What are the common causes of diarrhea. How can diarrhea be effectively treated. What are the potential complications of untreated diarrhea. How does diarrhea impact different populations. When should medical attention be sought for diarrhea.

The Nature and Prevalence of Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal condition characterized by loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than usual. It affects millions of people worldwide and can range from a mild, temporary condition to a severe, life-threatening illness. Understanding the nature and prevalence of diarrhea is crucial for effective management and prevention.

Is diarrhea always a cause for concern. While occasional bouts of diarrhea are generally not serious, persistent or severe cases can lead to dehydration and other complications. Diarrhea is particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

Global Impact of Diarrheal Diseases

Diarrheal diseases are a significant public health concern, especially in developing countries. They are a leading cause of malnutrition and the second leading cause of death in children under five years old globally. The World Health Organization estimates that diarrheal diseases claim the lives of approximately 525,000 children every year.

• 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water
• 4.2 billion people lack safely managed sanitation services
• 3 billion people lack basic handwashing facilities

These statistics highlight the importance of addressing the root causes of diarrheal diseases, including poor sanitation, lack of clean water, and inadequate hygiene practices.

Common Causes of Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be caused by various factors, ranging from infectious agents to dietary issues and underlying medical conditions. Understanding these causes is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Infectious Causes

Many cases of diarrhea are caused by infectious agents, including:

• Viruses (e.g., norovirus, rotavirus)
• Bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli)
• Parasites (e.g., Giardia, Cryptosporidium)

How do these pathogens cause diarrhea. They typically invade the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation and disrupting the normal absorption of water and electrolytes. This leads to increased fluid secretion and decreased absorption, resulting in loose, watery stools.

Non-Infectious Causes

Diarrhea can also be caused by non-infectious factors, including:

• Food intolerances (e.g., lactose intolerance)
• Medications (e.g., antibiotics, antacids containing magnesium)
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Functional gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome)

Can stress cause diarrhea. Yes, psychological stress can indeed trigger diarrhea in some individuals, particularly those with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Diarrhea

While the primary symptom of diarrhea is loose, watery stools, it often accompanies other signs and symptoms. Recognizing these can help in determining the severity of the condition and the need for medical intervention.

Common Symptoms

• Frequent bowel movements
• Abdominal cramps or pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Bloating
• Blood in the stool (in severe cases)

Are all these symptoms always present in diarrhea. No, the presence and severity of symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause and individual factors. Some people may experience only mild discomfort, while others may have severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention.

Signs of Dehydration

One of the most serious complications of diarrhea is dehydration. Recognizing the signs of dehydration is crucial, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly. These signs include:

• Excessive thirst
• Dry mouth and skin
• Decreased urine output
• Dark-colored urine
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat

How quickly can dehydration occur in cases of severe diarrhea. In severe cases, especially in young children or individuals with compromised health, significant dehydration can occur within hours, emphasizing the importance of prompt rehydration efforts.

Diagnosis and Medical Assessment

While mild cases of diarrhea often resolve on their own, persistent or severe cases may require medical attention. The diagnostic process typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and potentially laboratory tests.

Medical History and Physical Examination

A healthcare provider will typically inquire about:

• Duration and frequency of diarrhea
• Consistency of stools
• Presence of blood or mucus in stools
• Recent travel history
• Dietary changes or new medications
• Associated symptoms (e.g., fever, abdominal pain)

The physical examination may include:

• Checking vital signs
• Assessing hydration status
• Abdominal examination

Laboratory Tests

In some cases, laboratory tests may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of diarrhea. These may include:

• Stool culture to identify bacterial or parasitic infections
• Blood tests to check for signs of inflammation or electrolyte imbalances
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy in cases of suspected inflammatory bowel disease

Are these tests always necessary for diagnosing diarrhea. No, in many cases of acute, self-limiting diarrhea, these tests are not required. They are typically reserved for persistent, severe, or recurrent cases, or when an underlying chronic condition is suspected.

Treatment Approaches for Diarrhea

The treatment of diarrhea depends on its cause, severity, and the individual’s overall health status. In many cases, particularly for mild, acute diarrhea, supportive care and home remedies may be sufficient. However, more severe or persistent cases may require medical intervention.

Rehydration: The Cornerstone of Treatment

Regardless of the cause, maintaining proper hydration is crucial in managing diarrhea. This is typically achieved through:

• Oral rehydration solutions (ORS): These balanced electrolyte solutions are particularly effective in preventing and treating dehydration.
• Clear fluids: Water, clear broths, and electrolyte-rich drinks can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

How much fluid should one consume when experiencing diarrhea. The amount varies based on the severity of diarrhea and individual factors, but generally, adults should aim to drink at least 2-3 liters of fluid per day, or more if experiencing severe diarrhea.

Dietary Considerations

While it’s important to stay hydrated, certain dietary practices can also help manage diarrhea:

• BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast – these bland, low-fiber foods are easy to digest and can help firm up stools.
• Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria may help restore the balance of gut flora and reduce the duration of diarrhea.
• Avoiding certain foods: Dairy products, fatty or spicy foods, and caffeine may exacerbate symptoms in some individuals.

Medications

In some cases, medications may be prescribed or recommended:

• Antimotility agents (e.g., loperamide): These can help reduce the frequency of bowel movements but should be used cautiously and avoided in cases of bloody diarrhea or suspected bacterial infection.
• Bismuth subsalicylate: This over-the-counter medication can help reduce the number of bowel movements and relieve cramping.
• Antibiotics: These are prescribed in cases of bacterial infections, but their use should be limited to avoid contributing to antibiotic resistance.

Are antibiotics always necessary for treating diarrhea. No, antibiotics are only necessary when a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected. Most cases of acute diarrhea are viral and do not require antibiotic treatment.

Prevention Strategies for Diarrheal Diseases

Preventing diarrheal diseases is crucial, especially in areas with limited access to healthcare and sanitation facilities. Many cases of diarrhea can be prevented through simple, yet effective measures.

Hygiene and Sanitation

Proper hygiene practices play a vital role in preventing the spread of diarrheal diseases:

• Hand washing: Regularly washing hands with soap and clean water, especially before handling food and after using the toilet, can significantly reduce the risk of diarrheal diseases.
• Safe food handling: Proper food preparation, storage, and cooking practices can prevent foodborne illnesses that cause diarrhea.
• Clean water: Access to clean, safe drinking water is crucial in preventing waterborne diarrheal diseases.

How effective is hand washing in preventing diarrheal diseases. Studies have shown that proper hand washing with soap can reduce the risk of diarrheal diseases by up to 50%.

Vaccination

Vaccines are available for some diarrhea-causing pathogens:

• Rotavirus vaccine: This vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of severe diarrhea in infants and young children in many countries.
• Cholera vaccine: In areas where cholera is endemic, vaccination can provide short-term protection against this severe form of diarrheal disease.

Community-Level Interventions

Broader interventions at the community and policy level can also help prevent diarrheal diseases:

• Improved sanitation facilities: Access to proper toilets and waste management systems can significantly reduce the spread of diarrheal pathogens.
• Health education: Raising awareness about the importance of hygiene, safe water practices, and proper nutrition can empower communities to prevent diarrheal diseases.
• Breastfeeding promotion: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life can protect infants from diarrheal diseases.

Can community-level interventions make a significant impact on diarrheal disease rates. Yes, studies have shown that comprehensive community-based interventions combining improved water supply, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education can reduce diarrheal disease incidence by up to 47%.

Special Considerations for Vulnerable Populations

While diarrhea can affect anyone, certain populations are particularly vulnerable to its effects and require special attention in prevention and treatment strategies.

Children Under Five

Young children, especially those under five years old, are particularly susceptible to severe complications from diarrhea:

• Rapid dehydration: Children can become dehydrated much more quickly than adults due to their smaller body size.
• Malnutrition: Frequent episodes of diarrhea can lead to malnutrition, which in turn makes children more susceptible to future infections.
• Developmental impacts: Severe or recurrent diarrhea in early childhood can have long-term effects on physical and cognitive development.

How can parents best protect their young children from diarrheal diseases. Key strategies include ensuring proper hygiene, promoting breastfeeding, maintaining up-to-date vaccinations, and seeking prompt medical attention when symptoms persist or worsen.

Elderly Population

Older adults are also at higher risk for complications from diarrhea:

• Decreased thirst sensation: This can lead to inadequate fluid intake and rapid dehydration.
• Underlying health conditions: Chronic diseases common in the elderly can complicate diarrhea management.
• Medication interactions: Many older adults take multiple medications, which can interact with diarrhea treatments or exacerbate symptoms.

Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, undergoing chemotherapy, or taking immunosuppressive medications, face unique challenges:

• Increased susceptibility: They are more likely to contract infections that cause diarrhea.
• Prolonged symptoms: Diarrhea may persist longer and be more severe in immunocompromised individuals.
• Opportunistic infections: Pathogens that don’t typically cause disease in healthy individuals can lead to severe diarrhea in this population.

What additional precautions should immunocompromised individuals take to prevent diarrhea. They should be particularly vigilant about food and water safety, maintain strict hygiene practices, and consult their healthcare provider promptly if they develop symptoms of diarrhea.

Emerging Research and Future Directions

The field of diarrheal disease research is dynamic, with ongoing studies aimed at improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Several promising areas of research are shaping the future of diarrhea management.

Microbiome Research

The role of the gut microbiome in diarrheal diseases is an area of intense study:

• Protective microbes: Researchers are identifying specific bacterial strains that may protect against diarrhea-causing pathogens.
• Personalized probiotics: Future treatments may involve tailored probiotic formulations based on an individual’s unique gut microbiome.
• Fecal microbiota transplantation: This approach is being explored for treating recurrent C. difficile infections and other forms of persistent diarrhea.

How might microbiome research change diarrhea treatment in the future. It could lead to more targeted, personalized therapies that restore balance to the gut ecosystem rather than simply treating symptoms.

Novel Diagnostics

Advancements in diagnostic technologies are improving the speed and accuracy of diarrhea diagnosis:

• Rapid molecular tests: These can identify multiple pathogens simultaneously, allowing for faster, more precise diagnosis.
• Biomarker discovery: Researchers are identifying new biomarkers that could differentiate between various causes of diarrhea.
• Point-of-care testing: Development of portable, easy-to-use diagnostic tools could improve diarrhea management in resource-limited settings.

Innovative Treatment Approaches

New treatment strategies are being explored to address the challenges of diarrheal diseases:

diarrhea in a sentence | Sentence examples by Cambridge Dictionary

These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.

He became acutely ill with fever, diarrhea and vomiting.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Some detainees, determined to stave off the verbal diarrhea against which they had once fought, kept their mouths closed.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

The inheritance of resistance to bacillary white diarrhea.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Confusion, prostration, diarrhea, pneumonia and vertigo are less frequently reported.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Patients may present with diarrhea, edema, ascites, or pleural effusions.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Early childhood diarrhea helminthiases associated with long-term stunting.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

However, a task that the oncologist may find innocuous, such as discussing constipation or diarrhea, could also induce shame for the patient.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Proposed pathogenic mechanism for the diarrhea associated with human intestinal spirochetes.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

For instance, a patient who demands fluoroquinolone antibiotics for a moderate case of watery diarrhea should not be indulged.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Enterocytozoon bieneusi as a cause of chronic diarrhea in a heart-lung transplant recipient who was sero-negative for human immunodeficiency virus.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Adverse events included nasopharyngitis, dyspnea headache, diarrhea, and nausea; 10% of patients had asymptomatic elevations of liver enzyme levels.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Ten days later he was readmitted from his local hospital with a history of fever, diarrhea, extreme irritability and poor feeding.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Adverse events included diarrhea, flatulence, weight loss, and abdominal pain.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

A randomized trial to assess the impact of the intervention on hygienic behaviors and rates of diarrhea.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

He had hepatomegaly, ascites, peripheral edema, a large right-sided pleural exudate, and diarrhea.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

The most frequent side effects were nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which were intermittent and mildto-moderate in severity.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

He presents with diarrhea, denies anorexia and obstipation, and had no similar symptoms previously.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Unfortunately the latter agent is often associated with a high rate of diarrhea.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Cooked food may become unsanitary over the course of the day, contributing to diarrhea, disease, and dehydration.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Should they concentrate on treating curable diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, and bilharzias?

From the Cambridge English Corpus

I drank the fructose water in several portions over at least 2 hours (drinking a lot of fructose at once can cause diarrhea).

From the Cambridge English Corpus

The guests stayed the night but when they returned home the following morning, they experienced stomach pains and diarrhea.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

The user to excess suffered from either unremitting constipation or alternating constipation and diarrhea.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence or severity of diarrhea or in overall survival between the groups.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.

When your child has diarrhea: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stools. For some children, diarrhea is mild and will go away within a few days. For others, it may last longer. It can make your child lose too much fluid (dehydrated) and feel weak.

The stomach flu is a common cause of diarrhea. Medical treatments, such as antibiotics and some cancer treatments can also cause diarrhea.

This article speaks of diarrhea in children over 1 year of age.

It is easy for a child with diarrhea to lose too much fluid and become dehydrated. Lost fluids need to be replaced. For most children, drinking the kinds of fluids they normally have should be enough.

Some water is OK. But too much water alone, at any age, can be harmful.

Other products, such as Pedialyte and Infalyte, may help keep a child well-hydrated. These products can be bought at the supermarket or pharmacy.

Popsicles and Jell-O can be good sources of fluids, especially if your child is vomiting. You can slowly get large amounts of fluids into children with these products.

You may also give your child watered-down fruit juice or broth.

Do not use medicines to slow down your child’s diarrhea without talking to a doctor first. Ask your child’s health care provider if using sports drinks is OK.

In many cases, you can continue feeding your child as usual. The diarrhea will normally go away in time, without any changes or treatment. But while children have diarrhea, they should:

• Eat small meals throughout the day instead of 3 big meals.
• Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels and soup.

When necessary, changes in the diet may help. No specific diet is recommended. But children often do better with bland foods. Give your child foods such as:

• Baked or broiled beef, pork, chicken, fish, or turkey
• Cooked eggs
• Bananas and other fresh fruits
• Applesauce
• Bread products made from refined, white flour
• Pasta or white rice
• Cereals such as cream of wheat, farina, oatmeal, and cornflakes
• Pancakes and waffles made with white flour
• Cornbread, prepared or served with very little honey or syrup
• Cooked vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, mushrooms, beets, asparagus tips, acorn squash, and peeled zucchini
• Some desserts and snacks, such as Jell-O, popsicles, cakes, cookies, or sherbet
• Baked potatoes

In general, removing seeds and skins from these foods is best.

Use low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt. If dairy products are making the diarrhea worse or causing gas and bloating, your child may need to stop eating or drinking dairy products for a few days.

Children should be allowed to take their time returning to their normal eating habits. For some children, a return to their regular diet can also bring a return of diarrhea. This is often due to mild problems the gut has while absorbing regular foods.

Children should avoid certain kinds of foods when they have diarrhea, including fried foods, greasy foods, processed or fast foods, pastries, donuts, and sausage.

Avoid giving children apple juice and full-strength fruit juices, as they can loosen stool.

Have your child limit or cut out milk and other dairy products if they are making diarrhea worse or causing gas and bloating.

Your child should avoid fruits and vegetables that can cause gas, such as broccoli, peppers, beans, peas, berries, prunes, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, and corn.

Your child should also avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks at this time.

When children are ready for regular foods again, try giving them:

• Bananas
• Crackers
• Chicken
• Pasta
• Rice cereal

Call your child’s provider if your child has any of these symptoms:

• Much less activity than normal (not sitting up at all or not looking around)
• Sunken eyes
• Dry and sticky mouth
• No tears when crying
• Not urinated for 6 hours
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Fever that does not go away
• Stomach pain

Easter JS. Pediatric gastrointestinal disorders and dehydration. In: Bakes KM, Buchanan JA, Moreira ME, Byyny R, Pons PT, eds. Emergency Medicine Secrets. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 65.

Kotloff KL. Acute gastroenteritis in children. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 366.

Schiller LR, Sellin JH. Diarrhea. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 16.

Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Browse the Encyclopedia

Dog has Diarrhea. What to do? | Food4Dogs

Diarrhea
in dogs: causes and treatments for the disease

each pet has problems with stool, dogs often have this, as during a walk they can
eat something completely unhealthy for the digestive tract. If your pet has an upset stomach, there is no need to immediately panic.
and run to the veterinary clinic. First you need to decide if diarrhea is dangerous in a dog and what caused it:
poisoning, eating unsuitable foods and food allergies, which are the most common
reason.

What
give to a dog for diarrhea

Diarrhea
single loose stools are not considered. This may be a reaction to unusual food for the pet or cleansing from something.
eaten on a walk. Sometimes loose stools are observed with every trip to the toilet, but the schedule of these trips
is saved. This is not the normal condition of the animal, but the owners often do not go to the clinic if the form
diarrhea is not acute.

B
In this case, you can try self-treatment of diarrhea in a dog, but remember that indigestion is
a consequence of some disease or disorder in the body, therefore, first of all, you need to eliminate
reason.

Recommendations
depend on the cause of diarrhea, but lactobacilli will help restore the intestinal microflora. They have astringents
properties, envelop the walls of the intestine.

Also,
if you are sure that the cause of diarrhea in a puppy is poisoning with harmful substances, you can give him activated charcoal.
This substance absorbs the products of poisoning and removes them from the body. There will be no harm from activated charcoal, but
this will help only if there are no other symptoms of the disease and in general the pet feels good. dose
choose based on the weight of the dog. Usually 1 tablet is designed for 10 kg of weight.

U
dogs diarrhea: what to do

acute diarrhea that lasts a day, the pet needs plenty of fluids and hunger. It is highly recommended not to feed the dog
a day, this should help if diarrhea is not a consequence of the disease. Next, start feeding your pet a little,
you can give low-fat yogurt, boiled chicken, boiled rice with turkey, beef or rabbit. On the third day
you can add boiled, well-chopped vegetables.

Feed
during this period, the dog can be given. Choose something from the line of special nutrition, it must be
hypoallergenic
feed.
Happy Dog Supreme or something from the Monge Dog line will do. If the stool returned to normal, then on the 5th day you can
transfer the pet to a normal diet.

If
the puppy continues to have diarrhea, he needs to be taken to the doctor. With a serious violation of the digestive tract, in the case when the liquid
the dog has stools for more than 3 days, fasting will not be enough. Additional manipulations will be assigned.
These can be:

1. Droppers.

2. Injections
   antibacterial drugs.

3. Reception
   tablets and powders prescribed by a doctor.

What
Can I give my dog ​​diarrhea if it doesn’t go away?

B
in this case, you must definitely consult a doctor, but you can give her Smecta powder (if the dog does not vomit).
Smecta is diluted in half a glass of cool boiled water and given 3 times a day. The amount of medication depends on
weight of the dog, for each kg you need to count 10 ml of the product. You can also give your pet a solution of rehydron. It is given in
within 2 days.

Finding out
what to give a dog with diarrhea, do not forget that it is impossible to treat diarrhea with special preparations to fix the stool. TO
such drugs include “Imodium” or “Loperamide”, as they suppress intestinal motility. In essence, we are
and it is necessary, but such drugs have a high concentration. They are designed for people, so the intestines of the animal are simply
stop for a few days.

When
you need to see a doctor

Mandatory
it is necessary to consult a doctor and in no case self-medicate if the dog has not only
diarrhea, but signs such as:

1. Blood
   in a chair.

2. Nausea
   and vomiting.

3. Coloring
   chairs in an unusual color.

4. On
   against the background of diarrhea, you see lethargy, drowsiness, poor health.

5. If
   when you feel the abdomen, it hurts the pet.

6. If
   diarrhea lasts more than a day, often and profusely.

All
these signs are symptoms of gastrointestinal disease that need to be identified and treated. In the clinic
The veterinarian will tell you how to treat diarrhea for a dog in each individual case.

How
choose treatment

first
The doctor will conduct a consultation, learn about the features of the pet, its nutrition and lifestyle. After clinical examination
it is rarely possible to make an accurate diagnosis, so it is usually also prescribed:

1. General
   and biochemical analysis of blood.

2. Analysis
   feces to detect infections and parasites.

3. Sometimes
   an ultrasound of the internal organs or a plain x-ray is required.

After
this treatment is given.

If
there are no serious illnesses, the doctor will advise fasting, Smektu and a diet for the first time.

But
if indigestion is observed for more than a week, then it has become chronic. The pet may have
colitis or enteritis. Reasons can be:

1. Worms
   and other parasites.

2. Benign
   or malignant tumors.

3. Infections.

4. Inflammation.

5. Obstruction
   intestines.

6. Diseases
   pancreas or kidneys.

7. Food
   allergy.

After
determining why the dog has diarrhea (which may take more than one day), the doctor will diagnose and prescribe
treatment. We talked about it above. In mild cases, therapy includes drugs to maintain the microflora
intestines and normalization of its work. If diarrhea is caused by allergies, you should completely change your diet. Sometimes cause
is the lack of vaccinations in dogs, which reduces their immunity.

General
recommendations for feeding in a chronic disorder

So,
if the dog is vilifying, you need to change the food. First follow these recommendations:

1. B
   Give your dog only water for the first day. This is necessary not only to prevent urges, but also to
   restore the body and water balance. The water contains potassium and sodium, which are useful in such a situation.

2. On
   the second day, let’s have some food, mashed boiled homemade chicken will do. Also add yogurt or
   probiotics to restore the microflora. Probiotics will be prescribed by a doctor.

3. On
   the third day, add vegetables, they contain fiber, it will draw out excess water.

4. On
   the fourth day of the diet, add rice.

Portions
should be small, feed the pet should be 4 times a day. When the condition begins to improve, you can reduce
meals up to 3 times a day and increase servings.

After
complete recovery, consult your veterinarian to select a hypoallergenic, high-quality dog ​​food.
Opt for super premium or holistic foods to prevent stomach problems and
your pet’s intestines.

causes, treatment, prevention at home

Causes of diarrhea in dogs

Like in humans, diarrhea in dogs can be a manifestation of a variety of diseases. Of course, the most common and obvious cause of indigestion is food poisoning or other malfunctioning of the digestive system.

Due to the powerful bactericidal properties of saliva, dogs are less sensitive than other pets (particularly cats) to low-quality or stale food. Moreover, in the wild, the closest relatives of dogs, foxes and jackals (1), are generally able to eat carrion, but it should be understood that most domestic dogs have gone so far from their wild ancestors that they have long lost all these talents. Their body has become as sensitive to food as ours. And the first reaction to any malfunction in the body is diarrhea or, more simply, diarrhea. There are also many breeds that are particularly demanding on the quality and type of food (for example, the Chihuahua), the same applies to white dogs, most of which are allergic.

But it should be understood that malnutrition is far from the only cause of diarrhea, and sometimes we can talk about really serious diseases, such as enteritis, hepatitis, helminthiases, gastric distemper – officially this disease is called canine distemper (2) and others . Also, diarrhea in dogs can be a symptom of other ailments that at first glance are not related to nutrition.

– If you notice diarrhea in a dog, we recommend that you always see a veterinarian, says veterinarian Ruslan Shadrin, – because what manifests itself as a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract does not always refer directly to it, it may be a secondary manifestation of some other disease. And if it is viral, then it is quite serious, and the owner, unfortunately, will not help here. Also, many diseases that are not related to digestion can manifest themselves in the form of diarrhea. This is primarily kidney damage. When toxins are not eliminated in sufficient quantities in the usual way, the body gets rid of them where it can: through the skin, through the mucous membranes, as a result of which they become irritated and inflamed. These can also be problems of a cardiac nature: a violation of pressure due to the work of the heart can also be manifested by various dyspeptic disorders. Also, the cause may be problems with the central nervous system, since the control of internal organs by the brain is disturbed. You can also talk about the problems of organs that are associated with the digestive tract, but function outside of it, for example, the liver. As a result, both the endocrine and exocrine systems of the animal organism suffer.

Therefore, if you notice that your dog suffers from indigestion for more than a day, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

Classification of diarrhea in a dog

Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko, pexels.com

No matter how unappetizing it may sound, but noticing that your four-legged friend passed in a big way, as usual, pay attention to the nature of the stool.

If the only deviation from the norm is its consistency – it is more liquid than usual, then the reason for this is most likely a change in nutrition: either you recently transferred the dog to a different type of food, or treated him with something unusual for him. In a word, the food did not go for the future. Draw your own conclusions and don’t experiment anymore.

However, if the feces have changed not only the consistency, but also the color, or they contain mucus, you should be on your guard. They can be yellow, black, green and completely watery, and sometimes contain an admixture of blood. And here it is already worth contacting a specialist.

You also need to distinguish between temporary diarrhea due to accidentally eaten poor-quality food and chronic diarrhea that occurs on the background of more serious diseases.

Bloody diarrhea

If you notice that your four-legged friend came down with a lot of blood, this is a reason to sound the alarm. As a rule, such manifestations signal serious violations in the work of the dog’s body.

Severe poisoning can be the cause, and we are no longer talking about stale food – most likely, your dog has swallowed a real poison. Also, bloody diarrhea in dogs, and especially in puppies, is a consequence of infection with an enterovirus. And here it is very important to provide veterinary care in a timely manner, since, unfortunately, the mortality rate from it is very high.

Enterocolitis (3), caused by foreign bodies entering the dog’s digestive tract, is unfortunately also a common cause of bloody diarrhea. Dogs, like small children, are sometimes prone to swallowing objects they play with, which in turn injure the delicate intestinal walls, causing bleeding. Sometimes such carelessly eaten little things are excreted from the body naturally, but sometimes you can’t do without the intervention of a veterinarian.

Bloody diarrhea can also be a manifestation of such a terrible disease as a tumor. In this case, the sooner you go to the veterinarian, the more chances there will be to save your friend’s life.

Yellow diarrhea

If the dog’s stool is yellow or yellowish, it is a sign that something is wrong with the liver. As a rule, this happens due to the fact that the pet is overfed with delicious handouts from the table. Fatty, too sweet and plentiful food can cause disruption of the liver and biliary tract.

If you know you have a weakness to go along with your dog, who is a master at begging for tidbits, make an effort on yourself and stop it. In this case, yellow diarrhea should pass in a couple of days. But if this does not happen, take the dog to the veterinarian – most likely, we are talking about more serious violations in the liver.

Green diarrhea

Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko, pexels.com

If you notice this color in piles left by your dog, then first you need to observe his behavior. There are usually two reasons.

First, the dog started eating grass. There is nothing to worry about – in the wild, all canines from time to time eat certain types of plants to maintain immunity and their own health. At the same time, instinct tells them exactly which types of grass should be eaten.

Second: if you have not noticed any tendency to eat green spaces, you should be wary – in this case, the green color of feces most likely means congestion in the gallbladder. You are unlikely to cope with this ailment on your own, therefore, without delay, take the dog to the veterinarian.

Black diarrhea

Quite an alarming symptom, which should not be overlooked. The black color of the stool is due to the blood that has had time to clot, that is, its source is most likely the upper intestines. The cause may be peptic ulcer or tumors, so it is better to contact the veterinarian as soon as possible.

However, before sounding the alarm about the color of your pet’s feces, first remember what he ate the day before. It often happens that the owners are worried about the red or black feces of the dog, but it turns out that she just recently managed to pluck raspberry or blackberry bushes in their garden.

Treatment of diarrhea in a dog

Photo: Ferrari, globallookpress.com

If you notice that the dog often asks to use the toilet, then be patient and watch him during the day. Keep your pet on a diet: the first day it is better to abstain from food completely, but boiled water should be given as much as possible. If the condition of the animal does not worsen – it does not become lethargic, inactive, and the stomach does not hurt when pressed, start slowly offering him boiled turkey or chicken breast strictly without skin, liquid low-fat broth, rice water. In short, treat your tailed friend like you would a food poisoning survivor. However, if in a day his condition worsens, it is better to take the dog to a veterinary clinic, where all the necessary tests will be carried out, the correct diagnosis will be made and a treatment strategy will be developed.

Most importantly, do not try to treat your pet with folk remedies, which are most often very dubious and can do more harm than good.

Diagnosis

It should be understood that if you are not a veterinarian yourself, it is best not to take responsibility for the diagnosis. When a dog’s diarrhea does not improve within a few days, a specialist should be consulted.

– We will definitely conduct a full examination, take the main indicators: temperature, pulse, respiration, etc., – explains veterinarian Ruslan Shadrin. – Plus, in parallel, we ask the owners about the methods of keeping, feeding and living conditions of the animal, processing it from parasites. And this helps us to make the right diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment. Because self-treatment does not always give the desired result. And sometimes we have to treat the dog not from viruses, but from the consequences of such alternative therapy, in particular from alcohol poisoning, which owners often give to their pets, trying to cure them of poisoning or distemper.

When you go to your appointment, you should take your pet’s feces with you for analysis, which is necessary to identify the cause of the disease. Also, the clinic will definitely do an ultrasound of the animal’s abdominal cavity, and, if necessary, an X-ray examination, as well as a blood test. If pathologies in the gastrointestinal tract are not detected, veterinarians will examine other organs, since indigestion can be caused by a variety of reasons.

Modern treatments

Diarrhea in dogs is treated after an accurate diagnosis has been made. Also, in addition to the main therapy aimed at eliminating the causes of the disease, a set of measures is being taken to replenish the supply of moisture in the body, which is lost in large quantities during diarrhea. Anti-inflammatory drugs, probiotics are also prescribed, an individual diet is being developed. During the recovery stages, the dog also receives immunostimulants to help her body recover faster.

In severe cases, when the cause of diarrhea is a foreign body in the intestine or a tumor, an operation is prescribed. It takes place under general anesthesia in the presence of an anesthesiologist, so nothing threatens the health and life of a four-legged patient.

Prevention of diarrhea in dogs at home

Photo: pixabay.com

Since the most common cause of diarrhea in dogs is improper feeding, it is necessary to monitor your pet’s menu. You need to choose the right diet for him and not deviate from it. In no case should you overfeed the dog – handouts from your table will not bring anything but harm. If you are a supporter of natural food, make sure that your tailed friend’s diet is balanced, and the products are fresh and cooked.

From puppyhood, wean your dog from the habit of picking up anything on the street – through such street “delicacies” infection with parasites or pathogens of various infectious diseases, such as enteritis or distemper, most often occurs.

And, of course, make sure that the dog encounters stressful situations less often – do not shout at it and in no case raise your hand, because nervous shocks often affect the state of the body of our smaller brothers.

Popular Questions and Answers

About the treatment of diarrhea in dogs, we talked with veterinarian Ruslan Shadrin .

Can diarrhea in dogs be dangerous to humans?

As a rule, the causative agents of canine diseases are not transmitted to humans, however, if we are talking about the defeat of helminths, then a person can become infected with some of their species.

Is it possible to cure diarrhea in dogs at home?

It all depends on the cause. If you know for sure that the dog ate stale food or just overeat, you can give it absorbents and keep it on a strict diet for several days. However, if the cause is not known to you for sure, it is better to consult a specialist.

Why is diarrhea dangerous in dogs?

In addition to the fact that it is often a symptom of serious disorders in the animal’s body, diarrhea leads to such unpleasant consequences as dehydration, exhaustion, lethargy. Not to mention that if the dog lives in an apartment, diarrhea can be a serious problem for the owners, because they will not be able to take their pet outside every half hour.

Why can diarrhea be accompanied by vomiting?

This is most common if diarrhea is caused by food poisoning or foreign bodies ingested. The body is simply trying in every possible way to get rid of a foreign object or toxins. As a rule, vomiting occurs first, but when toxins reach the intestines, diarrhea also joins.

Does activated charcoal help with diarrhea in dogs?

Activated charcoal equally effectively affects the body of both humans and animals: 1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight. However, it should be understood that coal will only be effective if we are dealing with food poisoning.