food and watch for any impending diarrhea symptoms like gas or loose stools.
Treatment and Care
Overview and Facts