If you have a small dog recently or you plan to adopt one soon, you will probably face a problem quite common, that of puppy diarrhea.
However, even if this situation is fairly common, it does not mean that you should not take it seriously. Indeed, in some cases, dehydration due to untreated diarrhea can be dangerous or even fatal for your little protégé. Diarrhea should never be taken lightly and should catch your attention since the condition of a young dog can deteriorate much more quickly than that of an older animal.
But when to worry and how to intervene?
THE CAUSES OF DIARRHEA IN PUPPY
- The stress
Any change, even for the better, is stressful for an individual. And the younger he is, the more difficulty he will have in dealing with new situations. However, a young puppy sees within a few days (sometimes even a few hours) his environment changed completely. He is credited with a new family that, although loving, is not his. He is cut off from his mother and his brothers and sisters. His environment is new: smells, sounds, nothing is familiar to him. Add to that the fact that he has to travel by car and you will understand that the stress is enormous for such a small individual. Moreover, when he arrives in his new home, your little dog is the object of a great attention and is caught in the arms of everyone. All this can cause him intestinal disturbances caused by stress.
Even if it's hard to resist cuddling your little hairball, it's a good idea to give her calm moments when she arrives at home to avoid over-excitement and stress. Do not forget to constantly provide him with fresh water and encourage him to drink often.
- Dietary changes
Your puppy has probably started a solid diet in the shelter or in his foster home. Perhaps you have decided to provide him with a new diet that will be of better quality. However, any dietary change can cause a digestive disorder since the body must become accustomed to this new diet. It is better not to make a sudden change and introduce the new diet gradually for seven to ten days. Continue to feed your puppy and start mixing the news.
- Ingestion of an inedible foreign body
Puppies are curious by nature, like all babies. So they tend to put everything in their mouths. It's their way of discovering the world. However, certain foods, and of course some objects or toxic products can be the cause of poisoning or hang in the trachea. Pay special attention to objects that could be dangerous to your puppy, as well as any plants, flowers, medications, or foods you eat that may be within range. The best thing to do is never leave your puppy alone without supervision. If you have to leave the house, put your little companion in a closed room with water and food. He will take the opportunity to rest.
- Worms and intestinal parasites
The puppy can be born with worms (hookworms, roundworms or Tenia) or have caught them via breast milk. It's quite common. Some protozoan parasites such as Coccidia and Giardia can also cause diarrhea. Too small to be visible to the naked eye unlike worms, they take the form of cysts or larvae and infest the intestines, causing really liquid and very odorous stools often mixed with blood and / or mucus. Diarrhea will usually be accompanied by vomiting, loss of appetite and extreme fatigue. Be careful ! These parasites can be transmitted to other animals and humans, hence the importance of taking necessary hygiene measures.
- Viral infections
Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of many viral infections, the most serious of which is Canine Parvovirus, commonly known as Parvo, a contagious and debilitating infection that is spread through infected excrement and causes stools with foul smells accompanied by blood, vomiting, lethargy and dehydration. Parvo is relatively well cared for in adult dogs, but can be fatal for puppies, hence the importance of consulting your vet urgently.
DIARRHEA: THE SIGNS TO TAKE TO SERIOUS
If your puppy has had diarrhea for more than 24 hours despite the fact that you have taken steps to stop it or if the diarrhea is accompanied by the following symptoms, this is a sign that something is wrong. You should go to a veterinarian.
- Presence of blood in the stoo
If you notice blood in the stool, go check it out. However, mild irritation of the colon may result in small, light blood filaments that are safe. But if blood is obviously present, it is a sign to take seriously.
- Loss of appetite
If your puppy is not eating at all or not having diarrhea at all, it is because he is weak. Since, as we will see later, it is advisable to put your little dog on fast for 24 hours, make it drink. But if his appetite does not come back later, check it out.
- Letharg
Your puppy is not playing anymore? He sleeps all the time? It's not normal for a baby, even if he needs a lot of sleep. A lethargic state is a sign of weakening to be taken into account.
- vomiting
If diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting, consult immediately.
- Temperature
A lethargic state will often be a sign of fever. Check the temperature of your puppy which should be between 37.5 and 38.7. If you do not have a thermometer but are concerned that your puppy is feverish, it is better to consult.
- Abdominal pain
Of course, it's hard to know exactly how your puppy feels since he can not express himself. However, a suffering dog will tend to lie down, or even cry. If your puppy seems to be suffering from abdominal cramps in addition to his diarrhea, be alert to changes in his general condition.
EFFICIENT HOUSE TREATMENTS AGAINST DIARRHEA
- Young
If your puppy has mild diarrhea but plays and is active and weighs more than five pounds, make it fast for twelve hours, preferably at night. Some veterinarians even advise to do a 24-hour fast.
Your puppy may cry and it will not be easy not to give in, but do it for good! The digestive tract can only recover when it is at rest. On the other hand, have him drink fresh water regularly to make sure he is not dehydrated, which would be fatal at such a young age. Fasting is the first thing to do in case of intestinal disorder, for both humans and animals. Ideally, if this is possible for you, try not to leave your little puppy alone for 12 to 24 hours.
- Homeopathy
Several homeopathic treatments can relieve diarrhea or loose stools effectively and gently. You will be sure to use a natural treatment without side effects. Do not hesitate to consult a qualified homeopath for advice on puppy diarrhea. He will know what remedy to advise you and may even suggest a treatment tailored to your situation. The homeopath is interested in the individual and treats each case in a unique way.
- Natural Herbal Remedies
Some natural herbal remedies can help your pet recover from diarrhea. The slippery elm, for example, is particularly suitable for diarrhea. It soothes and protects the mucous membranes and contains valuable nutrients.
We recommend that you seek the advice of a naturopath to make sure you give the right remedies. Never give any herbal remedies to your pet without consulting a professional.
- Electrolyte solution
These solutions help prevent dehydration and replenish essential nutrients, just as we do with our babies in case of diarrhea. Consult your veterinarian to find out which solution to choose. A simple phone call may suffice.
- Intestinal dressing
This option should not be the first. However, some breeders use intestinal bandages in case of chronic diarrhea for their dogs. It is always best to ask your veterinarian for advice, but here are some possible solutions:
Breeders often advise using Kaopectate which soothes the intestinal flora when simple fasting is not enough. This treatment composed of kaolin and pectin absorbs toxins of bacterial origin and protects the intestinal mucosa in addition to slowing the digestive transit. Peptobismol can have the same effect. It is not recommended to use Immodium for dogs.
In any case, ask your veterinarian for advice before administering any of these intestinal dressings to make sure that it will be beneficial to your puppy.
