How long does diarrhea typically last. What are the common causes of acute and chronic diarrhea. Which home remedies can help alleviate diarrhea symptoms. When should you seek medical attention for diarrhea.

Understanding Diarrhea: Symptoms and Types

Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools and can range from mild to severe. It may persist for days or even weeks, depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms accompanying diarrhea include:

• Urgent need to defecate
• Frequent bowel movements (at least three times daily)
• Abdominal cramping and pain
• Difficulty controlling bowel movements
• Nausea

In some cases, individuals may also experience fever, dizziness, or vomiting, particularly when an infection is the root cause.

Diarrhea can be classified into two main types:

1. Acute diarrhea: Short-term, lasting 1 to 2 days, occasionally up to 2 weeks
2. Chronic diarrhea: Long-term, persisting for at least 4 weeks

Common Causes of Acute and Chronic Diarrhea

Understanding the underlying causes of diarrhea is crucial for effective management and treatment. Acute diarrhea, which is more common, can be triggered by various factors:

• Viral infections (e.g., stomach flu)
• Bacterial infections
• Adverse reactions to medications, particularly antibiotics
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Recent stomach surgery
• Traveler’s diarrhea (often caused by bacteria)

In adults, norovirus infection is the most frequent cause of acute diarrhea.

Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, may be attributed to:

• Parasitic infections
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Celiac disease
• Prolonged use of certain medications (e.g., heartburn medications)
• Gallbladder removal

Duration of Diarrhea: What to Expect

The duration of diarrhea varies depending on its type and underlying cause. Acute diarrhea typically resolves within 1 to 2 days, though it may persist for up to 2 weeks in some cases. This form of diarrhea is usually mild and often clears up on its own without specific treatment.

Chronic diarrhea, by definition, lasts for at least 4 weeks. Symptoms may fluctuate, coming and going over time. The extended duration of chronic diarrhea often indicates a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention.

Can diarrhea last for an extended period?

Yes, diarrhea can last for an extended period, especially in cases of chronic diarrhea. While acute diarrhea typically resolves within a few days to two weeks, chronic diarrhea persists for at least 4 weeks and may continue for months or even years if left untreated. The prolonged duration of chronic diarrhea often signals an underlying health issue that needs proper diagnosis and management.

Effective Home Remedies for Diarrhea Relief

For mild cases of acute diarrhea, several home remedies can provide relief and aid recovery:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids
• Consume electrolyte-rich liquids: Sports drinks, coconut water, or salty broth can help replenish electrolytes
• Avoid trigger foods: Steer clear of spicy, sweet, and highly seasoned foods
• Follow the BRAT diet: Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are gentle on the stomach
• Consider probiotics: These “good” bacteria may help restore gut balance
• Try herbal remedies: Ginger or peppermint may alleviate accompanying nausea

Is the BRAT diet effective for managing diarrhea?

The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) can be effective in managing diarrhea, especially in its early stages. These foods are easy to digest, provide some nutrients, and help firm up stools. Bananas offer potassium to replace lost electrolytes, while rice and toast provide easily digestible carbohydrates. Applesauce contains pectin, which may help reduce diarrhea. However, the BRAT diet should not be followed for an extended period as it lacks essential nutrients. It’s best used as a short-term solution while gradually reintroducing a more balanced diet as symptoms improve.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Diarrhea

In addition to home remedies, certain over-the-counter medications can help manage diarrhea symptoms:

• Loperamide (Imodium, Diamode): Slows down intestinal movement
• Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): Reduces inflammation and kills certain bacteria

However, it’s important to note that these medications may worsen bacterial or viral infections. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any anti-diarrheal medications, especially if you suspect an infection.

Are anti-diarrheal medications safe for everyone?

Anti-diarrheal medications are not safe for everyone and should be used with caution. They are generally not recommended for children under 12 years old or for people with bloody stools or high fever, as these symptoms may indicate a bacterial infection. In such cases, these medications can interfere with the body’s natural process of eliminating the infection. Additionally, individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications should consult their healthcare provider before using anti-diarrheal drugs. It’s always best to seek medical advice before starting any new medication, even if it’s available over-the-counter.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Diarrhea

While most cases of diarrhea improve within a few days, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Signs of dehydration (e.g., little to no urination, dark urine, dizziness, weakness)
• Severe abdominal pain
• Bloody stools
• High fever (above 102°F or 39°C)
• Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days

These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires professional medical intervention.

How can you identify severe dehydration from diarrhea?

Severe dehydration from diarrhea can be identified through several key symptoms:

1. Extreme thirst
2. Dry mouth and lips
3. Sunken eyes
4. Decreased urination or dark-colored urine
5. Rapid heartbeat
6. Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing
7. Fatigue or lethargy
8. Confusion or irritability
9. Cold, clammy skin
10. In infants, a sunken fontanel (soft spot on the head)

If you or someone you’re caring for exhibits these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Preventing Diarrhea: Practical Tips

While it’s not always possible to prevent diarrhea, certain practices can reduce your risk:

• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly, especially before eating and after using the bathroom
• Be cautious with food and water when traveling: Stick to bottled water and well-cooked foods
• Store and prepare food safely: Cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate leftovers promptly
• Avoid known trigger foods: If you have food intolerances, steer clear of problematic ingredients
• Stay up-to-date with vaccinations: Some vaccines can protect against diarrhea-causing infections

How effective is hand washing in preventing diarrhea?

Hand washing is highly effective in preventing diarrhea. Studies have shown that proper hand hygiene can reduce the risk of diarrheal diseases by 30-48%. This simple practice helps eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause gastrointestinal infections. To maximize effectiveness, wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after handling raw foods. In situations where soap and water aren’t available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be a good alternative. Regular hand washing is particularly crucial in settings with high transmission risks, such as daycare centers, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Special Considerations: Diarrhea in Children and Older Adults

Diarrhea can be particularly dangerous for certain populations, including young children and older adults. These groups are more susceptible to dehydration and its complications.

For children:

• Monitor fluid intake closely
• Use oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes
• Avoid giving over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications without consulting a pediatrician
• Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding in infants

For older adults:

• Be vigilant for signs of dehydration
• Encourage regular fluid intake
• Consider electrolyte-rich beverages
• Monitor any changes in medications or underlying health conditions

Why are children and older adults more vulnerable to complications from diarrhea?

Children and older adults are more vulnerable to complications from diarrhea due to several factors:

1. Children:
– Have a higher body surface area to volume ratio, leading to faster fluid loss
– May not communicate thirst effectively
– Have less developed immune systems
– Are more susceptible to severe dehydration in a shorter time

2. Older adults:
– Often have decreased thirst sensation
– May have underlying health conditions that affect fluid balance
– Might be taking medications that increase fluid loss
– Have reduced kidney function, making it harder to conserve water

Both groups may also have difficulty replacing lost fluids and electrolytes quickly enough, increasing the risk of severe dehydration. This vulnerability underscores the importance of prompt attention and proper management of diarrhea in these age groups.

How Long Does Diarrhea Last? Remedies, Treatment, and More

Diarrhea refers to loose, liquid stools. It can be mild or severe and last from days to weeks. It all depends on the underlying cause.

In addition to watery bowel movements, symptoms of diarrhea may include:

• urgency to defecate
• frequently passing stools (at least three times a day)
• cramping in the abdomen
• abdominal pain
• poor control of bowel movements
• nausea

You might also experience fever, dizziness, or vomiting. These symptoms usually occur when an infection is causing diarrhea.

If you have watery stools, you might wonder how long your diarrhea will last. Let’s look at the typical duration of diarrhea, along with home remedies and signs you should see a doctor.

Diarrhea can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term).

Acute diarrhea generally lasts for 1 to 2 days. It can sometimes last up to 2 weeks. However, this type of diarrhea is usually mild and resolves on its own.

Chronic diarrhea lasts for at least 4 weeks. The symptoms might come and go, but it could be a sign of a serious condition.

Diarrhea can have many possible causes. The duration of diarrhea, along with any additional symptoms, depends on the cause.

Acute diarrhea might occur from:

• viral infection (stomach flu)
• bacterial infection
• adverse reaction to medication, like antibiotics
• food allergy
• food intolerance, like fructose or lactose intolerance
• stomach surgery
• traveler’s diarrhea, which bacteria commonly cause

In adults, the most common cause of acute diarrhea is a norovirus infection.

Potential causes of chronic diarrhea include:

• parasitic infection
• inflammatory bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• irritable bowel syndrome
• celiac disease
• heartburn medications, like protein pump inhibitors
• gallbladder removal

Preparing for colonoscopy also causes diarrhea. Since your colon has to be empty for this procedure, you’ll need to take a strong laxative beforehand to flush all the stool out of your colon. Your doctor will prescribe a laxative solution for you to start taking the day before your colonoscopy.

The type of laxative (also known as prep medication) your doctor will prescribe is designed to cause diarrhea without draining your own fluids out of your body. This helps prevent dehydration.

After taking the laxative, you’ll experience frequent, forceful diarrhea for several hours as your colon flushes all the stool from your body. You might also have bloating, abdominal cramps, or nausea.

Your diarrhea should subside shortly before you have your colonoscopy. You may have some gas and discomfort after your colonoscopy, but your bowel movements should return to normal within a day or two.

If you’re concerned about diarrhea during your colonoscopy prep, ask your doctor how to make the process more comfortable.

Summary

• Acute (short-term) diarrhea, caused by an infection or food intolerance, generally lasts for a couple of days but may continue for up to 2 weeks.
• Chronic (long-term) diarrhea, caused by a health condition, gallbladder removal, or parasitic infection, may last for at least 4 weeks.
• Diarrhea before a colonoscopy generally lasts for less than 1 day.

Was this helpful?

In many cases, you can treat diarrhea at home. Here’s what you can do if you have acute, uncomplicated diarrhea:

• Drink plenty of water. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to drink plenty of water. Avoid dairy, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks, which might worsen your symptoms.
• Drink liquid with electrolytes. Your body loses electrolytes when you have diarrhea. Try sipping on sports drinks, coconut water, or salty broth to replenish your body’s electrolyte levels.
• Avoid foods with strong flavors. Spicy, sweet, and highly seasoned foods can make your diarrhea worse. It’s also a good idea to limit foods high in fiber and fat until your diarrhea has cleared up.
• Follow the BRAT diet. The BRAT diet includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These bland, starchy foods are gentle on the stomach.
• Antidiarrheal medications. Over-the-counter drugs like loperamide (Imodium, Diamode) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) may help manage your symptoms. However, these medications can worsen bacterial or viral infections, so it’s best to check with your doctor first.
• Take probiotics. Probiotics are “good” bacteria that help restore your gut’s microbial balance. For mild cases of diarrhea, probiotic supplements may help speed up recovery.
• Herbal remedies. If your diarrhea is accompanied with nausea, try home remedies like ginger or peppermint.

Typically, diarrhea starts to get better after about 2 days. If your diarrhea persists, or you notice the following symptoms, seek medical attention right away:

• dehydration, which includes symptoms like:
  • little to no urination
  • dark urine
  • dizziness
  • weakness
• severe abdominal cramps
• severe rectal pain
• bloody, black stools
• fever above 102°F (39°C)
• frequent vomiting

These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition.

You might require medical treatment if your diarrhea doesn’t go away with home remedies or over-the-counter medication. Possible treatments include:

• Antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection. You’ll likely need antibiotic therapy if you have a high fever or traveler’s diarrhea. If previously prescribed antibiotics are causing your diarrhea, your doctor might be able to suggest an alternative.
• IV fluids. If you have trouble drinking liquid, your doctor may suggest IV fluids. This will help replenish lost fluids and prevent dehydration.
• Other medications. For chronic conditions, you’ll likely need to visit a specialist, like a gastroenterologist. They’ll prescribe disease-specific medication and provide a long-term plan to manage your symptoms.

Acute diarrhea can last anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks. This form of diarrhea is usually mild and gets better with home remedies.

Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, may last for 4 weeks or more. It typically indicates an underlying health condition, such as ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome.

Most cases of short-term diarrhea aren’t a cause of concern. But if your diarrhea doesn’t get better, or if you have signs of dehydration, a fever, bloody stools, or severe pain, it’s important to get medical care as soon as possible.

How Long Does Diarrhea Last? Remedies, Treatment, and More

Diarrhea refers to loose, liquid stools. It can be mild or severe and last from days to weeks. It all depends on the underlying cause.

In addition to watery bowel movements, symptoms of diarrhea may include:

• urgency to defecate
• frequently passing stools (at least three times a day)
• cramping in the abdomen
• abdominal pain
• poor control of bowel movements
• nausea

You might also experience fever, dizziness, or vomiting. These symptoms usually occur when an infection is causing diarrhea.

If you have watery stools, you might wonder how long your diarrhea will last. Let’s look at the typical duration of diarrhea, along with home remedies and signs you should see a doctor.

Diarrhea can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term).

Acute diarrhea generally lasts for 1 to 2 days. It can sometimes last up to 2 weeks. However, this type of diarrhea is usually mild and resolves on its own.

Chronic diarrhea lasts for at least 4 weeks. The symptoms might come and go, but it could be a sign of a serious condition.

Diarrhea can have many possible causes. The duration of diarrhea, along with any additional symptoms, depends on the cause.

Acute diarrhea might occur from:

• viral infection (stomach flu)
• bacterial infection
• adverse reaction to medication, like antibiotics
• food allergy
• food intolerance, like fructose or lactose intolerance
• stomach surgery
• traveler’s diarrhea, which bacteria commonly cause

In adults, the most common cause of acute diarrhea is a norovirus infection.

Potential causes of chronic diarrhea include:

• parasitic infection
• inflammatory bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• irritable bowel syndrome
• celiac disease
• heartburn medications, like protein pump inhibitors
• gallbladder removal

Preparing for colonoscopy also causes diarrhea. Since your colon has to be empty for this procedure, you’ll need to take a strong laxative beforehand to flush all the stool out of your colon. Your doctor will prescribe a laxative solution for you to start taking the day before your colonoscopy.

The type of laxative (also known as prep medication) your doctor will prescribe is designed to cause diarrhea without draining your own fluids out of your body. This helps prevent dehydration.

After taking the laxative, you’ll experience frequent, forceful diarrhea for several hours as your colon flushes all the stool from your body. You might also have bloating, abdominal cramps, or nausea.

Your diarrhea should subside shortly before you have your colonoscopy. You may have some gas and discomfort after your colonoscopy, but your bowel movements should return to normal within a day or two.

If you’re concerned about diarrhea during your colonoscopy prep, ask your doctor how to make the process more comfortable.

Summary

• Acute (short-term) diarrhea, caused by an infection or food intolerance, generally lasts for a couple of days but may continue for up to 2 weeks.
• Chronic (long-term) diarrhea, caused by a health condition, gallbladder removal, or parasitic infection, may last for at least 4 weeks.
• Diarrhea before a colonoscopy generally lasts for less than 1 day.

Was this helpful?

In many cases, you can treat diarrhea at home. Here’s what you can do if you have acute, uncomplicated diarrhea:

• Drink plenty of water. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to drink plenty of water. Avoid dairy, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks, which might worsen your symptoms.
• Drink liquid with electrolytes. Your body loses electrolytes when you have diarrhea. Try sipping on sports drinks, coconut water, or salty broth to replenish your body’s electrolyte levels.
• Avoid foods with strong flavors. Spicy, sweet, and highly seasoned foods can make your diarrhea worse. It’s also a good idea to limit foods high in fiber and fat until your diarrhea has cleared up.
• Follow the BRAT diet. The BRAT diet includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These bland, starchy foods are gentle on the stomach.
• Antidiarrheal medications. Over-the-counter drugs like loperamide (Imodium, Diamode) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) may help manage your symptoms. However, these medications can worsen bacterial or viral infections, so it’s best to check with your doctor first.
• Take probiotics. Probiotics are “good” bacteria that help restore your gut’s microbial balance. For mild cases of diarrhea, probiotic supplements may help speed up recovery.
• Herbal remedies. If your diarrhea is accompanied with nausea, try home remedies like ginger or peppermint.

Typically, diarrhea starts to get better after about 2 days. If your diarrhea persists, or you notice the following symptoms, seek medical attention right away:

• dehydration, which includes symptoms like:
  • little to no urination
  • dark urine
  • dizziness
  • weakness
• severe abdominal cramps
• severe rectal pain
• bloody, black stools
• fever above 102°F (39°C)
• frequent vomiting

These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition.

You might require medical treatment if your diarrhea doesn’t go away with home remedies or over-the-counter medication. Possible treatments include:

• Antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection. You’ll likely need antibiotic therapy if you have a high fever or traveler’s diarrhea. If previously prescribed antibiotics are causing your diarrhea, your doctor might be able to suggest an alternative.
• IV fluids. If you have trouble drinking liquid, your doctor may suggest IV fluids. This will help replenish lost fluids and prevent dehydration.
• Other medications. For chronic conditions, you’ll likely need to visit a specialist, like a gastroenterologist. They’ll prescribe disease-specific medication and provide a long-term plan to manage your symptoms.

Acute diarrhea can last anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks. This form of diarrhea is usually mild and gets better with home remedies.

Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, may last for 4 weeks or more. It typically indicates an underlying health condition, such as ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome.

Most cases of short-term diarrhea aren’t a cause of concern. But if your diarrhea doesn’t get better, or if you have signs of dehydration, a fever, bloody stools, or severe pain, it’s important to get medical care as soon as possible.

Diarrhea – symptoms, causes and treatment

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Diarrhea in a cat (cat) – what to do, how to treat at home

Diarrhea is a digestive disorder, which is expressed in a change in the consistency of feces to a liquid or watery form and an increase in the frequency of the urge to defecate.

Many owners do not think this problem is serious, although in fact it requires special attention from the owner and specialist.

It is also worth noting that diarrhea is not an independent disease, but only a consequence of existing pathologies. It can be mild or severe and occurs at any age. That is, diarrhea can appear both in a domestic cat and in an animal on its own.

Symptoms of diarrhea in cats

The main and only sign of diarrhea is frequent and loose stools, which is repeated more than 3 times a day. In addition, a cat or cat sometimes has fecal incontinence and the presence of blood streaks in it. Flatulence and gas emission are also possible.
Let’s single out the characteristic symptoms of diarrhea:

• frequent defecation;
• the consistency of the stool changes – it becomes frothy, watery, has impurities of blood streaks, mucus;
• the shade may change – normal feces are brown, and with diarrhea there is a lighter or greenish stool;
• the smell may be putrid, sour, offensive.

In addition to diarrhea, the cat may lose its appetite. She becomes lethargic, lies more, hides in secluded places, loses weight. Sometimes there is an increase or decrease in body temperature.

In some cases, vomiting occurs along with diarrhea. Then dehydration intensifies and urgent measures must be taken to treat the animal. First of all, it is necessary to replenish the lost fluid, as well as stop diarrhea and vomiting.

Causes of diarrhea in cats

Diarrhea can be caused by several causes at once. We have divided them into separate groups to make it easier for you to understand what causes diarrhea in cats.

1) Food reasons

• Changing the habitual diet – switching from one food to another and vice versa, changing water, unbalanced nutrition.

It is necessary that the transition to a new diet in a cat is carried out gradually. To do this, you must reduce the amount of familiar food and increase the amount of new. If this rule is neglected, then the microflora and enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract will not be able to abruptly adjust to the new mode of operation and will “go on strike” in the form of diarrhea.

• Improper feeding – the inclusion in the diet of foods that cause indigestion.
• Overfeeding – overfeeding affects digestive disorders, but regurgitation and vomiting are most often involved. Especially when the cat eats quickly, while swallowing air.
• Food poisoning is the body’s reaction to eating poor-quality, spoiled food.

We boldly include those who like to eat waste from the trash and those who love to gnaw flowers into the risk group. When poisoned, the cat’s body tries its best to get rid of toxins that threaten its safety, as spoiled food causes intoxication.

• Food allergy – here we usually present redness of the skin, itching, watery eyes. Diarrhea is also one of the symptoms of allergies.

This reaction does not necessarily make itself felt immediately after the first intake of a new food. Manifestations can intensify over time – with each new hit of the “aggressor” in the cat’s body.

• Intolerance, intestinal sensitivity to certain food components.

What is the difference between intolerance and allergy? An allergy is a feature of the immune system, its pathological reaction to something that has entered the body. Intolerance is the inability of enzymes to digest foods that contain a particular ingredient, such as gluten. In this case, the gastrointestinal tract reacts to the problem with regular vomiting or diarrhea.

2) Contagious causes of diarrhea in a cat

• Parasitic invasion (helminthiasis) is helminths or worms, in simple terms.

Regular deworming of pets is recommended to prevent their occurrence and spread. If a significant number of parasites live in the cat’s body, they cause intestinal irritation and malfunctions, such as diarrhea.

• Infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract:
• Bacterial (eg salmonellosis, colibacillosis).

Transmission of pathogens is possible through feed, water and excretions of sick animals. Symptoms may not appear for a long time, and then triggered by severe stress or other comorbidities.

• Protozoan infections (cryptosporodiosis, trichomoniasis, toxoplasmosis).

From the point of view of the symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract, we distinguish giardiasis and trichomoniasis. They are easily transmitted through the faeces of sick cats, and in both cases, diarrhea is the leading symptom.

• Viral (viral leukemia, panleukopenia).

Coronavirus gastroenteritis, viral leukemia, panleukopenia, viral immunodeficiency should be noted among viral infections. Infection occurs in most cases by contact – through the discharge, feces of sick animals. Diseases are quite severe and can lead to death. However, some of them are preventable by vaccination.

3) Pathologies associated with the digestive system:

• Pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas. When it spreads to the intestines, diarrhea is observed.
• Diseases of the kidneys. Diarrhea in this case is an unobvious but common symptom. It manifests itself most often in the later stages of the disease.
• Pathology of the liver and biliary tract. The liver is a fairly multifunctional organ, and the general condition and quality of life of the animal depends on its work. The gastrointestinal tract also reacts to changes in the liver, so one of the symptoms of its damage may be diarrhea and a change in the color of the stool in a cat.
• IBD – inflammatory bowel disease. This is the name of a group of symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, change in appetite), which are persistently repeated and not amenable to standard therapy. This is a complex diagnosis that is often made after all other possible problems have been ruled out.
• Metabolic disorders, including diabetes mellitus. Most often occurs in old age. In case of violations of metabolic processes, the work of internal organs changes, and secondary infections also appear.
• Oncological diseases are neoplasms that affect the internal organs of a cat, most often its digestive system and kidneys. May be accompanied by various clinical signs.

4) Other causes:

• Certain medications, such as antibiotics and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Medicines can disturb the microflora of the digestive tract, thereby causing diarrhea.

• Heat stroke.

This is a dangerous condition in which the body overheats and the animal becomes restless. With sunstroke, there may be vomiting and convulsions, diarrhea is possible, and in some cases there is loss of consciousness.

• Stress is a negative reaction to a move, a long trip, a new pet in the house, etc.

Each such situation is capable of provoking stress. In addition to diarrhea, it is possible to observe in a cat excessive licking of wool and skin, unusual behavior, active molting, involuntary urination, loss of appetite.

• Hairballs in the stomach

If hair is found in the intestines of a cat, it can irritate the mucous membranes and villi of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby causing diarrhea. But more often in this case there is constipation, rather than diarrhea.

• Pregnancy and postpartum period.

New food, food from the table of different origin, the presence of secondary diseases and infections, overeating, helminthiasis, hormonal changes – all this can cause diarrhea in a pregnant cat. However, the appearance of diarrhea a couple of days before childbirth is considered the norm.

• Foreign objects in the digestive tract

If there is intestinal obstruction, vomiting and no stools occur. But blockage can be caused by different reasons, which means that the appearance of diarrhea can also be one of the symptoms.

Diarrhea in cats without complications

If you notice periodic diarrhea in your pet, and at the same time he does not lose weight, appetite, looks active – it is still a reason to visit the veterinary clinic. With such a symptom, one can suspect in a cat: helminthic invasion, chronic pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, nutritional errors. Treatment for each pathology is different.

To understand what to do if the cat has diarrhea, you need to assess the patient’s well-being. If the animal is deteriorating or has other symptoms, do not treat it yourself.

If the diarrhea is due to a sudden change in diet, the cat should be on a fast diet for several hours, but the water should be left.

Important : Felines should not be without food for a long time. Prolonged hunger has a very detrimental effect on their liver, and then on the whole body as a whole. If the cat does not eat for more than 12 hours, you should be wary and show the pet to the doctor.

Diarrhea with water

This phenomenon in cats is one-time. But it is worth considering that this symptom may indicate the onset of the disease. With a single episode, the cat needs to increase its water intake. To do this, you can give her wet food, diluted with water to the state of gruel, and encourage her to drink. So, you will prevent dehydration of the pet. If the symptom of diarrhea recurs, you should immediately consult a veterinarian.

Loose stools with blood or mucus

The large intestine protects itself, its walls, by secreting large amounts of mucus. If a cat has diarrhea with blood, this indicates a slight lesion of the capillaries of the large intestine. Then you can suspect helminthic invasion, food poisoning, irritation of the wall of the large intestine.

If there is blood in the stool, and it can be scarlet, cherry, brown, black or streaked, then it is necessary to exclude or confirm the presence of a foreign body in the stomach or intestines, as well as the presence of neoplasms or viral infections. This condition is characterized as acute, so it is urgent to take the cat to the clinic.

Diarrhea and vomiting in cats

If the cat vomits and diarrhea is observed, then poisoning, neoplasms, a foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract, a viral infection, pancreatitis, etc. can be assumed. In this condition, you should not wait – you need to urgently go to the clinic.

Color of diarrhea

The color of the stool can be used to determine the causes of diarrhea. Let’s designate them.

• Black

Characterized by high levels of iron in the body of a cat (for example, due to the consumption of raw meat in large quantities).
Black-red color indicates bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. The reasons may be poisoning, neoplasms, the presence of foreign bodies, etc. In this state, help is provided to the cat immediately.

• Yellow

Yellow diarrhea indicates a violation of intestinal motility, improper digestion, problems with the bile ducts.

Normally unformed yellow stool occurs only in kittens on a milk diet. In an adult cat, diarrhea of ​​​​this color indicates a violation of the liver.

• Green

This diarrhea warns you that your cat has eaten spoiled foods that have caused putrefaction and fermentation. This also includes eating food, which contains a lot of green pigment.
The pathological causes of the green color of feces include: parasitic infections, a sharp change in food, increased intestinal motility, acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

• White

He talks about problems with the biliary tract, and also with the liver or pancreas.

Treatment of diarrhea in cats and cats

Often owners have a question – how to treat diarrhea in a cat. Let’s talk briefly.

Therapeutic deworming is indicated for helminthic invasion. Now drugs are actively used in a variety of dosage forms (tablets, suspensions, drops on the withers) based on milbemycin (Milbemax), praziquantel and fenbendazole (Kaniquantel), praziquantel and pyrantel (Drontal).

When it comes to pathologies of the liver and kidneys, therapy regimens corresponding to a particular disease are prescribed. In addition, supportive therapy is carried out.

In intestinal diseases, there is pain in the abdominal cavity. In such cases, antispasmodic drugs (Spasmalgon, Papaverine) may be prescribed.

With profuse diarrhea, as well as in case of vomiting, there is a risk of dehydration. Then infusion therapy (droppers) is used – intravenous administration of solutions (Sodium chloride, Ringer’s solution, Ionosteril, Sterofundin).

In terms of the duration of therapy, sometimes the treatment takes only a couple of days, and in other cases it is possible to achieve a stable effect only after a few weeks of treatment.

Therefore, if the cause of the disease is established correctly, then the treatment of diarrhea in a cat leads to recovery. To do this, the doctor needs to collect a complete history:

• presence or absence of annual vaccination;
• taking anthelmintic drugs and the frequency of their use;
• type of food or natural food composition;
• use of vitamins;
• the possibility of eating inedible products: leaves or parts of plants, foreign objects, tablets that could be freely available for the animal.

The doctor conducts a complete examination of the cat, measures its body temperature, determines the degree of dehydration, the condition of the mucous membranes, pain in the abdomen. After that, the clinic will take blood tests, do an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, and possibly collect tests for infections accompanied by intestinal symptoms.

At home

To properly treat diarrhea, you need to understand the underlying cause. It is very important to know that the dosage of drugs for animals is different from that for humans. They can not be dosed for a cat, as for a baby.

Important : We do not recommend self-medication, because only a specialist can answer the question of what to give a cat for diarrhea.

At the same time, according to the doctor’s prescription at home, you can give your pet adsorbents – Smecta, Regidron, Polysorb, Enterosgel, activated charcoal. These are the most common remedies for stool disorders. They may not solve the problem, but they will remove the symptom. Preparations will be especially useful before visiting a veterinary clinic in order to alleviate the patient’s condition.

Fortiflora for cats, Lactobifadol, Evitalia Vet, Vetom help restore intestinal microflora. With pain in the abdominal cavity, you can give the animal antispasmodic drugs prescribed by prescription, for example, Drotaverine, Papaverine.

Veterinary care

You have already realized that with all types of diarrhea, you need to go to the veterinary clinic. We also found out what diseases and conditions diarrhea can accompany and took into account that therapeutic treatment will be different for different pathologies. Therefore, the owner must clearly record the symptoms of his pet in order to help the doctor to make a complete clinical picture.

A veterinarian is required if the cat:

• is vomiting;
• refusal of food and water is noticed, she lies a lot and does not want to walk;
• the temperature rose above 39. 0 degrees;
• the frequency of going to the stool tray is more than 4-5 times a day.

It is essential to contact the clinic if:

• the kitten is less than 1 year old;
• is temperature;
• the animal does not eat or drink;
• the color of the stool has changed, there is blood, mucus in the feces;
• diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting;
• observed weight loss;
• marked convulsions;
• diarrhea lasts more than two days;
• reduced activity;
• the frequency of defecation is increased more than 5 times a day.

Medications

Now let’s name the main antidiarrheal drugs, answering the question, what else can be given to a cat for diarrhea:

• Loperamide – Use only after consultation with your veterinarian. Not suitable for independent use. It has a strong effect on intestinal motility, to the extent that after acute diarrhea, constipation can occur.
• Smecta is an adsorbent that stops diarrhea well. It can be used on kittens and pregnant cats.
• Enterosgel is an adsorbent that removes toxins and allergens from the body. It is used when poisoning is suspected. Can also be given to kittens and pregnant women.
• Enterofuril is an antimicrobial drug. Suppresses the growth of pathogenic microflora that can cause diarrhea in a cat.

Do’s and Don’ts for Diarrhea in Cats

If your pet has diarrhea, there are some important guidelines to follow. Let’s list them:

• Give food warm. So it will be more pleasant to smell and easier to digest.
• Boil or steam natural foods, as raw, fried food irritates the mucous membranes. To facilitate digestion, food is crushed in a blender or mashed.
• Give your pet plenty of clean water to replenish moisture loss.
• When feeding industrial products, transfer the animal to treatment lines to restore the gastrointestinal tract (Hill’s Prescription Diet I / D, Royal Canin Gastro Intestinal moderate calorie, Purina EN, Farmina Vet Life Cat Gastrointestinal).
• Reduce portions but feed frequently – 1-2 teaspoons every 2 hours.

What to do is strictly prohibited:

• Give raw meat products, vegetables, sour milk, fatty meat and fish, lard, milk, vegetable and butter, bread, sweets, etc. from the table.
• Self-administer medicines without knowing their exact effect and proper result.
• For a long time to withstand the cat’s hunger, rages of the desire to “clean” the gastrointestinal tract.

Cat Diarrhea Diet

Feeding during diarrhea depends on the cat’s diet. Therefore, we will answer the popular question: what to feed a cat with diarrhea.
If she consumes industrial feed, then a diet based on therapeutic diets is necessary. This is an easier option for digestion. If the cat eats only natural food, then it is advisable to choose one type of lean protein (chicken, turkey, rabbit), one type of carbohydrates (cereals, vegetables), and you can also offer him baby food based on meat tastes.

Spicy, fried, salted, dried, raw, dairy should not be given! It is also required to exclude food from the table and any goodies.

During a flare-up it is better to remove dry food completely and give only wet food. If the cat does not tolerate it well, you need to choose a diet for animals with sensitive digestion.

Gastrointestinal ranges of foods, prescribed by doctor’s prescription, are well suited for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. They help support digestion and stool, and keep your pet at a normal weight.

Prevention

The basis for the prevention of diarrhea in cats is to feed a commercially balanced diet with a suitable expiration date. You also need to follow the storage rules: dry food should be in a closed pack, and moist after opening it is better to transfer it to a glass container and put it in the refrigerator.

If the animal is on a natural diet, then it must be made balanced. To do this, you can seek the advice of a veterinarian.