How does diet affect digestive health. What foods commonly trigger diarrhea. How to identify and manage food intolerances. What dietary changes can help alleviate diarrhea symptoms. How to maintain proper nutrition while dealing with digestive issues.

The Role of Diet in Digestive Health

Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health and can significantly impact the occurrence of diarrhea. Many people experience gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea after consuming certain foods or beverages. Understanding the connection between diet and digestive issues is essential for managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.

Is there a link between dietary changes and diarrhea? Yes, alterations in your eating habits or the introduction of new foods can trigger diarrhea in some individuals. This reaction may be due to food intolerances, sensitivities, or the body’s adjustment to different nutrient compositions.

Keeping a Food Diary

One effective method for identifying potential food triggers is maintaining a food diary. This practice involves recording all consumed foods and beverages, along with any digestive symptoms experienced. Over time, patterns may emerge, helping to pinpoint specific items that may be causing digestive distress.

• Record all foods and drinks consumed
• Note the timing and severity of symptoms
• Look for recurring patterns
• Gradually eliminate suspected triggers

High-Fiber Foods: A Double-Edged Sword

Fiber is generally considered beneficial for digestive health, but consuming too much can lead to unexpected consequences. Why might high-fiber foods cause diarrhea? Excessive fiber intake can overwhelm the digestive system, resulting in gas, bloating, and diarrhea, especially if introduced too quickly into one’s diet.

Which high-fiber foods are common culprits? Fruits like pears, apples, berries, and dried fruits such as prunes and raisins are known to cause issues for some individuals. Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and artichokes are also high in fiber and may trigger digestive discomfort.

Balancing Fiber Intake

To maintain digestive health while benefiting from fiber, consider these strategies:

1. Introduce fiber-rich foods gradually
2. Increase water intake to help process the additional fiber
3. Pay attention to individual tolerance levels
4. Choose a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber sources

Dairy Products and Lactose Intolerance

Dairy products are a common trigger for diarrhea in individuals with lactose intolerance. This condition occurs when the body lacks sufficient lactase, an enzyme necessary for digesting lactose, the sugar found in milk and milk products.

Do all dairy products affect lactose-intolerant individuals equally? Not necessarily. Some people with lactose intolerance find they can tolerate certain dairy foods better than others. For instance, hard cheeses like Swiss and aged cheddar, as well as yogurt, may be better tolerated due to their lower lactose content.

Managing Lactose Intolerance

For those dealing with lactose intolerance, several options are available:

• Try lactase enzyme supplements before consuming dairy
• Opt for lactose-free dairy products
• Explore non-dairy alternatives like almond or soy milk
• Gradually introduce small amounts of dairy to build tolerance

Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, can cause significant digestive issues for some individuals. Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption, affects approximately 1% of the population. However, many more people may have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which can also lead to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

How can one determine if gluten is causing digestive problems? A combination of blood tests, genetic testing, and intestinal biopsies can diagnose celiac disease. For those with suspected gluten sensitivity, an elimination diet followed by a controlled reintroduction can help identify if gluten is the culprit.

Navigating a Gluten-Free Diet

Adopting a gluten-free lifestyle requires vigilance and careful food selection:

1. Read food labels carefully to identify hidden sources of gluten
2. Explore gluten-free alternatives for common wheat-based products
3. Be cautious of cross-contamination in food preparation
4. Consult with a dietitian to ensure nutritional needs are met

The Impact of Spicy Foods on Digestion

Spicy foods can be a delight for the taste buds but a challenge for the digestive system. The compounds responsible for the heat in spicy foods, such as capsaicin in chili peppers, can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, potentially leading to diarrhea.

Are all spicy foods equally likely to cause digestive issues? The impact varies depending on individual tolerance and the specific spices used. Some people may find that certain spicy cuisines, like Indian or Thai, are more problematic than others.

Enjoying Spicy Foods Safely

For those who love spicy foods but want to avoid digestive discomfort:

• Start with milder versions and gradually increase spice levels
• Pair spicy foods with cooling ingredients like yogurt or coconut milk
• Be mindful of portion sizes when consuming spicy dishes
• Stay hydrated to help mitigate potential irritation

Fatty Foods and Their Effect on Digestion

Rich, fatty foods can be challenging for the digestive system to process, potentially leading to diarrhea. When consumed in large quantities, fatty foods may cause the small intestines and colon to secrete more water, resulting in looser stools.

Which types of fatty foods are most likely to cause digestive issues? Foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fried foods, fatty meats, and heavy cream sauces, are often culprits. Additionally, some individuals may have difficulty absorbing certain types of fats, exacerbating the problem.

Balancing Fat Intake for Digestive Health

To enjoy fatty foods without compromising digestive comfort:

1. Opt for healthier fat sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil
2. Practice portion control with high-fat foods
3. Incorporate lean proteins and complex carbohydrates into meals
4. Consider digestive enzymes to aid in fat breakdown, if recommended by a healthcare provider

Artificial Sweeteners and Sugar Alcohols

Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, commonly found in sugar-free products, can have a laxative effect on some individuals. Mannitol and sorbitol, in particular, are known to linger in the stomach, potentially causing bloating and diarrhea.

How can one identify products containing these sweeteners? The FDA requires foods containing over 50 grams of mannitol or sorbitol to list a possible laxative effect on the label. However, even smaller amounts can cause issues for sensitive individuals.

Navigating Sugar-Free Options

For those looking to reduce sugar intake without risking digestive discomfort:

• Read food labels carefully to identify artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols
• Experiment with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit
• Gradually reduce overall sweetener consumption to adjust taste preferences
• Be cautious with sugar-free gum, candies, and beverages, which often contain these additives

Beverages That May Trigger Diarrhea

Certain beverages can exacerbate diarrhea or trigger digestive issues. Alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks are common culprits that may disrupt the delicate balance of the digestive system.

Why do these beverages cause problems? Alcohol can affect the cells’ ability to absorb water, leading to dehydration. Caffeine acts as a stimulant that can speed up digestion and potentially cause diarrhea. Carbonated drinks may introduce excess gas into the digestive tract, leading to discomfort and loose stools.

Choosing Digestive-Friendly Beverages

To maintain hydration without risking digestive upset:

1. Opt for water as the primary beverage choice
2. Try herbal teas known for their digestive benefits, such as peppermint or ginger
3. If consuming alcohol, do so in moderation and alternate with water
4. Consider decaffeinated versions of coffee and tea

Developing a Digestive-Friendly Diet Plan

Creating a diet that supports digestive health while avoiding triggers is crucial for managing diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues. A balanced approach that considers individual sensitivities and nutritional needs is key to long-term digestive wellness.

How can one create an effective digestive-friendly diet plan? Start by identifying trigger foods through careful observation and food diary tracking. Gradually eliminate problematic items while introducing gut-healthy alternatives. It’s also important to consider factors such as meal timing, portion sizes, and eating environment.

Key Components of a Digestive-Friendly Diet

Consider incorporating these elements into your dietary approach:

• Probiotic-rich foods to support gut health
• Easily digestible proteins like lean meats and fish
• Complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
• Anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens and berries
• Adequate hydration through water and herbal teas

When to Seek Professional Help

While dietary adjustments can often alleviate diarrhea and digestive discomfort, there are instances where professional medical advice is necessary. Persistent or severe symptoms may indicate an underlying condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment.

Are there specific signs that warrant medical attention? Yes, certain symptoms should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider:

1. Diarrhea lasting more than a few days
2. Blood in the stool
3. Severe abdominal pain
4. Unexplained weight loss
5. Signs of dehydration, such as dark urine or dizziness

Working with Healthcare Professionals

When seeking medical help for digestive issues:

• Bring your food diary to appointments for more accurate assessments
• Be prepared to discuss your full medical history
• Consider seeing a gastroenterologist for specialized care
• Follow through with recommended tests and treatments

By understanding the intricate relationship between diet and digestive health, individuals can take proactive steps to manage symptoms and improve their overall well-being. Remember that dietary needs and sensitivities can vary greatly from person to person, so what works for one individual may not be suitable for another. Patience, persistence, and a willingness to experiment with different dietary approaches are key to finding the right balance for optimal digestive health.

Is Your Diet Giving You Diarrhea?

If you have diarrhea, your diet could be to blame. Learn which foods commonly trigger diarrhea so you know what to avoid.

By Beth W. OrensteinMedically Reviewed by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD

Reviewed: September 27, 2016

Medically Reviewed

If you’re experiencing diarrhea, spicy foods are one potential culprit.

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Start With a Food Diary

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Some people can eat cabbage, broccoli, and other vegetables without side effects like excessive gas and diarrhea — and some can’t, especially those living with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Dairy products such as milk and cheese cause diarrhea for some people, while others react badly to wheat and high-fiber foods. A little detective work can help you determine the cause of your diarrhea and identify any food intolerances you may have. Start by keeping a food diary and gradually eliminating triggers. Here are some top suspects that commonly lead to diarrhea.

High-Fiber Foods

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Wait — isn’t fiber supposed to be good for digestive health? Yes, but if you eat too much fiber you can develop excessive gas and diarrhea. Add fiber to your diet slowly so you don’t cause digestive problems, says Lawrence Schiller, MD, program director of the gastroenterology fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. When diarrhea is already a problem, you should eliminate high-fiber foods from your diet for a few weeks and see if that helps. Fruits to skip include pears, apples, most berries, figs, prunes, dates, and raisins. High-fiber vegetables include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, artichokes, and peas. Watch out for nuts and legumes (meaning all types of beans as well as seeds such as sunflower kernels) and keep whole cereals and grains such as barley, bran, brown rice, oatmeal, popcorn, and whole-wheat bread on your radar, too.

Dairy Products

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Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and milk products. People who are lactose intolerant may experience diarrhea if they eat or drink dairy products such as milk, cheese, and ice cream; however, some people find they can tolerate dairy foods that have lower amounts of lactose, such as yogurt and hard cheeses (i.e., Swiss cheese and aged cheddar). Lactase enzyme tablets or drops taken before eating may also help prevent diarrhea problems. Another option is to try products that are lactose-free.

Gluten and Wheat

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Some people have a food intolerance to gluten, a protein that is found in wheat, rye, and barley products. This condition is a common autoimmune disorder known as celiac disease. People with celiac disease must follow a strict gluten-free diet every day. If you have celiac disease, always check food labels because it may not be obvious when a product contains wheat, rye, or barley. With growing awareness of celiac disease and wheat allergies, more gluten-free products are now available on grocery and health food store shelves.

Spicy Foods

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Some people may experience diarrhea and stomach pain when they eat spicy foods such as Buffalo wings, chili, or curry. Spicy foods can irritate the lining of the stomach, causing diarrhea, Dr. Schiller says. The solution is simple: If you can’t digest spicy food well, stay away from them and don’t order menu items marked “extra hot.” Be careful when trying cuisines that are traditionally spicy, such as Indian, Thai, and Mexican foods.

Fatty Foods

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More potential diarrhea culprits are rich foods, including fatty meats, heavy sauces, and that huge scoop of sour cream topping your nachos. Adding lots of oil, butter, or margarine to your food can also cause diarrhea. Some people have difficulty absorbing fat, and unabsorbed fat can cause the small intestines and the colon to secrete more water, resulting in watery stools. If you eat a diet of rich, fatty foods, they may pass through your system more rapidly and give you diarrhea.

Artificial Sweeteners

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Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, particularly mannitol and sorbitol, can cause diarrhea in some people. Mannitol and sorbitol linger in the stomach, Schiller says, which can result in bloating and diarrhea. These sweeteners are found in hard and soft candies, jam and jelly, chewing gum, cough drops, and other sugar-free products. The best way to avoid diarrhea-inducing sweeteners is to read food labels. The FDA requires foods with over 50 grams of mannitol or sorbitol to list a possible laxative effect on the label.

Alcohol, Caffeine, and Soda

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When you have diarrhea, the beverages you drink can worsen your condition. Alcohol can affect your cells’ ability to absorb water, leading to dehydration, which is already a concern for someone with diarrhea. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some energy drinks, is a stimulant that can speed digestion and cause diarrhea. Soda contains gas, and if you have diarrhea that’s one symptom you’re trying to avoid. Instead, stick to clear liquids. You may find warm, flat ginger ale is tolerable, and ginger has been shown to have a soothing effect on the stomach.

Is something in your diet causing diarrhea?

As we age, our digestive systems can become more sensitive to certain types of foods and methods of food preparation. While you once may have handled the spiciest of foods without breaking a sweat, now that super-hot chicken curry gives you the digestive drama known as diarrhea—uncomfortable, unformed, watery stool.

Sometimes diarrhea occurs because of an underlying condition, or as a side effect of a medication (see “Other causes of diarrhea”). However, diet is often the cause.

Diarrhea triggers

The following can cause loose stools or make them worse.

Sugar. Sugars stimulate the gut to put out water and electrolytes, which loosen bowel movements. If you ingest a lot of sugar, you may develop diarrhea. One of the biggest offenders is fructose, which is found naturally in fruits (such as peaches, pears, cherries, and apples) or added to foods and drinks, such as applesauce, soda, and juice beverages. Many people who ingest more than 40 to 80 grams of fructose per day will get diarrhea. Another offender: artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, candy, and medications).

Dairy foods. These contain lactose, which some people have a hard time digesting. Watch out for cheese, milk, and ice cream, among many other products.

FODMAPs. Fructose, artificial sweeteners, and lactose are part a group of poorly digested sugars that can cause diarrhea, known as FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols). Other sources of FODMAPs include wheat, rye, onions, garlic, legumes (chickpeas, lentils, beans), honey, pistachios, cashews, asparagus, and artichokes.

Gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, beer, and even salad dressings. People who are gluten-sensitive may have a hard time digesting gluten and get diarrhea as a result. In people with celiac disease, ingesting gluten provokes the body to attack the lining of the small intestine, which can cause serious damage.

Fried or fatty foods. Some people have a hard time digesting creamy or fried foods. When fatty foods are not absorbed normally, they go to the colon, where they are broken down to fatty acids, causing the colon to secrete fluid and trigger diarrhea.

Spicy foods. Spicy sauces may mask high fat content, especially in Tex-Mex dishes or curries. And there’s this unpleasant side effect: If you eat a lot of hot spicy foods, you may get burning in the rectum.

Caffeine. Caffeine speeds up the digestive system. It’s found in coffee, tea, chocolate, many sodas, and foods flavored with coffee or chocolate.

The fix

Identify the foods and drinks that seem to trigger your diarrhea. Keeping a food journal is a great start, and so is seeing your doctor to make sure something else isn’t responsible for your symptoms.

If food is the culprit, following a FODMAP-free diet will often get rid of diarrhea in a week or two. Be-cause many FODMAP foods such as fruits and vegetables are good for health, it’s best to work with a dietitian to develop a FODMAP-free menu that includes other healthy foods.

Get help

Chronic diarrhea can interfere with your life, at home and at work. Even if it is not severe, its unpredictability and urgency can make you reluctant to socialize. And some people hesitate to bring the problem to a doctor’s attention because they think it’s not serious, or because it’s embarrassing. But anyone with chronic diarrhea should contact a doctor, particularly if there are other warning signs, such as low appetite or weight loss. The causes and cures for chronic diarrhea are complex. So, if changing your diet hasn’t resolved the problem, don’t try to figure it out on your own.

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Dieting diarrhea: causes of diarrhea when dieting while eating

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05/31/2023

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Co-author, editor and medical expert – Klimovich Elina Valerievna.

Editor and medical expert – Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna.

Content:

Soluble fiber – yes!
How can I manage diarrhea when dieting?

Often people who follow a diet notice the development of such an unpleasant phenomenon as diarrhea (diarrhea). It is necessary to understand that we are all different and what is perceived well by one organism can harm another. If you have a suspicion that a certain food is disrupting your digestive system, try every day to write down all the foods that you have consumed over the past day. With this method, you will be able not only to control the diet, but also to determine the presence of food intolerance, which affects about 2% of people worldwide.

Soluble fiber – yes!

In order to keep the digestive system comfortable, high-fiber foods should not be excluded from the diet during the diet, which avoid intestinal problems.

What is the benefit of fiber? First, you need to understand that there are two types of fiber: soluble (found in vegetables and citrus fruits) and insoluble (found in whole grains, bran, rice, and the peel of some vegetables and fruits).

• Soluble fiber absorbs water, making stools firmer.
• Insoluble – Helps prevent constipation and, if abused, can only worsen the symptoms of acute diarrhea, so foods containing a large amount of this complex carbohydrate should not be consumed with diarrhea.

How can I manage diarrhea when dieting?

An integrated approach to diet-induced diarrhea may include a drug such as IMODIUM ^® Express. This agent helps to reduce the release of fluid into the intestinal lumen, improve intestinal motility, normalize the absorption of water and salts by the intestines.* The effect can occur as early as an hour after the drug is used.** The maximum effect of IMODIUM ^® Express can occur in 4-6 hours. At the first dose, you should take 2 tablets of the drug. Further, after each case of diarrhea, it is recommended to use 1 tablet. However, the total amount should not exceed 6 tablets per day. You can get more detailed information about the features of the use of the drug here.

The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.

*King RFGJ, Hill GH. Effect of loperomide and codeinephosphate on ileostomy output. Clin Res Rev 1981; 1 ( Suppl . 1): 207–13. (” Influence loperamide and codeine phosphate at exit ileostomy “).

** Amery, W; Duyck, F; Polak, J; van den Bouwhuysen, G. A multicentre double-blind study in acute diarrhoea comparing loperamide (R 18553) with two common antidiarrhoeal agents and a placebo. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp . 1975 Mar ; 17(3): 263–270. (“A multicentre, double-blind study in acute diarrhea comparing loperamide ( R 18553) with two general antidiarrheal agents and placebo”).

*** Among products based on Loperamide. According to sales in money for February 2018 – January 2019, according to IQVIA.

What to do if a dog has diarrhea (diarrhea), what could be the cause

The quality of a dog’s stool is an important indicator of its health. Therefore, it is advisable for the owner to keep track of how exactly his pet has recovered on each walk. It is necessary to pay attention to the consistency of the stool, its color, volume, the presence of impurities – blood, mucus, foreign objects.

What can cause a dog to develop diarrhea (scientifically called diarrhea)?

There are many causes of indigestion accompanied by soft or loose stools. Almost any violation in the functioning of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract will be accompanied by diarrhea.

Let’s look into the possible reasons:

1. Change in diet.

Any abrupt change in food, the introduction of a new product can cause diarrhea in a dog. As a rule, in such a situation, the general condition of the pet will remain without major changes – there will be no strong deterioration in the condition, the appetite will be preserved or moderately reduced.

First Aid :

• In most cases, a short starvation diet will help in this situation – skip 1-2 feedings. In puppies and toy breeds of dogs, the fasting diet should be no more than 4-6 hours due to the risk of a drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Power correction. It is necessary to exclude from the diet the product that provoked diarrhea in the dog. If we are talking about changing the feed or type of diet, then it should always be carried out gradually, over 7-10 days, mixing the new feed with the usual one and gradually increasing its proportion. Return to the usual diet, let the stool normalize and introduce a new food in stages.

2. Eating spoiled food, foreign objects. Poisoning.

It is highly desirable to establish what exactly the dog has eaten. This will inform you and your doctor if it is dangerous and what the consequences might be. If there is a suspicion of eating poisonous substances or that the dog has swallowed a foreign object (bags, pieces of toys, washcloths, bones, balls, jewelry, sticks), you should seek help from a veterinary clinic. For some poisonous substances, the doctor will be able to administer an antidote (antidote), some poisonings will be treated symptomatically. To diagnose foreign objects, an x-ray will be needed, if the object is not visible on the x-ray, then a contrast agent will be additionally soldered, which will help identify the foreign object. In some cases, endoscopy may be required.

First aid :

• Brief fasting diet (as described in point 1 above)
• Offer a drink. You can offer saline solutions like Regidron instead of water. It can be bought at any human pharmacy. Many dogs drink it on their own.
• If the general condition of the animal does not cause concern (appetite, activity is preserved or moderately reduced, there is no vomiting, signs of pain) and a slight upset of the stool is the only symptom, sorbents can be given – for example, veterinary Enterosorb or medical Enterosgel.

Do’s and Don’ts :

• Do not try to make your dog vomit. To achieve the effect is very difficult. And you can do much harm (an irritating substance or a foreign object during vomiting can cause severe additional damage to the walls of the stomach, esophagus). Plus, you lose time, which can be very important in saving a dog’s life.

3. Intestinal helminths (worms) and protozoa (giardiasis, cystoisosporiasis)

Diarrhea in a dog may be associated with the presence of helminths. As a rule, these are chronic conditions. Diarrhea may appear intermittently. Sometimes blood and mucus may appear in the stool. Along the way, the dog may gain weight poorly, have flatulence, moderate bloating.

Infection with intestinal helminths occurs by the oral route – most often through raw meat, when eating the feces of other animals, puppies become infected in utero from their mother. Infection with protozoa occurs through contaminated food, soil, water (it is enough to drink water from a puddle), feces.

Treatment for intestinal parasites should be carried out regularly in all animals. The frequency of treatments depends on the type of content (whether he goes outside, what animals he contacts) and the dog’s diet (food / regular food / the presence of raw meat in the diet). The frequency of deworming varies from 1 time per month to 1 time per year. This is worth discussing with your veterinarian.

If a helminth or protozoan infection is suspected, the dog will need to have a stool test. In some cases, it is not possible to identify parasites the first time. And a series of studies may be required – up to 3-5 times at certain intervals prescribed by the doctor.

4. Intestinal infections.

Dogs have a number of viral and bacterial infections that cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

The most famous and very common infectious disease is parvovirus enteritis. Especially dangerous for puppies under the age of one year. The younger the puppies, the higher the mortality rate for this disease. The best protection against parvovirus enteritis is timely vaccination with a quality vaccine following the recommended schedule.

Coronavirus enteritis also occurs. By itself, it proceeds much easier than parvovirus enteritis. But it can join and complicate the course of other intestinal infections.

Of the bacterial lesions of the intestine, the most common diseases are those caused by Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridia.

Intestinal infections, in addition to diarrhea, will usually be accompanied by:

• Fever
• Deterioration of general condition, weakness
• Decrease or absence of appetite, refusal of water
• Vomiting
• Presence of blood and mucus in the feces
• Pain in the abdomen
• Weight loss and dehydration

If you have any of these signs, you should contact your veterinary clinic as soon as possible to help your pet as soon as possible. For the diagnosis of some infectious diseases, there are quick tests that quickly help clarify the diagnosis. This is very convenient, as a blood test in the laboratory can take 2 to 5 days.

The first of the tasks in the treatment of intestinal infections is the fight against dehydration (droppers or infusion therapy). Since with diarrhea and vomiting a lot of fluid and salts important for the functioning of the body are lost. The rest of the range of therapeutic manipulations will depend on the cause and severity of the pet’s condition.

5. Direct diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

These diseases can occur both independently and in combination with each other:

• Inflammation of the stomach – gastritis
• Inflammation of the duodenum – duodenitis
• Inflammation of the intestines in general – enteritis
• Inflammation of the large intestine – colitis
• Diseases of the liver and gallbladder – hepatitis, hepatosis, cholecystitis, cholangitis
• Inflammation of the pancreas – pancreatitis

This is not the whole list. The causes and nature of these diseases are diverse – inflammatory processes, changes in the structure and function of organs, various types of disorders of digestion and absorption of nutrients, hereditary diseases. Gastroenterology is one of the most extensive branches of canine veterinary medicine. It happens that in order to establish a diagnosis, understand the causes of diarrhea and help a pet, a veterinarian, in cooperation with the owner, needs to take a lot of painstaking sequential steps in diagnosis and treatment. To establish a diagnosis for diseases of the digestive tract, clinical and biochemical blood tests, stool tests, ultrasound, in some cases, x-rays, endoscopy, studies for parasitic and infectious diseases are used.

Let’s summarize!

The first steps to be taken if the dog has diarrhea:

• Try to find out the cause, determine the external factors that could influence its occurrence
• Brief Fasting Diet (as described in 1 above)
• Provide access to water, and it is better to give a saline solution like Regidron to drink
• Adjust nutrition if necessary (remove new foods, feed habitual food)
• In case of uncomplicated diarrhea, sorbents can be given

If diarrhea persists for more than a day, other symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic.